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1. A continuous function
The first graph shown, a piece of a parabola, is continuous on [0,2].
If k = 1, is there some input value of c that will make f (c) = k ?
Move the c slider, or type a
guess into the input box for c, so that the crosshair is
horizontally at the same level as y = k = 1. Of course, the answer is that c = 1. Note that for any k from 0 to 4 (which are just the
values of f (0) and f (2) ) there is some c that
will give you this value out of the function.
2. Also continuous
Select the second example. This piece of a stretched sine curve is also
continuous on [0,2]. If k = 1, is there some input value of c that will make f (c) = k ?
Move the c slider, or type a guess into the input box for c to find a c that makes y = k = 1.
In this case, there are two possible answers for c that work. This is
okay, as the Intermediate Value Theorem only says that there will be at
least one c, not that there will be exactly one.
This example shows how the Intermediate Value Theorem only ensures output values between f(a) and f(b) even though there are more values outside this part of the range. We can't tell without looking at the graph that there are other output values but the theorem guarantees it between a and b without having to look at the graph.
3. Essential discontinuity
Select the third example. This function has a vertical asymptote at x = 1 and so is not continuous.
If k = 0.5, is there some input value of c that will make f (c) = k ?
Move the c slider, or type a guess into the input box for c . In this case nothing works. The
discontinuity allows the function to "skip over" y = 0.5, and in
fact skips over all the output values between -1 and 1.
4. Jump discontinuity
Select the fourth example. This function jumps from 1 to 2 at x = 1, called a jump discontinuity and so is not continuous. If k = 1.5, is there some input value of c that
will make f (c) = k ? Move the c slider, or
type a guess into the input box for c. In this case nothing works.
The discontinuity allows the function to "skip over" y = 1.5.
5. Removable discontinuity
Select the fifth example. This function has a hole in it at x =
1, called a removable discontinuity and so is not continuous. If k = 1, is there some input value of c that
will make f (c) = k ? Move the c slider, or
type a guess into the input box for c . In this case nothing
works. The discontinuity allows the function to "skip over" y = 1.
Other differentiation topics
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