SUMMARY
The discussion focuses on determining the properties of four specific functions regarding their piecewise continuity and piecewise smoothness. The functions analyzed are: $f(x)=\sin(\frac{1}{x})$, $f(x)=x\sin(\frac{1}{x})$, $f(x)={x}^{2}\sin(\frac{1}{x})$, and $f(x)={x}^{3}\sin(\frac{1}{x})$. It is established that $f(x)=\sin(\frac{1}{x})$ is piecewise continuous but not piecewise smooth due to discontinuities in its first derivative. The other functions are piecewise continuous and piecewise smooth as their first derivatives remain continuous.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of piecewise functions
- Knowledge of limits and continuity
- Familiarity with derivatives and their continuity
- Basic trigonometric functions and their properties
NEXT STEPS
- Study the concept of piecewise continuity in depth
- Learn about piecewise smooth functions and their characteristics
- Explore the behavior of limits involving trigonometric functions
- Investigate the implications of continuity on the derivatives of functions
USEFUL FOR
Mathematicians, calculus students, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of piecewise functions and their properties in mathematical analysis.