CONTINUITY (PART I) THE CONCEPT OF A CONTINUOUS FUNCTION In the previous tutorial, we examined various techniques for finding the exact values of limits. One of such techniques was direct substitution. We saw that most, but NOT ALL limits can be evaluated by simply putting x = a in the function. In other words, to evaluate the limit
lim f(x)
x→a all we have to do is put x = a; that is, evaluate f at a. Functions that can be evaluated this way are said to be continuous. Thus, by definition, a function f is said to be continuous at a if
lim
f(x) = f(a)
(i)
x→a Verbally, a function is said to be continuous at a if f(x) approaches f(a) as x approaches a. To help you understand the concept of a continuous function, we'll tackle it from a geometrical perspective. Take a good look at this graph:
You'll notice from the graph that the curve has no hole or break in it. This is an indication that the function is defined for all values of x in its domain, Furthermore, this curve can be drawn without removing your pencil from the paper. A curve with the attributes described above is said to be continuous. The graphs below (next page), however, display a sharp contrast with the first. You'll notice a hole on the y-axis (in the second graph) and a break in the curve (on the third graph). These are clear indications of a discontinuity. As a rule, if you see a hole or a break in any curve, then the function is definitely undefined at that point, which in turn implies that the function is discontinuous at that point. For a function to be called “continuous at 'a'”, three conditions MUST be fully satisfied: CONDITION 1:
lim f(x)
x→a
MUST EXIST
which means f must be defined on an interval that contains a.