Continuous Function Homework: Determine & Sketch

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The function f(t) is defined as 10-t for 0≤t≤8 and 10 for 8≤t≤10. It is piecewise continuous because it is continuous within each interval, despite the right-hand limit at t=8 not matching the left-hand limit. A continuous function must be continuous everywhere, while a piecewise continuous function is continuous on the interior of its defined segments. The discussion clarifies the distinction between continuous and piecewise continuous functions. The conclusion is that f(t) is piecewise continuous, not neither.
kieranl
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Homework Statement



Determine whether the function is continuous, piecewise continuous or neither on the segment [0, 10] and sketch the graph of f(t).

f(t)= {10-t, 0<=t<=8 and 10, 8<=t<=10)

The Attempt at a Solution



I would say that it was neither as the right hand limit at t = 8 doesn't equal the left hand limit. But I am not sure wat the difference is between a continuous function and a piecewise continuous function?

thanks for any help
 
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You are absolutely right. A piecewise continuous function is continuous on the interior of each of the pieces, a continuous function is continuous everywhere.
 
No, Dick, NOT "absolutely right". That function is equal to 10- t for 0\le t\le 8 and 10 for 8\le t\le 10 so it is continuous on the interior of each of those intervals and is "piecewise continuous", not "neither".
 
HallsofIvy said:
No, Dick, NOT "absolutely right". That function is equal to 10- t for 0\le t\le 8 and 10 for 8\le t\le 10 so it is continuous on the interior of each of those intervals and is "piecewise continuous", not "neither".


Right. I only saw that 'the limit doesn't exist' and missed the 'neither'. Thanks.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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