QuestionSuppose that . What can you say about the value of ?
We can say .
We can say is an open point.
We can say .
We can say .
In general, nothing can be said about the value of .
What if is continuous?
We can say .
We can say is an open point.
We can say .
We can say .
In general, nothing can be said about the value of .
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
What is this asking?
If we know a function approaches a value as its input approaches a point, can we say anything about the function's *actual* value at that point?
What if the function is continuous?
Watch out!
Don't assume the limit of a function at a point is the same as the function's value at that point!
That's only true if the function is **continuous** at that point.
STEP 2
1. Limit Definition
2. Continuity Definition
3. Analyze the Problem
STEP 3
Let's remember what a **limit** means!
The expression means as gets *really* close to , gets *really* close to **7**.
Notice, we're talking about what happens *near* , not *at* .
STEP 4
Now, a function is **continuous** at a point if the limit of the function as the input approaches that point is *equal* to the function's value at that point.
In math terms, is continuous at if .
STEP 5
The problem tells us .
This tells us *nothing* about !
The function could be defined at , undefined at , or even be a completely different value like !
STEP 6
However, if is **continuous**, then by definition, the limit and the function's value at that point *must* be the same!
So, if is continuous at , then we *know* !
STEP 7
If we only know the limit of as approaches is **7**, we can't say *anything* about .
But, if is **continuous** at , then we know .
Was this helpful?