Chapter 4: Problem 2
(a) Prove that the function \(f(x)=1, x \in \mathbb{R}\), is continuous on \(\mathbb{R}\). (b) Prove that the function \(f(x)=x, x \in \mathbb{R}\), is continuous on \(\mathbb{R}\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
(a) The function \( f(x) = 1 \) is continuous on \( \mathbb{R} \). (b) The function \( f(x) = x \) is continuous on \( \mathbb{R} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Function
We have the function \( f(x) = 1 \) for which we need to prove continuity. A function is continuous if the limit as \( x \to c \) is equal to the function value at \( c \), that is \( \lim_{x \to c} f(x) = f(c) \) for all \( c \in \mathbb{R} \).
02
Evaluating the Limit
For any \( c \in \mathbb{R} \), we have \( \lim_{x \to c} f(x) = \lim_{x \to c} 1 = 1 \). Since the limit is a constant function, it simplifies to 1 directly. Thus, \( \lim_{x \to c} f(x) = 1 \).
03
Checking Continuity at Any Point
The function value at any point \( c \) is \( f(c) = 1 \). For the function to be continuous at \( c \), \( \lim_{x \to c} f(x) = 1 \) should equal \( f(c) = 1 \). Hence, \( f(x) \) is continuous at all \( c \in \mathbb{R} \).
04
Understanding the Linear Function
Now we consider the function \( f(x) = x \). Again, for continuity, we check if \( \lim_{x \to c} f(x) = f(c) \) for all \( c \in \mathbb{R} \).
05
Calculating the Limit
For \( f(x) = x \), the limit as \( x \to c \) is \( \lim_{x \to c} x = c \). This is because replacing \( x \) with \( c \) directly gives the value \( c \).
06
Verifying Continuity
The function value at any point \( c \) is \( f(c) = c \). To show continuity, we need \( \lim_{x \to c} x = c = f(c) \). Therefore, \( f(x) = x \) is continuous at every \( c \in \mathbb{R} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
constant function
A constant function is one of the simplest types of functions in mathematics. It is defined as a function where the output value is the same regardless of the input value. For example, the function \( f(x) = 1 \) is a constant function because, for every real number \( x \), the output is always 1. Constant functions are quite straightforward because:
- They do not change as the input varies.
- Their graphs are horizontal lines on the coordinate plane.
- They are defined for all real numbers, thus \( x \) can be any real number.
limit of a function
The limit of a function is a fundamental concept in calculus. It describes the behavior of a function as the input approaches a particular value. In simpler terms, it tells us what value a function gets closer to as the input approaches some point \( c \).
- If \( \lim_{x \to c} f(x) \) exists and equals \( L \), it means as \( x \) approaches \( c \), \( f(x) \) gets arbitrarily close to \( L \).
- For constant functions like \( f(x) = 1 \), the limit as \( x \) approaches any real number \( c \) is simply the constant itself, which is 1.
- The calculation simplifies because the value never changes; it’s always the same, making it easy to determine the limit.
continuous function on real numbers
A continuous function on real numbers means the function does not have any sudden jumps or breaks at any point within the domain. For a function \( f(x) \) to be continuous at a point \( c \), the following conditions need to be satisfied:
- \( \lim_{x \to c} f(x) \) must exist.
- \( f(c) \) must be defined.
- The limit of the function as \( x \) approaches \( c \) must equal the function value at \( c \), that is \( \lim_{x \to c} f(x) = f(c) \).
- For any real number \( c \), both the left-hand and right-hand limits exist and are equal to \( c \).
- \( f(c) \) is also \( c \), so the limit equals the function value.
proof of continuity
Proving continuity involves demonstrating that the conditions for continuity hold for all points in the domain of the function. Here's a step-by-step approach used in mathematical proofs:
- Identify the function you want to prove is continuous. For example, proving \( f(x) = 1 \) is continuous involves showing it has no breaks or jumps for any \( x \) in \( \mathbb{R} \).
- Calculate \( \lim_{x \to c} f(x) \) for any \( c \), ensuring this limit exists. For a constant function, the limit is simply the constant value, such as 1 for \( f(x) = 1 \).
- Verify that \( f(c) \) is defined and equals the limit for continuity. Since \( f(c) = 1 \) and \( \lim_{x \to c} f(x) = 1 \), continuity holds across all \( c \).
- Apply these principles to other functions, such as \( f(x) = x \), ensuring the functions satisfy continuity’s requirement throughout their domain.