Function f(x) such that it's continuous

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The discussion centers on the concept of limits in calculus, specifically addressing the continuity of a function and the definitions of variables involved in limit calculations. It clarifies that the limit of a function as x approaches a value a is defined by the relationship between ε (the desired closeness to the limit) and δ (the allowable deviation in x). A key point made is that the limit does not depend on the function's value at a but rather on the behavior of the function as x approaches a. The example of a piecewise function illustrates that the limit can differ from the function's value at that point, emphasizing the importance of understanding one-sided limits. Overall, the conversation reinforces the need for a solid grasp of limit definitions to avoid confusion in calculus.
  • #31


LaTeX Code: \\lim_{x\\to a} f(x)= L
It means that the value of x reaches a, the value of f(x) also reaches L.

this is more like:

AS x APPROACHES a, f(x) APPROACHES L. If x reaches a, then f(x) is just f(a), but I'm pretty sure you have the idea, f(x) may not be able to reach f(a) - then the limit of that "approach" is L.
 
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  • #32


The distance form f(x) to L, f(x)- L (not f(x) alone), can be larger than \epsilon for some x, just not for x "sufficiently close" to a. Once x is within some distance of a, |f(x)- L| cannot exceed \epsilon. And that "distance" is, of course, \delta.

Yes, I was expecting this barrier...thanks for telling.

Close but not exactly. The value f(x) "reaches" when x reaches a is f(a). The question is what happens when x is close to a but not equal to a.

Yes, I'll modify that sentence accordingly.

It should be close.

Ok then, thanks everyone!
 

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