Is Analyticity Equivalent to Continuity?

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In summary, being continuous does not necessarily mean a function is analytic, but being analytic does mean it is continuous. However, being smooth is not enough to be analytic, as shown by the example provided.
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lavster
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if a function is continuous, does this mean that it is analytic. And if a function is analytic does this mean it is continuous?

thanks
 
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  • #2
lavster said:
if a function is continuous, does this mean that it is analytic.

No. For example, f(x) = |x| is not differentiable at x = 0. However, it is continuous.

lavster said:
And if a function is analytic does this mean it is continuous?
thanks

Yes. Every analytic function has the property of being infinitely differentiable. Since the derivative is defined and continuous, the function is continuous everywhere.
 
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exellent -cheers :)
 
  • #4
An analytic function is a function that can can be represented as a power series polynomial (either real or complex).

That is it posesseses a Taylor/Mclaurin expansion.
 
  • #5
Not exactly true. A function is analytic at a point [itex] z_0 [/itex] if it is smooth (infinitely differentiable) there, and it's Taylor Series centered at [itex] z_0 [/itex] converges to the function on some open set containing [itex] z_0 [/itex].

Merely being smooth is not enough - For example
[tex] f(x)=\begin{cases}\exp(-1/x) \mbox{ if } x> 0 \\ 0 \mbox{ if }x\le0,\end{cases} [/tex]

This function is smooth at 0, with all its derivatives there being 0. Thus, it has a Taylor Series expansion at x=0, [tex] \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{0}{n!} x^n = 0 [/tex], but that does not coincide with the value of the function for any positive x, so f(x) is smooth (and has a Taylor Expansion), but is not analytic.
 

1. What is a continuous function?

A continuous function is a type of mathematical function where the output value changes smoothly as the input value changes. This means that there are no sudden jumps or breaks in the graph of the function.

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

A function is continuous if it satisfies the three conditions of continuity: it is defined at every point in its domain, its limit exists at every point, and the limit value is equal to the function value at that point.

3. What is the difference between a continuous function and a discontinuous function?

A continuous function is one that does not have any breaks or jumps in its graph, while a discontinuous function has at least one point where the function is not defined or has a different limit value than the function value at that point.

4. Can a function be continuous at some points and discontinuous at others?

Yes, a function can be continuous at some points and discontinuous at others. This is known as a piecewise continuous function, where the function is defined differently on different intervals of the domain.

5. What is the importance of continuous functions in mathematics and science?

Continuous functions are important in mathematics and science as they allow us to model and analyze real-world phenomena. They are also essential in calculus, where they are used to calculate derivatives and integrals. In science, continuous functions are used to describe physical processes and make predictions about their behavior.

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