Textbook Question
Determine the intervals of the domain over which each function is continuous.
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3. Functions
Intro to Functions & Their Graphs
2:21 minutesProblem 15
Textbook Question
Determine the intervals of the domain over which each function is continuous.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the function and its graph. The graph shows a linear function represented by a red line, but there is an open circle at the point (1, 13), indicating the function is not defined at x = 1 with the value 13.
Step 2: Recall the definition of continuity for a function at a point x = a. A function f is continuous at x = a if the following three conditions are met: (1) f(a) is defined, (2) the limit of f(x) as x approaches a exists, and (3) the limit of f(x) as x approaches a equals f(a).
Step 3: Analyze the continuity at x = 1. The graph shows an open circle at (1, 13), so f(1) is not equal to 13 (likely undefined or defined differently). The red line approaches a certain value as x approaches 1, but since the function value at 1 is not on the line, the function is not continuous at x = 1.
Step 4: Determine the intervals where the function is continuous. Since the function is a linear function everywhere else, it is continuous on the intervals (-∞, 1) and (1, ∞), excluding the point x = 1 where the discontinuity occurs.
Step 5: Summarize the domain intervals of continuity. The function is continuous on the intervals \((-\infty, 1)\) and \((1, \infty)\), but not continuous at \(x = 1\) due to the open circle indicating a discontinuity.
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Video duration:
2mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Continuity of a Function
A function is continuous at a point if the limit of the function as it approaches the point equals the function's value at that point. This means there are no breaks, jumps, or holes in the graph at that point. Continuity over an interval means the function is continuous at every point within that interval.
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Domain of a Function
The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values (x-values) for which the function is defined. Understanding the domain is essential to determine where the function can be evaluated and to analyze continuity within those intervals.
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Graphical Interpretation of Continuity
A graph helps visualize continuity by showing if the function has any breaks, holes, or jumps. An open circle on the graph indicates a point where the function is not defined or does not equal the limit, signaling discontinuity at that point. Continuous intervals are where the graph is unbroken and connected.
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