Prove f(x) Continuous at x=1/2 for x Rational, Irrational

  • Thread starter Thread starter ashok vardhan
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the continuity of a piecewise function defined as f(x) = x for rational x and f(x) = 1 - x for irrational x, specifically at the point x = 1/2. The original poster seeks to establish that f(x) is only continuous at this point.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for a mathematical proof, with one suggesting the use of sequences of rational and irrational numbers converging to a point. Another participant mentions having solved the problem but struggles with the epsilon-delta definition of continuity.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some members providing nudges and reminders about the expectation to show attempts before receiving help. There is a mix of exploration of different approaches and clarification of concepts related to continuity.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of using epsilon-delta arguments in their proofs, and there is a reminder about the necessity of showing work before asking for assistance. Additionally, a new problem regarding the continuity of a different function is introduced, which may lead to confusion in the discussion.

ashok vardhan
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
f[x]=x,x is rational, 1-x, x is irrational. prove that f(x) is only continuous at x=1/2.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
please give a proper mathematical solution to this
 
Why? It looks like homework to me. You need to try yourself, first, and show us what you have.

Here's a nudge: for any x, there exist a sequence of rational numbers converging to x and there exist a sequence or irrational numbers converging to x.
 
i have already solved the problem in the way you suggested.but i have a problem in solving it using epsilon and those things
 
Reminder: members are expected to show their attempt at solving a problem before they receive help.

ashok vardhan: please see your Private Messages for an important message, if you have not already done so.
 
f(x+y)=f(x)+f(y).f is continuous at x=0.prove that f(kx)=kf(x). i have proved it for k os an integer.for k a rational number i assumed it to be of p/q.and i can't proceed further to prove this. would you like to help in this
 
Is this a completely new problem? f(x+ y) is definitely NOT equal to f(x)+ f(y) for the problem you gave before. For example, [itex]1+ \sqrt{2}[/itex] is irrational and so [itex]f(1+ \sqrt{2})= 1- (1+ \sqrt{2})= -\sqrt{2}[/itex] but since 1 is rational and [itex]\sqrt{2}[/itex] is irrational, [itex]f(1)+ f(\sqrt{2})= 1+ (1- \sqrt{2})= 2- \sqrt{2}[/itex].

You didn't say anything about using [itex]\epsilon[/itex] and [itex]\delta[/itex] in your first post. If you are not allowed to use "[itex]\lim_{x\to a} f(x)= L[/itex] if and only if, for any sequence [itex]\{x_n\}[/itex] that converges to a, the sequence [itex]\{f(x_n)\}[/itex] converges to L", then copy the proof of that theorem, for this particular function.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
5K
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K