# OpenStax-CNX

You are here: Home » Content » Functions » Continuous function

### Recently Viewed

This feature requires Javascript to be enabled.

Inside Collection:

Collection by: Sunil Kumar Singh. E-mail the author

# Continuous function

Module by: Sunil Kumar Singh. E-mail the author

Idea of "continuity" in the context of function is same as its dictionary meaning. It simply means that function is continuous without any abrupt or sudden change in the value of function. An indicative way to test continuity is to see (graphically or otherwise) that there is no sudden jump in function value in the domain of function. If domain of function is a continuous interval i.e. no points or sub-intervals are excluded from real number set representing domain, then we can draw a continuous function without lifting the drawing instrument i.e. pen, pencil etc. If we have to lift the pen in order to complete the graph of a function in the continuous interval, then function is not continuous.

The feature of continuity is related to function. Therefore, continuity of a function is meaningful in its domain only. It means that we do not need to evaluate continuity in intervals or points where function is not defined. This is an important consideration that helps us to differentiate between “discontinuity” and “undefined values”.

## Important concepts

The condition of continuity is expressed in terms of limit and function value. Both of these are required to exist and be equal. We shall learn about these aspects more in detail after having brief overview of these terms.

### Limit from left

The limit from left means that a function approaches a value ( L l L l ) as x approaches the test point “a” from left such that x is always less than “a” – but not equal to “a”.

lim x > a - f x = L l lim x > a - f x = L l

We show here three illustrations of “limit from left”. The important aspect of these figures is that graph tends to a particular value (infinity is also included). This is done by showing the orientation of graph pointing to limiting value when x is infinitesimally close to test point. Important point to note is that graph does not reach limiting value. Note empty circle at the end of graph, which represents the value of limit not yet occupied by graph. Similarly, asymptotic nature of graph tending to infinity maintains a small distance away from asymptotes, denoting that graph does not reach limiting value.

### Limit from right

The limit from right means that a function approaches a value ( L r L r ) as x approaches the test point “a” from right such that x is always greater than “a” – but not equal to “a”.

lim x > a + f x = L r lim x > a + f x = L r

We show here three illustrations of “limit from right" as in the earlier case. Important point to note is that graph does not reach limiting value, which represents the value of limit not yet occupied by graph.

### Limit at a point

The limit at a point means that a function approaches a value (L) as x approaches the test point “a” from either side.

lim x > a f x = L l = L r = L lim x > a f x = L l = L r = L

We show here three illustrations of limit at a point. Important point to again note is that graph does not reach limiting value, which represents the value of limit not yet occupied by graph.

### Function value

Function value is obtained by substituting x values in the function. In case of rational function, we first reduce expression by removing common factors from numerator and denominator.

## Continuity at a point

The requirement of continuity is that there should not be abrupt change in function value when there is small change in independent variable. We can enforce this requirement if we can determine x-values in its immediate neighborhood in the domain of function for smallest change in the function values. Mathematically, we say that a function is continuous at a point x=a, if there is small change in function such that | f x f a | < δ | f x f a | < δ , then independent variable “x” varies in its immediate neighborhood such that | x a | < | x a | < , where δ and ∈ are arbitrarily chosen small positive numbers.

Condition of continuity is expressed in terms of definition of various limits. Note that limit approaches a value when independent variable comes very close to a point where continuity is being checked. If limit approaches very close to the function value at a point, then it is guaranteed that there exists a value of independent variable in its immediate neighborhood. This fulfills the requirement of continuity as explained in previous paragraph.

For the sake of understanding the requirement of continuity, let us consider identity function, which is known to be continuous in its domain.

f x = x f x = x

Let us consider a test point, x=1. Here, both left and right limit exist and is equal to 1. As such limit of function exists and is equal to 1, which is equal to the function value. As a matter of fact, these observations underline the requirement of continuity at a point. The conditions for continuity at a point in the domain of function are :

1: Limit of function exits at the point.

2: Limit of function is equal to function value at that point.

Mathematically,

lim x - > a - f x = lim x - > a + f x = lim x - > a f x = f a lim x - > a - f x = lim x - > a + f x = lim x - > a f x = f a

One important aspect of the requirement is that we test continuity at a finite real value of x, having finite function value. Hence, it is implicitly implied that limit of function should evaluate to a finite function value.

