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Multiple Choice
Consider the function . Determine if has any points of discontinuity, and explain your reasoning.
A
Yes, is discontinuous at because the function changes definition there.
B
No, is continuous at because the left and right limits both equal .
C
No, is continuous everywhere because the function is defined for all real numbers.
D
Yes, is discontinuous at because the left and right limits at are not equal to .
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the definition of continuity. A function is continuous at a point if the left-hand limit, right-hand limit, and the value of the function at that point are all equal.
Step 2: Analyze the given function f(x). It is defined piecewise: f(x) = x^2 for x < 2 and f(x) = 3 for x ≥ 2. This means the function changes its definition at x = 2.
Step 3: Compute the left-hand limit of f(x) as x approaches 2. For x < 2, f(x) = x^2, so the left-hand limit is lim_{x→2^-} f(x) = 2^2 = 4.
Step 4: Compute the right-hand limit of f(x) as x approaches 2. For x ≥ 2, f(x) = 3, so the right-hand limit is lim_{x→2^+} f(x) = 3.
Step 5: Compare the left-hand limit, right-hand limit, and the value of f(2). The left-hand limit is 4, the right-hand limit is 3, and f(2) = 3. Since the left-hand limit does not equal the right-hand limit, the function is discontinuous at x = 2.