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Basic Calculus Module 4

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Eastern Visayas State University)

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Basic Calculus
Quarter 3 – Module 4:
Continuity of a Function

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What I Need to Know

One of the main reasons why this module was created is to

ensure that it will assist you to understand the concept and know how to
determine whether a function is continuous or not.

When you finish this module, you will be able to:

1. Illustrate the continuity of a function at a number and an interval.

(STEM_BC1)
2. Determine whether a function is continuous at a number or not.
(STEM_BC2)
3. Solve problems involving continuity of a function. (STEM_BC3)

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What I Know (PRACTICE)

Read and answer the following questions. Write your

answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. A function is continuous. Which of the following is TRUE about its

graph? A. It has a hole or gap.
B. It can be drawn without lifting your pen.
C. It approaches positive infinity.
D. It represents a rational function.
2. Which of the following functions is continuous?
A.
C.

B.
D.

1
3. On what value of x is the function 𝑓(𝑥) = discontinuous?
𝑥+2
A. 1 C. – 2

B. 2 D.

4. Which of the following functions is continuous on all values of x?

A. polynomial functions C. exponential values
B. rational functions D. radical functions

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5. The following conditions must be satisfied for a function to be

continuous EXCEPT one. Which is it?
A. 𝑓(𝑐) exists C. 𝑓(𝑐) = lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑐
B. lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists D. 𝑓(𝑐) = 0
𝑥→𝑐

6. What value of the denominator will make a rational function

discontinuous?
A. – 1 C. 1
B. 0 D. 2
7.Which of the following illustrates removable discontinuity?
A. C.

B. D.

8. Is the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥2 − 6𝑥 + 1 continuous at x = 1?

A. Yes C. Cannot be determined

B. No D. Insufficient Information
9. What values of x will the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥3 + 5𝑥 + 3 continuous?
A. 1 C. 5
B. 3 D. all values of x
10. When can we say that lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists?
𝑥→𝑐
A. If the left-hand limit approaches infinity.
B. If the right-hand limit approaches infinity.
C. If the left-hand limit is equal to the right-hand limit.

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D. If the left-hand and right-hand limits approach the y-axis.

For numbers 11-15, identify if the functions represented by the following
functions is continuous at x = a. Choose your answer from the following:

A. Yes C. Cannot be Determined

B. No D. Insufficient Information

11. 14.

a a

12. 15.

a
a

13.

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Lesson

1 Continuity of a Function
Flowing water, long winding roads and waiting for forever are just examples
of uninterrupted actions or continuity. There are times wherein some actions
were meant to be disjointed or disconnected. Somehow, the concept of
continuity is also present in Calculus and it will be presented to you in details
as you go on with this module.

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What’s In (GRADED)
Answer the following questions.

1. Complete the table of values and illustrate the graph of the function
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 2 .
Graph: Y

x-values y-values

2
X
3

2. Complete the Table of Values and illustrate the graph of the function
𝑥 2 −1
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−1

Graph:

Y
x-values y-values

-1

2 X

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What’s New (GRADED)

Observe the functions below with their respective graphs.

𝑥2 − 9 2
(𝑎) 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6 (𝑏 ) 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = (𝑐 ) 𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
𝑥−3 𝑥

On a sheet of paper, copy the graphs above. As you sketch the graphs, try
not to lift your pens. Is it possible with the three graphs? Based on what you
did, what can you say about the behavior of the first graph? How about the
last two graphs?

The behavior of the graphs above has something to do with our lesson. I think
you already have an idea of what our topic is all about. So, let’s go and explore
the lesson together.

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What is It
There are different ways on how we can represent a function. One of those is
its graph. If the graph of a function has no gap or holes, then we can say that
the function is continuous. Otherwise, it’s discontinuous.

In addition, a function is said to be continuous at a point x = a if all of the

following conditions are satisfied (Comandante, 2008):

1. If 𝑓(𝑥) is defined, that is, exists at x=a.

A number exists if it is defined. Division by zero yields to
undefined values. The same with square root of negative
numbers. Thus, these cases must be checked.
2. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists.
𝑥→𝑎

Based on our previous lesson on limits, the limit of a function

f(x) exists if the left-hand limit is equal to the right-hand limit.
That is,
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎− 𝑥→𝑎+

3. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)

𝑥→𝑎

Upon checking whether a function satisfies the first two

conditions, check whether the obtained values from these
conditions are equal to each other.

If any of the above-mentioned conditions failed or violated, then the function

is discontinuous. The following are the different types of discontinuity.

a. Removable Discontinuity

A function is said to have a removable discontinuity at x = a, if

a. lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists b. lim 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 𝑓(𝑎)

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

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Either because 𝑓(𝑎) is undefined or the value of 𝑓(𝑎) differs from the
value of the limit (Comandante, 2008).

