Help with continuity of functions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining values of 'a' that ensure the continuity of three piecewise functions. For function (a), continuity is achieved by equating the two expressions at x = 3, leading to the equation ax^2 = x - 7. For function (b), continuity at x = π requires that sin(aπ) = 1, which implies a = 1. For function (c), continuity at x = 1 necessitates solving x^2 + a^2 = 9 - x, resulting in a specific value for 'a' based on the quadratic equation.

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Cacophony
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Homework Statement



For each of the following functions, find a value of a, (if such a value exists), which makes the function continuous.

a) f(x) = {ax^2...x > 3
...{x - 7...x ≤ 3

b) f(x) = {sin(ax)...x < (pi)
...{1...x ≥ (pi)

c) f(x) = {x^2 + a^2...x > 1
...{9 - x....x ≤ 1

Does anyone know how to do these?
 
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Hi Cacophony! :smile:

for (a), the only difficulty is at x = 3 …

so put the two equations equal at x = 3 :wink:
 
Do you know the definition of "continuous"? That's a good place to start.
 

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