# Is function continuous@x=0?

1. Feb 22, 2015

### lep11

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Can f be defined to be continuous at x=0?

f(x)=x/(abs(x-1)-abs(x+1))

Prove why/why not.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
The function is not defined at x=0 because f(0)=[0/0]. Therefore it cannot be continuous at x=0 but it is indeed continuous in its domain. How do I prove it cannot be continuous at x=0?

Last edited: Feb 22, 2015
2. Feb 22, 2015

### pasmith

Can you see how to choose $c$ such that $$f(x) = \begin{cases} c & x = 0, \\ \frac{x}{|1 - x| - |x + 1|} & x \neq 0 \end{cases}$$ is continuous at zero? (Hint: look at $0 < |x| < 1$.)

3. Feb 22, 2015

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
Do you know the definition of continuous? If you do this is easy.

A function, f, is said to be "continuous at x= a" if and only if
1) f(a) exists
2) $\lim_{x\to a} f(x)$
3) $\lim_{x\to a} f(x)= f(a)$

(Since (3) obviously requires (1) and (2), often only three is stated.)

Now the problem does NOT ask whether or not f is continuous at x= 0 (It is obvious that it is not since f(0)- as you imply 0 is not even in the domain. The problem asks "Can f be defined to be continuous at x=0?" That is, can you assign a value to f(0) so that it is continuous?

That only affects (1) so you need to think about (2). If the limit, $$\lim_{x\to 0} f(x)$$, does NOT exist then no value of f at 0 will make it continuous. If it does then it is clear what f(0) must be.

Last edited by a moderator: Feb 22, 2015
4. Feb 22, 2015

### lep11

c= -½ But it's not the same function anymore?

Last edited: Feb 22, 2015
5. Feb 22, 2015

### lep11

I think I need to prove right-handed and left-handed limits are the same so limit at point x=0 exists. It's gonna be a nightmare.

6. Feb 22, 2015

### Dick

It shouldn't be. Take x in the range (-1/2,0) or (0,1/2), then what sign are x-1 and x+1?

7. Feb 22, 2015

### lep11

Well, I have to prove using the definition, not "calculating" the limits.

8. Feb 22, 2015

### Dick

You'll find that very easy once you actually try it.

9. Feb 22, 2015

### lep11

Let 0< x <½ . Then | x/(|x-1|-|x+1|) -(-½)| = ½ | (2x+(|x-1|-|x+1|))/(|x-1|-|x+1|) | = ½ | (2x /(|x-1|-|x+1|) + 1 | = ½ | 2x /(|x-1|-x-1) +1| < | 2x /(|x-1|) +1|<...<...<epsilon whenever 0<x-0<½ ??

10. Feb 22, 2015

### Dick

If x is in (0,1/2) then x+1 is positive, so |x+1|=x+1. x-1 is negative, so |x-1|=(-(x-1))=1-x. Try writing your expression without the absolute values on each interval.

11. Feb 22, 2015

### lep11

Let 0< x <½ .Then x/(|x-1|-|x+1|) = x/(-x+1-x-1)=-½ ?
Let -½<x<0 Then x/(|x-1|-|x+1|) = x/(-x+1-x-1)=-½ ?
However, that is not the epsilon, delta -definition.

Last edited: Feb 22, 2015
12. Feb 22, 2015

### Dick

So once you define f(0)=(-1/2) then your function is the constant function f(x)=(-1/2) on that interval. Apply the epsilon delta definition to that. It's pretty easy.