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Multiple Choice
If a function is continuous on , which of the following statements is true about its graph?
A
The graph of is defined only for positive -values.
B
The graph of must be a straight line.
C
The graph of can have removable discontinuities.
D
The graph of has no breaks, holes, or jumps on .
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the definition of continuity. A function f is continuous on an interval if there are no breaks, holes, or jumps in its graph over that interval. This means the function is defined and smooth everywhere within the interval.
Step 2: Analyze the given interval (−∞, ∞). Since the function is continuous on the entire real number line, it implies that the graph of f is smooth and uninterrupted for all x-values, including both positive and negative x-values.
Step 3: Address the incorrect options: (a) The graph of f is defined only for positive x-values. This is false because the function is continuous on (−∞, ∞), meaning it is defined for all x-values, not just positive ones. (b) The graph of f must be a straight line. This is false because continuity does not imply linearity; the graph can be curved or nonlinear as long as it is smooth. (c) The graph of f can have removable discontinuities. This is false because removable discontinuities are breaks in the graph, which contradicts the definition of continuity.
Step 4: Confirm the correct statement: The graph of f has no breaks, holes, or jumps on (−∞, ∞). This aligns with the definition of continuity, as the function is smooth and uninterrupted over the entire real number line.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is: The graph of f has no breaks, holes, or jumps on (−∞, ∞). This is the defining characteristic of a continuous function over the given interval.