Calculus Continuous Function Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining values for A and B to ensure the continuity of a function f(t) across its domain. The context is rooted in calculus, specifically dealing with limits and continuity conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to set equations equal to each other to find A and B, with some expressing confusion about the correct approach to limits, particularly involving sin(At). There is exploration of the limit as t approaches zero and its implications for continuity.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on evaluating limits and have confirmed the correctness of certain steps in the reasoning process. There is ongoing exploration of the implications of these limits for determining the values of A and B, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of handling indeterminate forms and the importance of correctly applying limit properties in the context of continuity. There are references to specific values and equations that are still under discussion.

Onodeyja
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Homework Statement



Find A and B so that f(t) is continuous everywhere.

Homework Equations



Suppose that:
[PLAIN]http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/8531/eqwkshp3.png

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, I wouldn't be posting if I wasn't lost, but I will tell you what I've tried. I know that I have to set the middle equation equal to either the first or third and solve for A or B. However, if I set the middle equation equal to the first one and then plug in t = 0, it ends up canceling out the entire one side. So then I've tried setting the middle equation equal to the third equation and plugging in t = 5 to solve for B and I end up with B = (46 - 6sin(5A))/5. I'm probably doing something incorrectly.

I know that for these types of problems you solve for the one variable and then you plug it back into solve for the other one, but I don't think I'm doing this particular problem correctly. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
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You can't just plug in for the second equation. You need to take the limit as t goes to zero of sin(At)/t. Otherwise, you get 0/0 which doesn't mean anything. Any ideas on that limit?
 
Last edited:
Dick said:
You can't just plug in for the second equation. You need to take the limit as t goes to zero of sin(At)/t. Otherwise, you get 0/0 which doesn't mean anything. Any ideas on that limit?

I know that if it was just sin(t)/t that the limit would be 1 (for this equation A would have to be 1 to make that work).
 
Onodeyja said:
I know that if it was just sin(t)/t that the limit would be 1 (for this equation A would have to be 1 to make that work).

That's a good start. Do you think if limit t->0 of sin(t)/t=1 then limit t->0 sin(At)/(At) might also be 1? If so then what's limit t->0 of sin(At)/t?
 
Dick said:
That's a good start. Do you think if limit t->0 of sin(t)/t=1 then limit t->0 sin(At)/(At) might also be 1? If so then what's limit t->0 of sin(At)/t?

I think I have it:

lim t-> 0 sin(At)/t

1. Multiply by A to get: lim t->0 Asin(At)/At
2. Put the A out front: A lim t-> 0 sin(At)/At
3. lim t-> 0 sin(At)/At = 1 and then A * 1 = A

So the lim t->0 sin(At)/t = A?
 
Onodeyja said:
I think I have it:

lim t-> 0 sin(At)/t

1. Multiply by A to get: lim t->0 Asin(At)/At
2. Put the A out front: A lim t-> 0 sin(At)/At
3. lim t-> 0 sin(At)/At = 1 and then A * 1 = A

So the lim t->0 sin(At)/t = A?

Yes, you've got it.
 
Now, I'm assuming that the equation is now:

When t = 0

30(sin(At)/t) + Bt = 3∏
30 lim t->0 (sin(At)/t) + B(0) = 3∏
30A + 0 = 3∏
A = 3∏/30
 
Onodeyja said:
Now, I'm assuming that the equation is now:

When t = 0

30(sin(At)/t) + Bt = 3∏
30 lim t->0 (sin(At)/t) + B(0) = 3∏
30A + 0 = 3∏
A = 3∏/30

Looks good so far.
 
Dick said:
Looks good so far.

When t = 5

30(sin(At)/t) + Bt = -10[log(t)/log(5^(1/3))] + 76
30(sin(0.314*5)/5) + B(5) = -10[log(5)/log(5^(1/3))] + 76
0.164 + 5B = 46
5B = 45.84
B = 9.168
 
  • #10
Try the sin part again. You actually don't have to approximate pi. It works out to a nice number exactly.
 
  • #11
Dick said:
Try the sin part again. You actually don't have to approximate pi. It works out to a nice number exactly.

And so it does indeed :P

30(sin(At)/t) + Bt = -10[log(t)/log(5^(1/3))] + 76
30(sin(3∏/30*5)/5) + B(5) = -10[log(5)/log(5^(1/3))] + 76
30(1/5) + 5B = 46
6 + 5B = 46
B = 8

Thank you so much for your help. =D
 

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