Example:

𝑥 2 −4
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 +2

b. Jump Discontinuity

A function is said to have a jump discontinuity at 𝑥 = 𝑎 if lim𝑓(𝑥)

−
≠
𝑥→𝑎

lim𝑓(𝑥) for a any positive integer. (Comandante, 2008). This type of

𝑥→𝑎+
discontinuity can usually be found on piecewise functions.

Example:

𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 0
{𝑥 −3 1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 0

c. Infinite Discontinuity

This type of discontinuity exists if a function has one or more infinite

limits. Many rational functions exhibit this type of behavior
(Milefoot.com Mathematics, n.d.).

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Example:
1
𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥

For deeper understanding of the lesson, let us have the following illustrative
examples:

Example1

Identify whether the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 6 is continuous at 𝑥 = −1. Justify

your answer.

Solution:

Check whether the function will satisfy the three conditions for
continuity at the given point 𝑥 = −1.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) is defined, that is, exists at x=a.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 6, 𝑥 = −1 (Given)

𝑓 (−1) = (−1)2 + 5(−1) + 6 (Substituted the x-value to the function)

𝑓 (−1) = 1 − 5 + 6 (Simplified form)

𝑓 (−1) = 2

Since f(x) exists, then the first condition is satisfied.

2. lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists.

𝑥→𝑎

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 6 (Given)

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim (𝑥2) + lim (5𝑥) + lim 6 (Evaluated the limit)
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = (−1)2 + 5(−1) + 6 (Simplified form)
𝑥→𝑎

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 2
𝑥→𝑎

Since lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists, then the second condition is satisfied.

𝑥→𝑎

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3. lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)

𝑥→𝑎

Using the obtained values above, let us check if the third

condition will be satisfied.
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐) (Third Condition)
𝑥→𝑎

2=2 (Obtained values from the solutions above)

Since the two values are equal, then the third condition is satisfied.
Since all of the three conditions were satisfied, then we can say that the
function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 6 is continuous at 𝑥 = −1.

To illustrate that the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 6 is continuous at 𝑥 = −1, simply

graph the function which includes the x-value −1.

Continuous at x = -1

𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6

Example 2
𝑥 2 −9
At 𝑥 = 3, is the function 𝑓(𝑥) = continuous at that particular point? Show
𝑥−3
your solution.
Solution:
Check whether the function will satisfy the three conditions for
continuity at the given point 𝑥 = 3.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) is defined, that is, exists at x=a. 𝑥2−9

𝑥 2 −9
𝑓(𝑥) = , 𝑥=3 (Given)
𝑥−3

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32 −9
𝑓(3) = (Substituted the x-value to the function)
3−3

𝑓(3) = (Simplified form)

0
𝑓(3) =
0

Since f(x) is indeterminate, then the first condition NOT

satisfied.

2. lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists.

𝑥→𝑎

𝑥 2 −9
𝑓(𝑥) = (Given)
𝑥−3
𝑥 2 −9
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim (Evaluated the limit)
𝑥→3 𝑥→3 𝑥−3
𝑥 2 −9 (𝑥+3)(𝑥−3)
lim = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 (Factored out the numerator)
𝑥→3 𝑥−3 𝑥→3 𝑥−3

= lim 𝑥 + 3 (Simplified form)

𝑥→3
=3+3 (Evaluated the limit)
𝑥 2 −9
lim =6
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥−3
Since lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists, then the second condition is satisfied.
3. lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑎

Using the obtained values above, let us check if the third

condition will be satisfied.
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐) (Third Condition)
𝑥→𝑎

indeterminate ≠ 6 (Obtained values from the solutions above)

Since two of the conditions are NOT satisfied, then we can say
𝑥 2 −9
that the function 𝑓(𝑥) = is not continuous at x = 3
𝑥−3

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𝑥 2 −9
To illustrate that the function 𝑓(𝑥) = is not continuous at 𝑥 = 3, simply
𝑥−3
graph
the function which includes the x -value 3.

