Example of a Continuous Function

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 100 views

Introduction

In mathematics, a continuous function is a function that can be drawn without lifting the pencil from the paper. It is a function that has no gaps or jumps in its graph. Continuous functions are an essential concept in calculus and are used to model real-world phenomena. In this article, we will discuss the concept of continuous functions and use it to select the correct answer from the given options.

What is a Continuous Function?

A continuous function is a function that satisfies the following conditions:

The function is defined for all values in its domain.
The function has no gaps or jumps in its graph.
The function can be drawn without lifting the pencil from the paper.

In other words, a continuous function is a function that can be drawn without any breaks or interruptions. This means that the function has no points of discontinuity, where the function is not defined or has a jump or gap in its graph.

Types of Discontinuities

There are several types of discontinuities that can occur in a function. These include:

Removable discontinuity: A removable discontinuity occurs when a function is not defined at a point, but the limit of the function as x approaches that point exists.
Jump discontinuity: A jump discontinuity occurs when a function has a jump or gap in its graph at a point.
Infinite discontinuity: An infinite discontinuity occurs when a function has an infinite limit at a point.

Example of a Continuous Function

A simple example of a continuous function is the function f(x) = x^2. This function is defined for all real numbers and has no gaps or jumps in its graph. It can be drawn without lifting the pencil from the paper.

Example of a Discontinuous Function

A simple example of a discontinuous function is the function f(x) = 1/x. This function is not defined at x = 0 and has a vertical asymptote at x = 0. It has a removable discontinuity at x = 0.

Selecting the Correct Answer

Now that we have discussed the concept of continuous functions, let's select the correct answer from the given options.

Option A

Option A is the function f(x) = {x-2, -4 ≤ x < -2, 0.5x^2, -2 ≤ x < 4, 25-3x, 4 ≤ x ≤ 8}. This function is defined for all values in its domain and has no gaps or jumps in its graph. It can be drawn without lifting the pencil from the paper.

Option B

Option B is not provided.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a continuous function is a function that can be drawn without lifting the pencil from the paper. It is a function that has no gaps or jumps in its graph and is defined for all values in its domain. We have discussed the concept of continuous functions and used it to select the correct answer from the given options. The correct answer is Option A.

Continuous Functions in Real-World Applications

Continuous functions have many real-world applications. Some examples include:

Physics: Continuous functions are used to model the motion of objects in physics. For example, the position of an object as a function of time is a continuous function.
Engineering: Continuous functions are used to model the behavior of systems in engineering. For example, the temperature of a system as a function of time is a continuous function.
Economics: Continuous functions are used to model the behavior of economic systems. For example, the price of a commodity as a function of time is a continuous function.

Continuous Functions in Calculus

Continuous functions are an essential concept in calculus. They are used to define the derivative and integral of a function. The derivative of a function is a measure of how fast the function is changing at a point, while the integral of a function is a measure of the area under the curve of the function.

Conclusion

In conclusion, continuous functions are an essential concept in mathematics. They are used to model real-world phenomena and have many real-world applications. We have discussed the concept of continuous functions and used it to select the correct answer from the given options. The correct answer is Option A.

References

Calculus: Michael Spivak, "Calculus", 4th edition, 2008.
Real Analysis: Walter Rudin, "Real and Complex Analysis", 3rd edition, 1987.
Mathematics: Michael Artin, "Algebra", 2nd edition, 2011.

Final Answer

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the concept of continuous functions and used it to select the correct answer from the given options. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to help you better understand the concept of continuous functions.

Q&A

Q: What is a continuous function?

A: A continuous function is a function that can be drawn without lifting the pencil from the paper. It is a function that has no gaps or jumps in its graph and is defined for all values in its domain.

Q: What are the conditions for a function to be continuous?

A: A function is continuous if it satisfies the following conditions:

The function is defined for all values in its domain.
The function has no gaps or jumps in its graph.
The function can be drawn without lifting the pencil from the paper.

Q: What are the types of discontinuities?

A: There are several types of discontinuities that can occur in a function. These include:

Removable discontinuity: A removable discontinuity occurs when a function is not defined at a point, but the limit of the function as x approaches that point exists.
Jump discontinuity: A jump discontinuity occurs when a function has a jump or gap in its graph at a point.
Infinite discontinuity: An infinite discontinuity occurs when a function has an infinite limit at a point.

Q: Can a function be continuous at a single point?

A: Yes, a function can be continuous at a single point. For example, the function f(x) = x^2 is continuous at x = 0.

Q: Can a function be continuous on a closed interval?

A: Yes, a function can be continuous on a closed interval. For example, the function f(x) = x^2 is continuous on the interval [0, 1].

Q: Can a function be continuous on an open interval?

A: Yes, a function can be continuous on an open interval. For example, the function f(x) = x^2 is continuous on the interval (0, 1).

Q: Can a function be continuous on a semi-open interval?

A: Yes, a function can be continuous on a semi-open interval. For example, the function f(x) = x^2 is continuous on the interval [0, 1) or (0, 1].

Q: Can a function be continuous on a union of intervals?

A: Yes, a function can be continuous on a union of intervals. For example, the function f(x) = x^2 is continuous on the union of the intervals [0, 1] and (1, 2].

Q: Can a function be continuous on a union of semi-open intervals?

A: Yes, a function can be continuous on a union of semi-open intervals. For example, the function f(x) = x^2 is continuous on the union of the intervals [0, 1) and (1, 2].

Q: Can a function be continuous on a union of open intervals?

A: Yes, a function can be continuous on a union of open intervals. For example, the function f(x) = x^2 is continuous on the union of the intervals (0, 1) and (1, 2).

Q: Can a function be continuous on a union of intervals with different endpoints?

A: Yes, a function can be continuous on a union of intervals with different endpoints. For example, the function f(x) = x^2 is continuous on the union of the intervals [0, 1] and (2, 3).

Conclusion

In conclusion, continuous functions are an essential concept in mathematics. They are used to model real-world phenomena and have many real-world applications. We have provided a Q&A section to help you better understand the concept of continuous functions.

References

Calculus: Michael Spivak, "Calculus", 4th edition, 2008.
Real Analysis: Walter Rudin, "Real and Complex Analysis", 3rd edition, 1987.
Mathematics: Michael Artin, "Algebra", 2nd edition, 2011.

Final Answer

The final answer is that continuous functions are an essential concept in mathematics and have many real-world applications.