Continuous Functions in Calculus

We present an introduction and the definition of the concept of continuous functions in calculus with examples. Also continuity theorems and their use in calculus are also discussed.

Introduction and Definition of Continuous Functions

We first start with graphs of several continuous functions. The functions whose graphs are shown below are said to be continuous since these graphs have no "breaks", "gaps" or "holes".

examples of graphs of continuous functions

We now present examples of discontinuous functions. These graphs have: breaks, gaps or points at which they are undefined.
In the graphs below, the function is undefined at \( x = 2 \). The graph has a hole at \( x = 2 \) and the function is said to be discontinuous.
example of a discontinuous function with a hole

In the graphs below, the limits of the function to the left and to the right are not equal and therefore the limit at \( x = 3 \) does not exist. The function is said to be discontinuous.
example of a discontinuous function with limits from left and right not equal.

The limits of the function at \( x = 2 \) exist but it is not equal to the value of the function at \( x = 2 \). This function is also discontinuous.
example of a discontinuous function where f(a) and lim f(x) as x approaches a not equal

The limits of the function at \( x = 3 \) does does not exist since to the left and to the right of 3 the function either increases or decreases indefinitely. This function is also discontinuous.
example of discontinuous function where the limit does not exist, vertical asymptote.

Taking into consideration all the information gathered from the examples of continuous and discontinuous functions shown above, we define a continuous functions as follows:
Function \( f \) is continuous at a point \( a \) if the following conditions are satisfied.
1. \(\lim_{x\to a} f(x)\) is defined
2. \(\lim_{x\to a} f(x)\) exists
3. \(\lim_{x\to a} f(x) = f(a)\)

Examples with Solutions


Example 1

Show that function \( f \) defined below is not continuous at \( x = - 2 \).
\( f(x) = \dfrac{1}{x + 2} \)

Solution to Example 1
\( f(-2) \) is undefined (division by 0 not allowed) therefore function \( f \) is discontinuous at \( x = - 2 \).


Example 2

Show that function \( f \) is continuous for all values of \( x \) in \( \mathbb{R} \).
\( f(x) = \dfrac{1}{x^4 + 6} \)

Solution to Example 2
Function \( f \) is defined for all values of \( x \) in \( \mathbb{R} \). The limit of \( f \) at say \( x = a \) is given by the quotient of two limits: the constant 1 and the limit of \( x^4 + 6 \) which is a polynomial function and its limit is \( a^4 + 6 \). Hence
\(\lim_{x\to a} f(x) = \dfrac{1}{a^4+6}\)
\( f(a) = \dfrac{1}{a^4 + 6} \). Hence
\(\lim_{x\to a} f(x) = f(a)\)
The three conditions of continuity are satisfied and therefore \( f \) is continuous for all values of \( x \) in \( \mathbb{R} \).


Example 3

Show that function \( f \) is continuous for all values of \( x \) in \( \mathbb{R} \).
\( f(x) = | x - 5 | \)

Solution to Example 3
Let us first write \( f(x) \) as follows. Hence
\( f(x) = x - 5 \) if \( x > 5 \)
\( f(x) = -(x - 5) \) if \( x \lt 5 \)
\( f(x) = 0 \) if \( x = 5 \)
\( f(x) \) is given by the polynomial functions \( x - 5 \) and \(-(x - 5) \) if \( x > 5 \) and \( x \lt 5 \) respectively and hence \( f(x) \) is continuous for these values of \( x \).
\( x = 5 \) is the only value of \( x \) to be considered. We now consider the limits of \( f \) as \( x \) approaches \( 5 \) from the left (\( x \lt 5 \)) when \( f(x) = -(x - 5) \).

\(\lim_{x\to 5^{-}} f(x) = \lim_{x\to 5^{-}} - (x - 5) = 0\)
We now consider the limits of \( f \) as \( x \) approaches \( 5 \) from the right (\( x > 5 \)) when \( f(x) = (x - 5) \).
\(\lim_{x\to 5^{+}} f(x) = \lim_{x\to 5^{+}} (x - 5) = 0\)
Since the two limits are equal the limit \( \lim_{x\to 5} f(x) \) exists and is equal to 0. Hence \( \lim_{x\to 5} f(x) = 0 = f(5) \) and function \( f \) is continuous at \( x = 5 \). Taking into consideration what was said above for \( x > 5 \) and \( \lt 5 \), \( f \) is continuous for all values of \( x \) in \( \mathbb{R} \).

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