### Continuity from left

A function is continuous from left at x=a when left limit exists at x=a and is equal to function value at that point.

lim x > a - f x = f a lim x > a - f x = f a

### Continuity from right

A function is continuous from right at x=a when right limit exists at x=a and is equal to function value at that point.

lim x > a + f x = L r lim x > a + f x = L r

### Continuity .vs. limit

The condition of continuity given above appears to be same as that of limit, which is defined as :

lim x - > a - f x = lim x - > a + f x = lim x - > a f x = L lim x - > a - f x = lim x - > a + f x = lim x - > a f x = L

However, there is one differentiating aspect. The limit need not evaluate to function value as required for continuity. It means continuity of function has stricter requirement than that of the existence of limit. To understand this point, we consider a variant of modulus function as given here,


| x  ; x>0
f(x) = | 1  ; x=0
| -x ; x<0


Clearly, limit exists and is equal to zero, but function value is 1 at x=0. Thus, limit is finite, but not equal to function value. As such, given function is not continuous at x=0. The important point to note is that existence of limit or function value at a point is a necessary condition, but not a sufficient condition for continuity. Both the conditions as enumerated should be fulfilled. The concept of continuity, therefore, is a stricter property of a function with respect to limit.

### Continuity and exception (singularity)

In order to investigate continuity at singularity point, we consider a function definition which is obtained by modifying modulus function :


| x; x>0
f(x) = |
| -x: x<0


The function is not defined for x=0. Singularity is a point where function is not defined. Thus, this point is singularity for the function which is otherwise defined for all other points on R. They are equal and are equal to a value which is not defined! In accordance with the definition, the limit of function exists at x=0 and is equal to zero. At this point, both left and right limits exist. After all, limit points to a value. Here, it points to a value outside the domain of function. See graph. Existence of limit at x=0, however, has nothing to do with continuity of function at that point as function is not defined at x=0 in the first place. This point is not the part of function definition i.e. its domain and hence continuity or discontinuity is not a concern.

We consider another function. This is modulus of reciprocal condition, f(x) = |1/x|. Using transformation technique, we draw of graph of function as shown :

The left and right limits both are positive infinity (read tending to infinity) at x=0. The limit of the function is infinity at this point. But, again point x=0 is not part of function definition. Hence, we say that function is continuous in its domain R-{0}.

Clearly, we need to distinguish between “discontinuous” and “undefined”. Going by two illustrations above, we need to understand that tangent, cotangent, secant and cosecant functions are continuous functions though they appear to be discontinuous graphically. They are not defined at certain values, but then these points are not the part of domain as well. As a matter of fact, rational functions, known to have singularities corresponding to points where denominator is zero, are continuous functions in their domain. For this reason, function such as reciprocal function "1/x" is a continuous function in its domain, which is R – {0}.

### Continuity and differentiability

Continuity at a point does not guarantee that function is differentiable at the point. In order to understand this, we now consider the modulus function itself. Is function continuous at x=0? Is function is differentiable at x=0?

The limit of function is 0, which is finite and is equal to function value. Clearly, function is continuous at this point – thought we can not draw a tangent at this point and as such function is not differentiable at the point. The converse of the assertion, however, is true. If a function is differentiable at a point, then function is continuous at that point. Clearly, differentiability has stricter requirements than that of continuity.

## Types of discontinuity

A function is discontinuous if it is not continuous. We can fail the conditions of continuity in many ways. Accordingly, there are following types of discontinuity :

1. Removable discontinuity : Limit of the function exists and is finite, but is not equal to function value. We can remove this type of discontinuity by suitably redefining function value at the test point.

### Example 1

Problem : Find whether the given function is continuous at x = -2


| 3x – 2; x ≠ -2
f(x) =  |
|  -4   ; x = -2


Solution : Here, left and right limits, when x->2, are :

L l = L r = L = 3 X - 2 - 2 = - 8 L l = L r = L = 3 X - 2 - 2 = - 8

Function value at x=-2 is :

f - 2 = - 4 f - 2 = - 4

Thus, function is not continuous at x=-2. The discontinuity is removable as we can remove discontinuity by redefining function, at x=-2 as f(x) = -8.



| 3x – 2; x≠ -2
f(x) = |
|  -8   ; x = -2


2. Irremovable or jump discontinuity : This kind of discontinuity arises when left and right limits are not equal. This means limit of function does not exist.

