Proving Continuity of a Rational Function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the continuity of a rational function, specifically the function (2x-1)/(x^2+1) for x in the real numbers. Participants are exploring the definitions and theorems related to continuity in the context of rational functions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the definition of continuity and theorems regarding the continuity of sums, products, and quotients of functions. There is an exploration of whether the continuity of component functions can be applied to the overall function. Questions arise about proving continuity for other functions, such as f(x)=x/(x+1) and its conditions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the definitions and theorems of continuity. Some have provided guidance on proving continuity for specific functions, while others are questioning the applicability of certain theorems and definitions. Multiple interpretations of the continuity conditions are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific conditions under which functions are defined, such as the restriction for the logarithmic function ln(x-2) requiring x > 2. Participants are also adhering to the original definitions and theorems provided in the initial post.

Дьявол
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Homework Statement



Prove that the function:

[tex]\frac{2x-1}{x^2+1}, x \in \mathbb{R}[/tex]

is continuous.

Homework Equations


Definition 1.

The function y=f(x) satisfied by the set Df is continuous in the point x=a only if:

10 f(x) is defined in the point x=a i.e. [itex]a \in D_f[/itex]

20 there is bound [tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow a}f(x)[/tex]

30 [tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow a}f(x)=f(a)[/tex]

Theorem 1.
If the functions y=f(x) and y=g(x) are continuous in the point x=a Є Df ∩ Dg, then in the point x=a these functions are continuous:
y=f(x)+g(x), y=f(x)g(x) and y=f(x)/g(x), if g(a) ≠ 0.

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried using the definition 1.

But also this function is composition of two functions f(x) and g(x), so can I use the fact that f(x)=2x-1 and g(x)=x2+1 are continuous, and y=f(x)/g(x), g(a) ≠ 0 since x2+1 ≠ 0 ?
 
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Let f(x) = 2x - 1 and g(x) = x^2 + 1. Are f(x) and g(x) continuous functions? Is f(x)/g(x) continuous on it's domain?
 
Yes, that's what I thought.
But how will I prove for f(x)=x/(x+1), x Є R \ {-1} ?
 
Do you know (or are allowed to use) the Algebraic Continuity Theorem?
 
Дьявол said:
Yes, that's what I thought.
But how will I prove for f(x)=x/(x+1), x Є R \ {-1} ?

You can show that f(x) = x/(x + 1) satisfies all three of the conditions you listed in your first post. I.e., a) that f is defined at a (where a != -1, which is not in R \ {-1}), b) lim f(x) as x approaches a exists, and c) lim f(x) = f(a), as x approaches a.
 
VeeEight said:
Do you know (or are allowed to use) the Algebraic Continuity Theorem?
VeeEight could you please specify on what theorem do you mean? I am supposed to use the definition 1. or theorem 1. in the first post.
Mark44 said:
You can show that f(x) = x/(x + 1) satisfies all three of the conditions you listed in your first post. I.e., a) that f is defined at a (where a != -1, which is not in R \ {-1}), b) lim f(x) as x approaches a exists, and c) lim f(x) = f(a), as x approaches a.
10 f(a)= a/(a+1)

20 [tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow a}f(x)=\lim_{x \rightarrow a}\frac{x}{x+1}=\frac{\lim_{x \rightarrow a}(x)}{\lim_{x \rightarrow a}(x+1)}=\frac{a}{a+1}[/tex]

30 [tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow a}f(x)=\frac{a}{a+1}=f(a)[/tex]

Should I prove the other tasks like this?

Because I got:

f(x)=sin(2x+3), x Є R

and

f(x)=ln(x-2), x Є R

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Yes, except for ln(x - 2), it must be that x > 2.
 

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