Continuous functions, confusion with notation.

In summary, the discussion is about the continuity of a function F(x) defined on the set D=(0,2)\{1} with two intervals (0,1) and (1,2) defined by functions f and g respectively. The notation (0,2)\{1} means that the set D does not include the number 1. The function F is continuous as per the given definition of continuity.
  • #1
*melinda*
86
0
hi,
My question reads:

Let [itex]f[/itex] be defined and continuous on the interval [itex]D_1 = (0, 1)[/itex],

and [itex]g[/itex] be defined and continuous on the interval [itex]D_2 = (1, 2)[/itex].

Define [itex]F(x)[/itex] on the set [itex]D=D_1 \cup D_2 =(0, 2) \backslash \{1\}[/itex] by the formula:

[tex]F(x)=f(x)[/tex], [tex]x\in (0, 1)[/tex]

[tex]F(x)=g(x)[/tex], [tex]x\in (1, 2)[/tex]

Is [itex]F[/itex] continuous or discontinuous?

My confusion is with the notation, [itex]D=D_1 \cup D_2 =(0, 2) \backslash \{1\}[/itex].

Does the [itex](0, 2) \backslash \{1\}[/itex] mean that set [itex]D[/itex] does not include the number 1?

Also, if the above is true wouldn't that mean that [itex]F[/itex] is discontinuous?
 
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  • #2
*melinda* said:
hi,
My question reads:
Let [itex]f[/itex] be defined and continuous on the interval [itex]D_1 = (0, 1)[/itex],
and [itex]g[/itex] be defined and continuous on the interval [itex]D_2 = (1, 2)[/itex].
Define [itex]F(x)[/itex] on the set [itex]D=D_1 \cup D_2 =(0, 2) \backslash \{1\}[/itex] by the formula:
[tex]F(x)=f(x)[/tex], [tex]x\in (0, 1)[/tex]
[tex]F(x)=g(x)[/tex], [tex]x\in (1, 2)[/tex]
Is [itex]F[/itex] continuous or discontinuous?
My confusion is with the notation, [itex]D=D_1 \cup D_2 =(0, 2) \backslash \{1\}[/itex].
Does the [itex](0, 2) \backslash \{1\}[/itex] mean that set [itex]D[/itex] does not include the number 1?
Also, if the above is true wouldn't that mean that [itex]F[/itex] is discontinuous?
(0,2)\{1} is indeed the set of all x such that
0<x<2 and x!=1
as is clear from its definition by union
1 is in neither set so 1 is not in the union
the function F is continuous
This is a bit dependent on the exact definition used I presume

A function f:R->R (or some subset there of) is continuous on a set S if
for any x in S and h>0 there exist d(h,x)>0 such that
|f(x)-f(a)|<h for all x in S that satisfy |x-a|<d(h,x)

(using this definition a function is continuous at isolated points, ie the function f:{1,2}->{1,2} f(1)=2 f(2)=1 is continuous on {1,2} as |f(x)-1|<h for all points x such that x is in S and |x-1|<.999 as the only such value is x=1 likewise for x=2)

Thus for F(x) consider a in D
either f of g is continuous at the point, and F is defined using f and g
 

FAQ: Continuous functions, confusion with notation.

1. What is a continuous function?

A continuous function is a type of mathematical function that maintains its value throughout a given interval or domain. This means that there are no abrupt changes or breaks in the graph of the function, and it can be drawn without lifting the pen from the paper.

2. How is continuity different from differentiability?

Continuity refers to the smoothness and connectedness of a function, while differentiability refers to the existence of a derivative at a given point on the function. A function can be continuous without being differentiable, but if a function is differentiable, it must also be continuous.

3. What is the difference between a continuous function and a discontinuous function?

A continuous function is one that is smooth and unbroken throughout its domain, while a discontinuous function has breaks, jumps, or gaps in its graph. In other words, a continuous function can be drawn without lifting the pen from the paper, while a discontinuous function cannot.

4. How can I identify if a function is continuous?

A function is continuous if it does not have any abrupt changes or breaks in its graph, and if the values of the function at points close to each other are also close in value. This can also be checked using the formal definition of continuity, which states that for a function f(x) to be continuous at a point a, the limit of f(x) as x approaches a must be equal to f(a).

5. Why is notation sometimes confusing when studying continuous functions?

Notation can be confusing when studying continuous functions because there are different ways to represent the same concept. For example, some may use the notation f(x) to represent a function, while others may use y = f(x). Additionally, there are different types of notation used to represent continuity, such as the epsilon-delta definition or the use of limits. It is important to understand the notation being used and how it relates to the concept of continuous functions.

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