Sketching a graph that meets given condition

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the challenge of sketching a continuous function f defined on the interval [0,1] that takes only two distinct values. Participants note that the solutions manual claims this is impossible, particularly under the interpretation that f must be continuous on (0,1) while taking two values. It is argued that a continuous function must satisfy the intermediate value property, which leads to a contradiction when attempting to assign two distinct values. However, an alternative interpretation suggests that it may be possible if the function is not required to be continuous at the endpoints. Ultimately, the consensus is that the problem's wording significantly influences the feasibility of the task.
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Homework Statement


Sketch the graph of a function f that is defined on [0,1] and meets the given conditions (if possible)

- f is continuous on (0,1), takes on only two distinct values.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/13020084_1115236431831934_1952173744_n.jpg?oh=36c9b39d36f9d87dbfe189161ecdf210&oe=570FDD68

The solutions manual said it is impossible.

What is wrong with this function?
 
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The Subject said:

Homework Statement


Sketch the graph of a function f that is defined on [0,1] and meets the given conditions (if possible)

- f is continuous on (0,1), takes on only two distinct values.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


[ IMG]https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/13020084_1115236431831934_1952173744_n.jpg?oh=36c9b39d36f9d87dbfe189161ecdf210&oe=570FDD68[/PLAIN]

The solutions manual said it is impossible.

What is wrong with this function?
Is it continuous on (0,1) ?
 
So, intuitively no, since "i lifted my pen while drawing this function".

I just googled the definition
(i) the function f is defined at a
Yes

(ii) the limit of f as x approaches a from the right-hand and left-hand limits exist and are equal
If a is the point that jumps, is the lim x-> a = 1 (correct?)

(iii) the limit of f as x approaches a is equal to f(a).
Iim x-> a = 1 does not equal f(a)=2, no

I see
 
A continuous function on an interval(in R), should possesses an intermediate value property. That's why it's impossible
 
The Subject said:

Homework Statement


Sketch the graph of a function f that is defined on [0,1] and meets the given conditions (if possible)

- f is continuous on (0,1), takes on only two distinct values.The solutions manual said it is impossible.

Whether or not it is possible depends on exactly how the problem's wording is interpreted.
Interpretation (1): f is defined on [0,1] and takes two values on that set. It is continuous on (0,1).
Interpretation (2): f is defined on [0,1]. It is continuous on (0,1) and takes two values on that set.

Interpretation (1) is possible, but Interpretation (2) is impossible, for reasons explained already by others.
 
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