### Example 2

Problem : Find whether the given function is continuous at x = 0



| |x|/x; x≠0
f(x) = |
| 0    ; x = 0


Solution : As a matter of fact, this is signum function. For x <0, |x| = -x, Hence, left limit is :

lim x > a - x x = 1 lim x > a - x x = 1

We see that left limit is not equal to f(0) = 0. We can, therefore, conclude at this stage of analysis itself that function is not continuous at x=0. However, we continue to evaluate right hand limit as well to determine the nature of discontinuity. For x >0, |x| = x. Hence, right limit is :

lim x > a + x x = 1 lim x > a + x x = 1

Clearly, L l L r L l L r . The discontinuity is, thus, irremovable or jump type.

3. Essential discontinuity : In this case, at least one of left or right limits does not exist or is infinite. We need to evaluate these conditions in the domain only.

### Example 3

Problem : Find whether the given function is continuous at x = 0.



| 1/x; x>0
F(x) = | 0  ; x = 0
|  -x; x<0


Solution : Here, left limit is :

lim x > 0 - f x = lim x > 0 - x = 0 lim x > 0 - f x = lim x > 0 - x = 0

Right limit is :

lim x > 0 - f x = lim x > 0 - 1 x = lim x > 0 - f x = lim x > 0 - 1 x =

Since right limit is infinite, the function is discontinuous at x=0.

From these illustrations, it is clear that existence of discontinuity is associated with the manner function is defined. Here, all functions, which are discontinuous at point, are defined in piece-wise manner. On the other hand, basic functions having single definition which we have covered in the course and which are not piece wise defined are continuous functions. We do not intend to generalize these observations, but we can underline that piece - wise definitions indicate possibility of discontinuity.

Further, we note that function value exists and function is defined at the point where function is discontinuous. If there is no function value at a point, then function is not defined at that point and there is no question of continuity or discontinuity.

## Continuity in an open interval (a,b)

A function is continuous in an open interval if function is continuous at all points in the interval. This is a simple extension of the concept of continuity at a point. Both left and right limits exist and are equal to function value at all points in the interval. Since end points are not defined, there is always a point on either sides of a given point anywhere in the interval.

Many of the known functions are continuous in open interval. Polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic functions etc. are continuous functions in open interval.

## Continuity in a closed interval [a,b]

The possibility that there always exist a point around a given point is not there at end points of closed interval. We can not determine left limit at lower end and right limit at upper end of the closed interval. For this reason, we test continuity of function at the closing points from one side only. For a function to be continuous in the closed interval, it should be continuous at all points in the interval and also at the bounding values of closed intereval, [a,b]. Hence,

(i) limit exists at all points in the interval and are equal to function values at those points.

lim x > c f x = f c ; a < c < b lim x > c f x = f c ; a < c < b

(ii) right limit exists at x=a and is equal to function value at the lower end of closed interval. .

lim x > a + f x = f a lim x > a + f x = f a

(iii) left limit exists at x=b and is equal to function value at the upper end of closed interval.

lim x > b f x = f a lim x > b f x = f a

## Function operations, compositions of function and continuity

If two functions are continuous at a point or in interval, then function resulting from function operations like addition, subtraction, scalar product, product and quotient are continuous at that point. Further, properly formed function compositions of two or more functions are also continuous.

These properties of continuity are extremely helpful tool for determining continuity of more complicated functions, which are formed from basic functions. Idea is that we are aware of continuity of basic functions. Therefore, continuity of functions formed from these basic functions will also be continuous.

Generally, basic functions are continuous in real numbers set R or its subsets. For example, we know that polynomial functions, sine, cosine, tangent, exponential and logarithmic functions etc are continuous on R. Similarly, a radical function is continuous for non-negative x values. Their composition or the new function will be continuous in the new domain, which is defined in accordance with the rule given here :

• scalar product (multiplication with a constant) : domain remains same
• addition/subtraction/product : domain is intersection of individual domains
• division or quotient : domain is intersection of individual domains minus points for which denominator is zero
• fog or gof : domain is intersection of individual domains

In the nutshell, the function formed from other functions is continuous in new domain as defined above. If we look closely at the definition of continuity here, then "finding interval in which function is continuous" is same as finding "domain" of new function arising from mathematical operations.

## Continuous extension of function

Many functions are not defined at singularities. For example, rational functions are not defined for values of x when denominator becomes zero. By including these singular points or exception points in the domain, we can redefine function such that it becomes continuous in the extended domain. This extension of the domain of function such that function remains continuous is known as continuous extension.

