MHB Finding a value that will make a function continuous

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For a function to be continuous at x=2, the values of the function must be equal from both sides at that point. The equation 5(2)-1 = a(2)^2+1 is used to find the value of 'a' that ensures this continuity. Solving this equation yields a = 2, which is the necessary value for continuity. The intuition behind this is that continuity requires the left-hand limit and right-hand limit to match the function's value at that point. Thus, determining 'a' ensures the function behaves consistently at x=2.
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Hi All, just a question regarding continuous functions.
From what I understand if x > 2, then any value of 'a' should make this function continuous? Any clarification would be very helpful!
Thanks in advance!
 

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Try 5(2)-1 = a(2)^2+1 solve for a
 
Thank you, I get a = 2. Can you please explain to me the intuition behind that? Why is it that I have to use 5(2)-1 = a(2)^2+1 and solve for a?
 
For the function to be continuous at x=2, then they must be equal at that point.
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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