Continuity with the following function

In summary, h is a function defined on the real numbers that outputs 0 if the input is rational and x^3 + 3x^2 if the input is irrational. It is continuous at x=0 and x=-3, and discontinuous everywhere else. It is not differentiable at any point except possibly at x=0. Proofs for continuity and differentiability can be shown using sequences.
  • #1
Caeder
13
0
Define [tex]h : \mathbb{R} \rightarrow \mathbb{R}[/tex]

[tex]h(x) = \begin{cases} 0 &\text{if\ }\ x \in \mathbb{Q}\\ x^3 + 3x^2 &\text{if\ }\ x \notin \mathbb{Q} \end{cases}[/tex].



a.) Determine at what points [tex]h[/tex] is continuous and discontinuous. Prove results.

b.) Determine at what points [tex]h[/tex] is differentiable and non-diff'able. Prove results.

My work:

[tex]h[/tex] is obviously cont. when [tex]0=x^3 + 3x^2[/tex] as when approaching x, lim is 0 by rationals and lim is [tex]x^3 + 3x^2[/tex] by irrationals. So, it's cont. at [tex]x=0,-3[/tex] and discont. everywhere else.

Not sure how to prove this.

And for differentiability.. not sure.. diff'able nowhere?
 
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  • #2
maybe diffble at 0?
 
  • #3
use sequences to prove (a), remember the theorem that f is continuous on a set E if for every sequence x_n in E that converges to x_0 in E has the property that f(x_n) converges to f(x_0).

for (b) u can use sequences to find out where lim[(f(x)-f(y))/(x-y)] as x goes to y, where y is fixed exists.
 

What is continuity?

Continuity refers to the smoothness or connectedness of a function. A function is considered continuous if there are no breaks or jumps in the graph and if the limit of the function exists at every point.

How do you determine continuity of a function?

To determine continuity of a function, we need to check three conditions: 1) the function is defined at the point in question, 2) the limit of the function exists at that point, and 3) the limit of the function at that point is equal to the value of the function at that point.

What is the difference between continuity and differentiability?

Continuity and differentiability are related concepts but they are not the same. A function is continuous if it has no breaks or jumps in its graph, while a function is differentiable if it has a well-defined derivative at every point. In other words, continuity is about the behavior of a function at a specific point, while differentiability is about the behavior of a function around that point.

Can a function be continuous but not differentiable?

Yes, a function can be continuous but not differentiable. This means that the function has no breaks or jumps in its graph, but it does not have a well-defined derivative at every point. A common example of such a function is the absolute value function at the point x=0.

What are some real-life examples of continuous functions?

Some real-life examples of continuous functions include temperature over time, distance traveled by a car, and the height of a growing plant. These functions have no sudden changes or jumps in their values and are therefore considered continuous.

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