Graph of
𝑥 2 −9
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 −3
There’s a hole
on the graph,
that’s why it’s
not continuous
at x = 3

*Also, we can see

2
that this is a Removable Discontinuity.
Example 3 Determine if the function𝑓(𝑥)= is not continuous at 𝑥 = 0
𝑥
2
Solution: Step 1: Evaluate the function 𝑓(𝑥) = at 𝑥 = 0
𝑥

2 2
𝑓(0) = = or undefined
(0) 0

2
Step 2:
2
Find lim
𝑥

𝟐
𝐥𝐢𝐦 ( ) 𝑫𝑵𝑬, 𝑜𝑟 𝑫𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝑬𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕
𝒙

Step 3: Observe that 𝑓(0) ≠ lim 𝑓( 𝑥)

𝑥→0

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Since all three conditions were not satisfied, then we can say that the
2
function 𝑓(𝑥) = is not continuous at 𝑥 = 0.
𝑥
2
To illustrate that the function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 is not continuous at 𝑥 = 0, simply graph the
function which includes the x -value 0

The graph is This part of the

not graph is going
continuous positive infinity
at x = 0 due
to the
vertical
asymptote
This part of the
(in dash line) graph is going
negative infinity

*Also, we can see that this is an Infinite

Discontinuity.
• A function is said to be continuous at a closed interval [a, b] if its
right endpoint, open interval and left endpoint has no breakage, holes
or discontinuity. (see figure below)

Y-axis Left endpoint “b”

Open
Right endpoint “a“ interval
(a, b)
Graph of the
function
𝑓 ( 𝑥)

X-axis
a b
[a, b] Closed interval

• The following are the conditions needed to be satisfied to be able to

know whether the function is continuous or not on a closed interval.
1. The function 𝑓(𝑥) needs to be continuous at the open interval (a,
b).
2. The function 𝑓(𝑥) needs to be continuous at the left endpoint [a].
a. If 𝑓(𝑎) is defined.
b. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists.
𝑥→𝑎+
c. If 𝑓(𝑎) = lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑎+

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3. The function 𝑓(𝑥) needs to be continuous at the right endpoint [b].

a. If 𝑓(𝑏) is defined.
b. If lim− 𝑓(𝑥) exists.
𝑥→𝑏⁻

c. If 𝑓(𝑏) = lim𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→𝑏⁻

Example 4

Is the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 6 is continuous on the closed interval [−4, −1]?

Prove your answer by showing complete solution.
Solution:

Step 1: The function 𝑓(𝑥) needs to be verified continuous at the open interval
(−4, −1) by creating its table of values or simply knowing its restrictions with
regards to its domain.
Table of values
x-values 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 6 y-values
−3.9 = (−3.9)2 + 5(−3.9) + 6 1.71
-3 = (−3)2 + 5(−3) + 6 0
-2.5 = (−2.5)2 + 5(−2.5) + 6 -0.25
-2 = (−2)2 + 5(−2) + 6 0
-1.0001 = (−1.0001)2 + 5(−1.0001) + 6 1.99970001

Based on the table, all domains (x-values) in between (-4, -1) has its own
defined y-value. Therefore, we can say that it is continuous on the open
interval (-4, -1).
Another justification that this function is continuous on the open interval (-
4, -1) is that, all polynomial functions are continuous at every point or any
interval {𝑥|𝑥 𝜖 ℝ}

Step 2: The function 𝑓(𝑥) needs to be continuous at the left endpoint [-4].

a. Evaluate the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 6 at 𝑥 = −4

b. Find lim (𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 6)

c. Observe that 𝑓 (−4) = lim𝑓(𝑥)

𝑥→−4+

Step 3: The function 𝑓(𝑥)needs to be continuous at the right endpoint [-1].

a. Evaluate the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 6 at 𝑥 = −1

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b. Find 𝑥lim→2−( 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 6)

c. Observe that 𝑓(−1) = lim𝑓(𝑥)

𝑥→−1⁻

Conclusion: Since all of the three conditions were satisfied, then we can say
that the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 6 is continuous on the closed interval [−4,
−1].

To illustrate that the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 6 is continuous on the closed

interval [−4, −1], simply graph the function which includes the x-values from
−4 to −1.

Graph of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6

Continuous on the closed interval [ -4, -1]

Example 2
Question: Check if the function 𝑓 is continuous on the closed
interval [−4, 1]? Present your solution.

Solution:

Step 1: The function 𝑓(𝑥) needs to be verified continuous at the open interval
(−4, 1) by creating its table of values or simply knowing its restrictions with
regards to its domain.

Table of values
x-values 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 3 y-values
−3.9 = √(−3.9) + 3 (*imaginary
number)
0 √(0) + 3 1.732050808

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0.9999 = √(0.999) + 3 1.999749984

Based on the table, all domains (x-values) in between (−4 to 1) has its own
defined y-value except −3.9. Therefore, we can say that it is not continuous
on the open interval (−4, 1).

Another justification that this function is not continuous on the open interval
(−4,1) is that, all radical functions are continuous only within the domain, if
beyond restrictions, then it won’t exist.
The domain of the function 𝑓 is 𝑥 ≥ −3, since the open interval
being asked is (−4, 1) therefore it is not continuous on (−4, −3).

