Understanding Continuity: Exceptions to the Definition | Question on Continuity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition of continuity in mathematics, specifically questioning the statement that a function f is continuous at a number a if lim x->a f(x) = f(a). The original poster expresses skepticism about this definition and seeks clarification on any potential exceptions or inaccuracies.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions the validity of the continuity definition and asks for exceptions, drawing parallels to previous misunderstandings about function solutions. Some participants respond by emphasizing the importance of domain in defining functions and continuity.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring the definition of continuity and its implications. There is a mix of perspectives, with some asserting that there are no exceptions to the definition while others highlight the role of domain in understanding function behavior.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the context typically clarifies the domain for equations, suggesting that assumptions about the set of numbers involved can lead to misunderstandings.

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Homework Statement



Ok my book tells me

A function f is continuous at a number a if

lim x->a f(x) = f(a)

and I'm not buying it

Like sure it makes sense but I'm wondering if someone can tell me the exceptions to this definition or if it's just completely wrong

you know like sort of like how when I was told many years ago

cox(x)=-2 had no solutions

only to find out it did...

like so can someone tell me if the definition my book gives me is strictly speaking correct... please tell me all exceptions or if it's wrong like for example maybe the complex logarithm maybe?

Thanks

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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GreenPrint said:

Homework Statement



Ok my book tells me

A function f is continuous at a number a if

lim x->a f(x) = f(a)

and I'm not buying it

Like sure it makes sense but I'm wondering if someone can tell me the exceptions to this definition or if it's just completely wrong
There are no exceptions.
GreenPrint said:
you know like sort of like how when I was told many years ago

cox(x)=-2 had no solutions
Why are you dragging this up again? It was explained to you that equations have domains on which they are defined. If x is a real number, then cos(x) = -2 has no solutions. If x is a complex number, then this equation has solutions.
GreenPrint said:
only to find out it did...

like so can someone tell me if the definition my book gives me is strictly speaking correct... please tell me all exceptions or if it's wrong like for example maybe the complex logarithm maybe?

Thanks
 
Thanks... I just wanted to make sure =). Yes I know they have domains but when their not specified one cannot assume that x is in the set of reals, especially when you were taught it about other number systems...

I just wanted to make sure and thanks!
 
The context of the problem usually makes it clear what the domain for an equation is.
 
GreenPrint said:

Homework Statement



Ok my book tells me

A function f is continuous at a number a if

lim x->a f(x) = f(a)

and I'm not buying it

Like sure it makes sense but I'm wondering if someone can tell me the exceptions to this definition or if it's just completely wrong

you know like sort of like how when I was told many years ago

cox(x)=-2 had no solutions

only to find out it did...

like so can someone tell me if the definition my book gives me is strictly speaking correct... please tell me all exceptions or if it's wrong like for example maybe the complex logarithm maybe?

Thanks

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


What you quoted is the DEFINITION of continuity. Not buying a definition is a little strange. Do you have a different definition of continuity?
 

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