Confusion with Continuity Definition

In summary: This idea is more clear when you look at the topological definition, because you can see that the error tolerance on the input and output are related.
  • #1
Tokipin
19
0
I'm going through a topology book (Introduction to Topology by Bert Mendelson.) In one of the first chapters the author defines continuity in an epsilon-delta manner (not limit definition.) Here is the definition:

Let [tex]f:\mathbb{R}\rightarrow \mathbb{R}[/tex]. The function [tex]f[/tex] is said to be continuous at the point [tex]a\in \mathbb{R}[/tex], if given [tex]\epsilon > 0[/tex], there is a [tex]\delta > 0[/tex], such that

[tex]|f(x)-f(a)|<\epsilon[/tex],

whenever

[tex]|x-a|<\delta[/tex].

The function [tex]f[/tex] is said to be continuous if it is continuous at each point of [tex]\mathbb{R}[/tex].
I'm confused because, if I understand correctly, we can set both [tex]\epsilon[/tex] and [tex]\delta[/tex] to be any numbers. Consider for example this function:

[tex]f(x) =\begin{cases}
1 & \text{ if } floor(x) \text { is odd } \\
2 & \text{ if } floor(x) \text{ is even }
\end{cases}[/tex]

With 0 considered even. If we let [tex]\epsilon = 98^{8000}[/tex], then this function is continuous, as all [tex]f(x)[/tex] are within [tex]\epsilon[/tex] of each other.

So what the heck, man? Is this a "weak" definition? Can a function be "continous" even if it is disconnected? What am I misunderstanding?
 
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  • #2
You cannot "set" epsilon and delta to be any number like you say.
What you do to prove continuity is you set epsilon to be a certain number, and then, depending on the function of interest, you must show that there exists a delta such that x's within a distance delta of a yield f(x)'s within a distance epsilon of f(a). And you must be able to find such a delta for each particular choice of epsilon. Delta is dependant on epsilon, not independant of it.

For instance in your exemple, the function is continuous everywhere except at the integers where it jumps one unit. If n is an integer and epsilon=1/2, you certainly cannot find a delta such that |f(x)-f(a)|<1/2 as soon as |x-a|<delta.
 
  • #3
O.k., so the epsilon is a "for all" variable? If so then that's what I misunderstood. Thanks.
 
  • #4
Tokipin said:
O.k., so the epsilon is a "for all" variable? If so then that's what I misunderstood. Thanks.

Yes, "for any" and "for all" means the same thing, even though sometimes we read a definition and it seems like "for any" could mean "for some".
 
  • #5
The standard wording for the epsilon-delta definition is a bit confusing, in addition to the definition being genuinely difficult to grasp. Some things to keep in mind:
* The epsilon is bound with a "forall" qualifier on the outside. The delta is bound with an "exists" quantifier on the inside. This means that delta can depend on epsilon. (In fact it almost always does). So most proofs will take the form: delta equals some function of epsilon.
* The "whenever" bit, to me at least, always sounded really strange. It's a BACKWARDS implication (in logical symbols, it would be '<='). Usually, when I write the definition, I swap the order of the inequalities: "whenever blah < delta, blah < epsilon."
* Alternatively, you can think of "whenever" as meaning "or if not". So, "blah < epsilon whenever blah < delta" becomes "blah < epsilon or blah >= delta."
* The topological definition is much easier to use! A function f is continuous if for any open set S, f^-1(S) is open.

Also, intuitively, you can think of epsilon as the "error tolerance on the output" and delta as the "error tolerance of the input." What the epsilon-delta definition means is something like "If you need a sufficiently accurate output, you need to provide sufficiently accurate input."
 

What is the definition of continuity?

The definition of continuity in mathematics is the property that a function is continuous at a point if the limit of the function at that point exists and is equal to the value of the function at that point.

What is the difference between continuity and differentiability?

Continuity refers to the smoothness and connectedness of a function, while differentiability refers to the existence of a derivative at a point. A function can be continuous but not differentiable, but if a function is differentiable, it must also be continuous.

What is the importance of continuity in mathematics?

Continuity is important in mathematics because it allows us to make predictions and draw conclusions about the behavior of functions. It is also a fundamental concept in calculus and is used to define important concepts such as limits, derivatives, and integrals.

How can I determine if a function is continuous?

A function is continuous if it is defined at every point in its domain, and there are no abrupt changes or breaks in the graph of the function. This can be determined by checking if the limit of the function exists at each point in the domain and if it is equal to the value of the function at that point.

What are some real-world applications of continuity?

Continuity has many real-world applications, such as in physics to describe the smoothness of motion, in economics to model continuous changes in supply and demand, and in engineering to design and optimize structures and systems. It is also used in computer graphics to create smooth and realistic images and animations.

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