Chapter 2: Problem 174
Prove the following functions are continuous everywhere $$ g(x)=|x| $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function \( g(x) = |x| \) is continuous everywhere.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Definition of Continuity
A function \( f \) is continuous at a point \( x = a \) if the limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches \( a \) is equal to \( f(a) \). Formally, this means \( \lim_{x \to a} f(x) = f(a) \). For \( g(x) = |x| \) to be continuous everywhere, it must be continuous at every real number \( a \).
02
Evaluate Continuity for x > 0
For \( x > 0, \ g(x) = x \), which is a simple linear function. Linear functions are continuous for all real numbers. Therefore, \( g(x) \) is continuous for all \( x > 0 \).
03
Evaluate Continuity for x < 0
For \( x < 0, \ g(x) = -x \), which is also a linear function. Since linear functions are continuous for all real numbers, \( g(x) \) is continuous for all \( x < 0 \).
04
Evaluate Continuity at x = 0
At \( x = 0, \ g(0) = |0| = 0 \). We need to check \( \lim_{x \to 0} g(x) = g(0) \). As \( x \to 0^+ \) (approaching from the right), \( g(x) = x \to 0 \). As \( x \to 0^- \) (approaching from the left), \( g(x) = -x \to 0 \). Since both limits equal \( g(0) = 0 \), \( g(x) \) is continuous at \( x = 0 \).
05
Conclude Continuity Everywhere
Since \( g(x) = |x| \) is continuous for \( x > 0 \), \( x < 0 \), and at \( x = 0 \), it follows that \( g(x) \) is continuous everywhere on the real line.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Absolute Value Function
The absolute value function, denoted as \( g(x) = |x| \), is a function that outputs the non-negative value of any number \( x \). It is defined piecewise as follows:
- For \( x \geq 0 \), \( |x| = x \)
- For \( x < 0 \), \( |x| = -x \)
Limit in Calculus
The limit concept in calculus is foundational for understanding continuity and differentiability. The limit describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a particular value. We write the limit of a function \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches \( a \) using the notation \( \lim_{x \to a} f(x) \). For the absolute value function \( g(x)=|x| \), evaluating limits was a key part of proving continuity. By examining \( \lim_{x \to a} g(x) \), we determine if the value of the function \( g(x) \) is equal to \( g(a) \), ensuring the function has no gaps or jumps at \( a \).Understanding Limits: Key Points
- The limit must exist and be the same when approached from both the left and the right of \( a \).
- If \( \lim_{x \to a^+} f(x) = \lim_{x \to a^-} f(x) = f(a) \), then \( f(x) \) is continuous at \( x = a \).
Piecewise Linear Function
A piecewise linear function consists of two or more linear segments. Each segment defines the function over a specific interval. For \( g(x)=|x| \), where
- For \( x \geq 0 \), \( g(x) = x \), which is a linear function with a slope of 1,
- For \( x < 0 \), \( g(x) = -x \), which is a linear function with a slope of -1.
Real Analysis
Real analysis is a branch of mathematics dealing with real numbers and real-valued functions. It includes the study of sequences, series, limits, continuity, differentiability, and integrability. When we discuss the continuity of \( g(x) = |x| \), we rely on the principles of real analysis to rigorously prove that a function works as expected across the entire real number line. In real analysis:
- A function must be continuous at every point in its domain to be deemed continuous everywhere.
- Continuity is ensured when the limit matches the function's value at each point.