Proof that Arcsin x is continuous ....

In summary, the continuity of the function f(x) = Arcsin x on the interval [-1, 1] can be proven by showing that for every point c in the interval and for any positive value of epsilon, there exists a positive value of delta such that the absolute value of the difference between Arcsin x and Arcsin c is less than epsilon whenever the absolute value of the difference between x and c is less than delta. This can also be shown through the characterization of continuous functions as invertible functions.
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Can someone please help me to prove that the function f(x) = Arcsin x is continuous on the interval [-1, 1] ...

Peter
 
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What is the definition of continuous function in general?
 
  • #3
An invertible function, y= f(x), is continuous at [tex]x= x_0[/tex] if and only if [tex]y= f^{-1}(x)[/tex] is continuous at [tex]x= f(x_0)[/tex].
 
  • #4
Cbarker1 said:
What is the definition of continuous function in general?
The definition of continuity in \(\displaystyle \mathbb{R}\) is given in Stephen Abbott's book: Understanding Analysis, as follows:
View attachment 9348
Alternative characterizations of continuity are given by Abbott in Theorem 4.3.2 as follows:
View attachment 9349So to show (from first principles) that \(\displaystyle \text{Arcsin } x\) is continuous on \(\displaystyle [-1, 1]\) we would have to show that given an arbitrary point \(\displaystyle c \in [-1, 1]\) that for every \(\displaystyle \epsilon \gt 0\) we can find \(\displaystyle \delta \gt 0\) such that

\(\displaystyle \mid x - c \mid \lt \delta \ \Longrightarrow \ \mid \text{Arcsin x } - \text{Arcsin } c \mid \lt \epsilon\) ...But how do we proceed ... ?

Peter

- - - Updated - - -

HallsofIvy said:
An invertible function, y= f(x), is continuous at [tex]x= x_0[/tex] if and only if [tex]y= f^{-1}(x)[/tex] is continuous at [tex]x= f(x_0)[/tex].
Thanks for the help, HallsofIvy ...

Peter
 

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  • Abbott - Theorem 4.3.2 ... Characterizations of Continuity ... .png
    Abbott - Theorem 4.3.2 ... Characterizations of Continuity ... .png
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1. What is the definition of continuity for a function?

The definition of continuity for a function is that the function's output values change smoothly and gradually as the input values change. In other words, there are no sudden jumps or breaks in the graph of the function.

2. How can we prove that Arcsin x is continuous?

To prove that Arcsin x is continuous, we need to show that it satisfies the three conditions of continuity: 1) the function is defined at the point, 2) the limit of the function at that point exists, and 3) the limit is equal to the value of the function at that point. Using the definition of Arcsin x and the properties of limits, we can show that all three conditions are met, thus proving that Arcsin x is continuous.

3. What is the domain and range of Arcsin x?

The domain of Arcsin x is [-1, 1], which means that the input values (x) must be between -1 and 1. The range of Arcsin x is [-π/2, π/2], which means that the output values (y) must be between -π/2 and π/2.

4. Can you give an example of a point where Arcsin x is not continuous?

Yes, at x = 1, Arcsin x is not continuous because the limit of the function at x = 1 does not exist. The left-hand limit is π/2 and the right-hand limit is -π/2, which are not equal. This means that there is a sudden jump or break in the graph of the function at x = 1.

5. How does the continuity of Arcsin x affect its inverse function, Sin x?

The continuity of Arcsin x is directly related to the continuity of its inverse function, Sin x. Since Arcsin x is continuous, it means that Sin x is also continuous, which allows us to use the properties of continuity to solve equations involving Sin x. Additionally, the continuity of Arcsin x ensures that the inverse function, Sin x, exists and is also continuous.

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