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Ch. 2 - Graphs and Functions
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksLial 13th EditionCh. 2 - Graphs and FunctionsProblem 11
Chapter 3, Problem 11

Determine the intervals of the domain over which each function is continuous.
Graph of a continuous curve increasing through the origin on an x-y coordinate plane.

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Step 1: Understand the concept of continuity. A function is continuous on an interval if there are no breaks, jumps, or holes in the graph over that interval. Mathematically, a function f(x) is continuous at a point x = a if the limit of f(x) as x approaches a equals f(a).
Step 2: Examine the graph carefully. Notice the point (2, 0) where the graph has a filled dot, indicating the function is defined at x = 2 with value 0. Check if the graph is connected without breaks on either side of this point.
Step 3: Identify any discontinuities. Look for any jumps, holes, or vertical asymptotes. In this graph, the curve appears smooth and connected on both sides of x = 2, with no breaks or jumps.
Step 4: Determine the intervals of continuity. Since the graph is continuous everywhere shown, except possibly at x = 2, and the function is defined and connected at x = 2, the function is continuous over the entire domain shown.
Step 5: Express the domain intervals. Based on the graph, the function is continuous on the interval from negative infinity to positive infinity, or in interval notation: \((-\infty, \infty)\).

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Key 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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Limits and Their Role in Continuity

The limit of a function at a point describes the value the function approaches as the input approaches that point. For continuity, the left-hand limit and right-hand limit at the point must be equal and match the function's value there. Limits help identify points of discontinuity when these conditions fail.
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Types of Discontinuities

Discontinuities occur when a function is not continuous at a point. Common types include removable discontinuities (holes), jump discontinuities (sudden jumps in value), and infinite discontinuities (vertical asymptotes). Identifying the type helps in understanding the behavior of the function and its domain of continuity.
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