### Example 4

Problem : Obtain the continuous extension of the function given by :

f x = x 2 1 x 1 ; x 1 f x = x 2 1 x 1 ; x 1

Solution : The denominator is zero when x=1. In order that this point is included in the domain of the function, the value of function at this point should be equal to the limit of the function at this point. Now,

lim x 1 x 2 1 x 1 = x + 1 = 2 lim x 1 x 2 1 x 1 = x + 1 = 2

Hence, extended function is :

f x = x 2 1 x 1 ; x 1 f x = x 2 1 x 1 ; x 1

= 2 ; x = 1 = 2 ; x = 1

## Combination of continuous and discontinuous functions

We can have combinations of function resulting from function operations or composition, which involves both continuous and discontinuous functions. We need to know what would be the nature of resulting function? In general, such combinations result in discontinuous function. It is not important to have a generalization here, but such combinations point to the possibility that a function may have discontinuities.

Let us consider two functions f(x) and g(x). Let also assume that f(x) is a continuous function and g(x) is discontinuous function. We, now, consider the operation as :

h x = f x + g x h x = f x + g x

Rearranging, we have :

g x = h x f x g x = h x f x

In order to test the nature of h(x), let us assume that h(x) is a continuous function. In that case, we know that difference of two continuous functions is a continuous function. As such, g(x) is a continuous function. But, this is contradictory to what we had assumed in the beginning. It means that our supposition that h(x) is continuous function, is wrong. Clearly, function h(x) resulting from addition operation is a discontinuous function. We can extend similar conclusion to subtraction operation as well as subtraction is equivalent to addition operation.

We have already studied few discontinuous functions like greatest integer, least integer and fraction part functions etc. They are discontinuous at integral values. A composition such as y = sin[x] is a discontinuous function. We can analyze these compositions analytically. However, graphical methods are more efficient in this case. We can draw these compositions with the help of transformation of graph by these discontinuous functions. We have dealt this aspect separately in modules titled such as “transformation of graphs by greatest integer function” or “transformation of graphs by fraction part function” etc. For this reason, we shall not discuss this topic any further here in this module.

## Examples

### Example 5

Problem : Find whether the given function is continuous at x = -2


| g(x);   x ≠ 1
f(x) =  |
|  2  ;   x = 1


where,

g x = x 3 1 x 2 1 g x = x 3 1 x 2 1

Solution : In order to factorize cubic expression in the numerator, we guess that x=1 is one real root. We can see that expression turns zero for x=0. Hence, we conclude that (x-1) is one of the factor of cubic expression. Now, for x ≠ 1,

f x = x 3 1 x 2 1 = x 1 x 2 + x + 1 x 1 = x 2 + x + 1 x + 1 f x = x 3 1 x 2 1 = x 1 x 2 + x + 1 x 1 = x 2 + x + 1 x + 1

The reduced expression is not an indeterminate form. Hence, left and right limits, when x->1, are :

L l = L r = L = 3 2 L l = L r = L = 3 2

Here, f 1 = 2 f 1 = 2 . We, therefore, conclude that function is not continuous at x=1. This is a removable discontinuity as we can remove this discontinuity by redefining function at x=1 as f(x) = 3/2.

### Example 6

Problem : Find whether the given function is continuous at x = 0



| x sin(1/x), x ≠ 0
f(x) =  |
|  0; x = 0


Solution : For x ≠ 0;

lim x > 0 x sin 1 x = 0 lim x > 0 x sin 1 x = 0

Note that as x-->0, 1/x-->infinity and sin(1/x) --> a finite value in [-1,1]. Thus, function tends to become 0 X finite value, which is equal to zero. Similar is case for right limit. Hence,

L l = L r = L = f 0 = 0 L l = L r = L = f 0 = 0

Thus, function is continuous at x = 0.

## Exercises

### Exercise 1

If the function given below is continuous in its domain, then determine value of k.

f x = x 3 + x 2 3 x + 3 x 1 2 ; x 1 f x = x 3 + x 2 3 x + 3 x 1 2 ; x 1

= k ; x = 1 = k ; x = 1

#### Solution

For x ≠1, the function is :

f x = x 3 + x 2 3 x + 3 x 1 2 f x = x 3 + x 2 3 x + 3 x 1 2

We guess here that one of the roots of numerator is 1. It is true as numerator is zero for x=1. Thus, (x-1) is a factor of cubic expression in the numerator.

f x = x 1 x 2 + 2 x 3 x 1 2 = = x 1 x 1 x + 3 x 1 2 f x = x 1 x 2 + 2 x 3 x 1 2 = = x 1 x 1 x + 3 x 1 2

f x = x + 3 f x = x + 3

Clearly,

lim x 1 f x = lim x 1 x + 3 = 4 lim x 1 f x = lim x 1 x + 3 = 4

For function to be continuous, this limit should be equal to value of function at x=1. Hence,

f 1 = k = 4 f 1 = k = 4 k = 4 k = 4

### Exercise 2

Determine if the given function is continuous.

f x = x sin x ; x 0 f x = x sin x ; x 0

= 0 ; x = 0 = 0 ; x = 0

#### Solution

For x ≠ 0, the function is of standard form whose limit is 1 when x approaches 0. Thus, limit is not equal to function value at x=0. Clearly, function is discontinuous at x=0. It is a removable discontinuity.

