Is the Limit of a Continuous Function Equal to the Limit of its Variable?

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In summary, the statement that "if f is continuous in some neighborhood of x = a, then \lim_{x \rightarrow a} f(x) = f( \lim_{x \rightarrow a} x)" is true because continuity at a point means that the limit at that point is equal to the value of the function at that point.
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JG89
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If f is continuous in some neighborhood of x = a, then is the following true:

[tex] \lim_{x \rightarrow a} f(x) = f( \lim_{x \rightarrow a} x) [/tex]?
 
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If f is continuous in some neighborhood of x = a, it is also continuous at x = a, because x = a is contained in the neighborhood. The l.h.s equals the r.h.s because of the fact that the limit as x tends to 'a' of f(x) equals 'f(a)' (because of continuity of f) and on the other hand, f of the limit of x as 'x tends to a' is obviously f(a) since lim(x) = a as x --> a
 
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  • #3
JG89 said:
If f is continuous in some neighborhood of x = a, then is the following true:

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

This an anorthodoxe way of writting : f is continuous at x=a <====>
[tex] \lim_{x \rightarrow a} f(x)=f(a)[/tex]

But i suppose is correct since [tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow a}x = a[/tex]
 
  • #4
JG89 said:
If f is continuous in some neighborhood of x = a, then is the following true:

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

That is true. This makes clear the idea of continuity.
 

What is a limit?

A limit in mathematics refers to the value that a function or sequence approaches as the input or index approaches a certain point. It is used to describe the behavior of a function near a particular point.

How do you evaluate limits?

Limits can be evaluated using various methods such as substitution, algebraic manipulation, factoring, and L'Hôpital's rule. The method used depends on the type of limit and the complexity of the function.

What is the difference between one-sided and two-sided limits?

A one-sided limit only considers the behavior of a function from one direction (approaching the limit from the left or right), while a two-sided limit considers the behavior from both directions. One-sided limits are used when the function is not defined at the limit point.

What is the importance of limits in calculus?

Limits are fundamental in calculus as they allow us to study the behavior of functions at specific points and to define important concepts such as continuity, derivatives, and integrals. They also help us analyze the behavior of functions as the input approaches infinity or negative infinity.

Can limits be used to solve real-world problems?

Yes, limits have various applications in real-world problems such as determining the maximum or minimum value of a function, calculating the velocity and acceleration of moving objects, and finding the area under a curve. They are also used in fields such as economics, physics, and engineering.

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