What Are the Values of a for Which the Given Function is Continuous at x=0?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Yankel
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Continuous Function
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The function defined as \( f(x) = \begin{cases} x^{a} \cdot \sin\frac{1}{x} & x \neq 0 \\ 0 & x = 0 \end{cases} \) is continuous at \( x = 0 \) if \( a > 0 \). The limit as \( x \) approaches 0, \( \lim_{x \to 0} x^{a} \cdot \sin\frac{1}{x} \), must equal \( f(0) = 0 \). By applying the Squeeze Theorem, it is established that for continuity, the condition \( a > 0 \) is necessary to ensure the limit converges to 0.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with the Squeeze Theorem
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically sine
  • Basic concepts of continuity in mathematical functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Squeeze Theorem in detail to understand its applications
  • Explore the properties of trigonometric limits
  • Learn about the implications of continuity at points in calculus
  • Investigate the behavior of functions defined piecewise
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, mathematics educators, and anyone studying the continuity of functions in real analysis will benefit from this discussion.

Yankel
Messages
390
Reaction score
0
Hello

I need some help with this question please:

For which values of a the next function is continuous at x=0 ?

\left\{\begin{matrix} x^{a}\cdot sin\frac{1}{x} & x\neq 0\\ 0 & x=0 \end{matrix}\right.

I know that for it to be continuous at x=0, I need f(0)=lim x-->0

So I tried calculating the limit, and got to:

\lim_{x\to0}x^{a-1}\cdot sin\frac{1}{x}\cdot xnot sure I am correct, but anyhow do not know how to proceed. What I tried to do was to bring the limit to a known form
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I would think about the squeeze theorem, and the fact that $-1\le \sin(x)\le 1\;\forall\,x$.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
859
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K