### Exercise 3

Determine continuity of function given at x= 0 :

f x = e 1 / x 1 + e 1 / x ; x 0 f x = e 1 / x 1 + e 1 / x ; x 0

= 0 ; x = 0 = 0 ; x = 0

#### Solution

In order to evaluate limit at x=0, we determine left and right limits at x=0. We see here that as x approaches zero 1/x approaches negative infinity from left, whereas it approaches to positive infinity from the right. Using these facts, left hand limit is :

lim x 0 e 1 + e = 0 1 + 0 = 0 lim x 0 e 1 + e = 0 1 + 0 = 0

Now right limit is :

lim x 0 + e 1 / x 1 + e 1 / x [ form ] lim x 0 + e 1 / x 1 + e 1 / x [ form ]

Dividing by e 1 / x e 1 / x , we have :

lim x 0 + 1 1 e 1 / x + 1 = 1 1 e + 1 = 1 lim x 0 + 1 1 e 1 / x + 1 = 1 1 e + 1 = 1

Clearly, L l L r L l L r . Hence, function is discontinuous at x=0.

### Exercise 4

Determine continuity of the function given by :

f x = x ; x is rational f x = x ; x is rational

= 2 x ; x is irrational = 2 x ; x is irrational

#### Solution

In order to determine continuity, we consider set of rational and irrational numbers separately. Let us first work with rational set. We determine limit when as x approaches any real value point “a” in real domain. Note that x approaches real number “a” assuming only rational number in its set. We say that x approaches "a" through rational numbers. Then,

lim x a f x = lim x a x = a lim x a f x = lim x a x = a

Now, we work with irrational set. Here, x approaches real number “a” assuming only irrational numbers in the domain. Then,

lim x a f x = lim x a 2 x = 2 a lim x a f x = lim x a 2 x = 2 a

Let us consider that function is continuous at x=a. In that case,

L l = L r L l = L r a = 2 a a = 2 a a = 1 a = 1

We have taken any arbitrary point x=a and we find that function is continuous only for a single value – not an interval or union of intervals. Thus, we conclude given function is continuous only at one point and discontinuous at all other points.

## Content actions

PDF | EPUB (?)

### What is an EPUB file?

EPUB is an electronic book format that can be read on a variety of mobile devices.

#### Collection to:

My Favorites (?)

'My Favorites' is a special kind of lens which you can use to bookmark modules and collections. 'My Favorites' can only be seen by you, and collections saved in 'My Favorites' can remember the last module you were on. You need an account to use 'My Favorites'.

| A lens I own (?)

#### Definition of a lens

##### Lenses

A lens is a custom view of the content in the repository. You can think of it as a fancy kind of list that will let you see content through the eyes of organizations and people you trust.

##### What is in a lens?

Lens makers point to materials (modules and collections), creating a guide that includes their own comments and descriptive tags about the content.

##### Who can create a lens?

Any individual member, a community, or a respected organization.

##### What are tags?

Tags are descriptors added by lens makers to help label content, attaching a vocabulary that is meaningful in the context of the lens.

| External bookmarks

#### Module to:

My Favorites (?)

'My Favorites' is a special kind of lens which you can use to bookmark modules and collections. 'My Favorites' can only be seen by you, and collections saved in 'My Favorites' can remember the last module you were on. You need an account to use 'My Favorites'.

| A lens I own (?)

#### Definition of a lens

##### Lenses

A lens is a custom view of the content in the repository. You can think of it as a fancy kind of list that will let you see content through the eyes of organizations and people you trust.

##### What is in a lens?

Lens makers point to materials (modules and collections), creating a guide that includes their own comments and descriptive tags about the content.

##### Who can create a lens?

Any individual member, a community, or a respected organization.

##### What are tags?

Tags are descriptors added by lens makers to help label content, attaching a vocabulary that is meaningful in the context of the lens.

| External bookmarks