Proving Continuity of Absolute Value Functions | Adv. Calc 1 Homework

  • Thread starter Thread starter chief12
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Calc 1 Continuity
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the continuity of the absolute value function a(x) = |x| from R to R and the continuity of the absolute value of a function f: D → R at a point x = a, given that f is continuous at that point. The proof for part 1 requires demonstrating that for any ε > 0, there exists a δ such that if |x - a| < δ, then |f(x) - f(a)| < ε. The final proof should clarify the relationship between |f(x)| and |f(a)|, ensuring the argument is robust and precise.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of continuity in real-valued functions
  • Familiarity with the epsilon-delta definition of limits
  • Knowledge of absolute value properties
  • Basic skills in mathematical proof writing
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the epsilon-delta definition of continuity in depth
  • Learn about the properties of absolute value functions in calculus
  • Practice writing formal proofs for continuity of various functions
  • Explore the implications of continuity in real analysis
USEFUL FOR

Students in advanced calculus, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the continuity of functions and proof techniques in real analysis.

chief12
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


part 1)Show the function a(x)=|x| is a continuous function from R to R;

part 2)

Prove that if the functions f: D--> R is continuous at x=a, then l f l (absolute value of f) is also continuous at x=a.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


part 1) since a(x) = |x|, then given any [tex]\epsilon[/tex] > 0, then for all l f(x) - f(a) l < [tex]\epsilon[/tex], since l x - a l < [tex]\delta[/tex] when delta = epsilon, since f(x) = l x l


part 2) since f is continuous, then the absolute value of f is also continuous since it doesn't change any of the relationships

then given any [tex]\epsilon[/tex] > 0, then for all l f(x) - f(a) l < [tex]\epsilon[/tex], since l x - a l < [tex]\delta[/tex] when delta = epsilon, since f(x) = l x l
 
Physics news on Phys.org
chief12 said:

Homework Statement


part 1)Show the function a(x)=|x| is a continuous function from R to R;

part 2)

Prove that if the functions f: D--> R is continuous at x=a, then l f l (absolute value of f) is also continuous at x=a.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


part 1) since a(x) = |x|, then given any [tex]\epsilon[/tex] > 0, then for all l f(x) - f(a) l < [tex]\epsilon[/tex], since l x - a l < [tex]\delta[/tex] when delta = epsilon, since f(x) = l x l

Not quite. Both the argument and the writeup need improvement.

Your final proof for part 1 should look something like this:

Suppose ε > 0. Pick δ = ε (if that is what works). Then if |x-a| < δ you have... At this point you need to give an argument to show that

|f(x) - f(a)| = | |x| - |a| |< ε

I used f(x) instead of a(x) for your function so it doesn't use "a" twice.
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K