Continuety of these functions

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In summary, the continuity of these functions is determined by their behavior at integers and at irrational numbers. The function x/[x] is continuous for all values except at integers, where it has a jump discontinuity. The function x[x] is continuous for all values except at irrational numbers, where it has a jump discontinuity. The function sin(\pi x) is continuous at all rational numbers and discontinuous at all irrational numbers.
  • #1
transgalactic
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describe the continuety of these functions
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6141/76604020ql2.gif


regarding the [] functions i learned this fact

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/2469/87823960yl2.gif
 
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  • #2
Since you used "[x]" I was not sure if you meant "floor of x", [itex]\floor(c)[/itex] or "ceiling of x", [tex]\ceil(x)[/itex]. From the I'm second link it appears that you mean the "floor" function.
Yes, [itex]\floor(x)[/itex] is constant between intgers: n-1 from n-1 up to n and n from n to n+1 so it is really only necessary to look at what happens as you approach the integer n from below and above.

The last one appears to be "piecewise", defined by different formulas for x rational and irrational but there appears to be something written before "[itex]\pi x[/itex] for x rational. Is that "sin"?
 
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  • #3
yes its sin

does it change your answer?
 
  • #4
how to do a limit of this x*1/[x]

i get 0*+infinity
??
 
  • #5
how to solve the splitted
i can't imagine the graph
i can't do a limit
because rational and irrational are infinitely mixed
what to do?
 
  • #6
For x any number other than an integer, if x is between n and n+ 1, [x]= n so
x/[x]= x/n and x[x]= xn. It should be obvious that the function is continuous there. For x slightly below n, say x= n-y, x/[x]= n-y/(n-1) and x[x]= (n-y)n-1= xn/xy. For x slightly larger than n, say x= n+ y, x/[x]= (n+y)/n and x[x]= (n+y)n. Are the limits of those, as y goes to 0, the same?

As for [itex]sin(\pi x)[/itex] for x rational, 0 for x irrational, use the fact that [itex]\lim_{x\rightarrow a} f(x)= L[/itex] if and only if [itex]\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} f(a_n)= L[/itex] for any sequence [itex]{a_n}[/itex] converging to x. In particular, for any number x, there exist a sequence of irrational numbers converging to x so for such a sequence the limit of this sequence will be 0. That means that in order that the limit itself exist at x, we must also have [itex]sin(a_n\pi)[/itex] converge to 0 also. Since sine is a continuous function, it is easy to see that that limit is [itex]sin(\pi x)[/itex]. That is, this function is continuous exactly for those x such that [itex]sin(\pi x)= 0[/itex].
 

1. What is meant by continuity of a function?

The continuity of a function refers to the smoothness and connectedness of its graph without any breaks, holes, or jumps. In other words, a function is continuous if its graph can be drawn without lifting the pencil from the paper.

2. How can we determine if a function is continuous?

A function is continuous at a specific point if the limit of the function exists at that point and is equal to the value of the function at that point. In other words, the left-hand limit, right-hand limit, and the value of the function at that point should all be equal for the function to be continuous at that point.

3. What is the importance of continuity in mathematics and science?

Continuity is crucial in mathematics and science as it allows us to study and analyze functions without any interruptions or discontinuities. It also helps in understanding the behavior of a function and its properties.

4. Can a function be continuous at one point but not at another?

Yes, a function can be continuous at one point and not at another. This is known as point discontinuity, where the function is continuous everywhere except at a specific point.

5. How does the concept of continuity apply to real-world situations?

The concept of continuity is essential in real-world applications, such as physics and engineering, where smooth and continuous functions are used to model real-life situations. It allows us to make accurate predictions and analyze the behavior of systems.

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