Step 2: The function 𝑓(𝑥) needs to be continuous at the left endpoint [-4].
a. Evaluate the function 𝑓 at 𝑥 = −4

𝑓 (−4) = √ (−4) + 3 = √ (−𝟏) = 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓

b. Find
𝑥→−4+

√ ( lim + 𝑥 + 3) = √ (−4) + 3 = √ (−𝟏) = 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓

𝑥 →−4

c. Observe that 𝑓 (−4) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim 𝑓(𝑥) does not exist.

𝑥→−4+

Step 3: The function 𝑓(𝑥) needs to be continuous at the right endpoint [1].
a. Evaluate the function 𝑓 at 𝑥 = 1

𝑓 (1) = √ (1) + 3 = √ (4) = 𝟐

b. Find lim−( √𝑥 + 3)
𝑥 →1

√ ( lim− 𝑥 + 3) = √ (1) + 3 = √ (4) = 𝟐

𝑥 →1

c. Observe that 𝑓 (1) = lim− 𝑓(𝑥 )

𝑥 →1

Conclusion: Only one of the three conditions was satisfied, then we can say
that the function 𝑓 is not continuous on the closed interval [−4,
1].

To illustrate that the function 𝑓 is not continuous on the closed

interval [−4, 1 ], simply graph the function which includes the x-values from
-4 to 1.

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This part of the interval

violates the domain of the
function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = √𝑥 + 3

Not continuous on the closed interval

What’s More (GRADED)

Answer the following questions. Show all possible solutions on a separate

sheet of paper.

1. Determine whether the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 6𝑥 + 9 is continuous at 𝑥 = −2.

Sketch its graph illustrating its continuity or discontinuity.

Solution:

Step 1: Evaluate the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 6𝑥 + 9 at 𝑥 = −2

Step 2: Find lim (𝑥2 + 6𝑥 + 9) = ____

𝑥→−2
Step 3: What did you observe between the values of 𝑓 (−2) and
lim𝑓(𝑥)?
𝑥→−2

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Conclusion:
__________________________________________________________________

Illustrate the graph:

3
2. Is the function 𝑓(𝑥) = continuous on the closed interval [−1, 1] ? Draw
𝑋
its graph illustrating its continuity or discontinuity.
Solution:

Step 1: The function 𝑓(𝑥) needs to be verified continuous at the open interval
(−1, 1) by creating its table of values or simply knowing its restrictions with
regard to its domain.

A. Table of values
X-values 3 y-values
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑋

−0.999 ______ ______

0 ______ ______
0.9999 ______ ______

B. Domain restriction of the function:

_____________________________________

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Step 2: The function 𝑓(𝑥) needs to be continuous at the left endpoint [-1].

3
a. Evaluate the function 𝑓(𝑥) = at 𝑥 = −1
𝑋
3
b. Find lim( )
𝑋
𝑥→−1+

c. What did you observe between the values of 𝑓 (−1) and lim 𝑓(𝑥)?
𝑥→−1+
__________________________________________________________________________
_
__________________________________________________________________________
_
__________________________________________________________________________
_
__________________________________________________________________________
_
__________________________________________________________________________
_

Step 3: The function 𝑓(𝑥)needs to be continuous at the right endpoint [1].

3
a. Evaluate the function 𝑓(𝑥) = at 𝑥 = 1
𝑋
3
b. Find lim ( ) = _____
𝑋
𝑥→1-
c. What did you observe between the values of 𝑓 (1) and lim 𝑓(𝑥)?
𝑥→1⁻
__________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion:
_____________________________________________________________________

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Illustrate the graph:

Y

𝑋 2 −3𝑥−4
3. Check whether the function 𝑓(𝑥) = is continuous at 𝑥 = 4 . Sketch
𝑥−4
its
graph illustrating its continuity or discontinuity.

4. Prove whether the function 𝑓 is continuous on the closed

interval
[2, 4] or not? Sketch the graph illustrating its continuity or discontinuity.

What I Have Learned (GRADED)

Express what you have learned in this lesson by answering the questions
below.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. How to determine whether the function is continuous or not at a certain

point?
2. How to determine whether the function is continuous or not on a closed
interval?
3. How to illustrate the continuity or discontinuity of a function?

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 lOMoARcPSD|51335038

What I Can Do (GRADED)

Read, understand and answer the given questions below. Write your answers
on a separate sheet of paper.

• Last summer, a PENELCO electrician conducts a record of the electrical

voltage supply readings within 5 hours at a certain locality. (See table
below)
Voltage readings in volts (v) Time (t)
220 v 1st hour
223 v 2nd hour
0v 3rd hour
(No voltage due to power interruption)
221 v 4th hour
220 v 5th hour

1. Represent a graph showing the voltage readings as y-values and the

time as x-values.

2. Is the graph continuous or not? If your answer is not continuous, at

what point or interval does the discontinuity happen?

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