Conceptual question concerning functions

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SUMMARY

A function that is not defined at a point in its domain does not automatically imply that it is discontinuous at that point. A function can be continuous at all points within its domain, even if the domain excludes certain points from a larger set. For instance, the function f: ℝ \ {0} → ℝ, defined as f(x) = 0 for x < 0 and f(x) = 1 for x > 0, is continuous everywhere in its domain. Conversely, the function g: ℝ → ℝ, which attempts to define continuity at 0, fails to do so as there is no value a that can make g continuous at that point.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of function domains and ranges
  • Knowledge of continuity and discontinuity in mathematical functions
  • Familiarity with piecewise functions
  • Basic concepts of real analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of piecewise functions in detail
  • Learn about the formal definitions of continuity and discontinuity
  • Explore the concept of limits and their role in determining continuity
  • Investigate examples of functions with restricted domains and their continuity
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Students of mathematics, particularly those studying real analysis, educators teaching calculus concepts, and anyone interested in the properties of functions and continuity.

Duderonimous
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Homework Statement



If I have a function that is not defined at a point in its domain is this the same as saying it is discontinuous?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Duderonimous said:

Homework Statement



If I have a function that is not defined at a point in its domain is this the same as saying it is discontinuous?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


If it's not defined at some point, then that point is not in the domain of that function.

If the function is not defined at some point, then it is discontinuous at that point.
 
Duderonimous said:
If I have a function that is not defined at a point in its domain is this the same as saying it is discontinuous?

No. If a function is not defined at a point, then that point is not in its domain. But a function can be continuous at each point of its domain notwithstanding that its domain consists of disjoint subsets of some larger set. For example, the following function is continuous everywhere in its domain:
[tex] f : \mathbb{R} \setminus \{0\} \to \mathbb{R} : x \mapsto \left\{\begin{array}{r@{\qquad}l}<br /> 0 & x < 0 \\<br /> 1 & x > 0<br /> \end{array}\right.[/tex]
On the other hand, there is no [itex]a \in \mathbb{R}[/itex] such that the following function is continuous at 0:
[tex] g : \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R} : x \mapsto \left\{\begin{array}{r@{\qquad}l}<br /> f(x) & x \neq 0 \\<br /> a & x = 0<br /> \end{array}\right.[/tex]
 

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