Continuity of a Function

A function is continuous at point a if three conditions are met: the function is defined at a, the limit exists as x approaches a, and this limit equals the function's value at a. These conditions ensure the graph has no breaks, holes, or jumps at that point.

A removable discontinuity occurs when the two-sided limit exists but the function is undefined or misdefined at that point. You can resolve it by redefining the function value to match the limit. For example, as x approaches 1, outputs approach 2, so redefining the function at x = 1 to equal 2 removes the discontinuity.

Jump discontinuities occur when left-hand and right-hand limits are both finite but unequal, causing sudden changes in the graph. Infinite discontinuities happen when the function approaches infinity or negative infinity near a point, such as f(x) = 1/x² at x = 0, where the function grows without bound.

A vertical asymptote occurs where a curve shoots upward or downward infinitely without touching a vertical line. This indicates an infinite discontinuity at that point, meaning the function is not continuous there because it grows without bound as x approaches that value.

A function is continuous at a point if two points approaching from opposite directions meet smoothly without breaks or jumps. Smooth movement along the curve indicates continuity. If the graph has holes, vertical jumps, or vertical asymptotes, the function is discontinuous at those locations.

One-sided continuity occurs at interval endpoints where you only check continuity from one direction. For continuity on a closed interval, the function must be continuous at all interior points and satisfy one-sided continuity at the interval's endpoints, ensuring no breaks across the entire interval.

Limits are fundamental because continuity requires that the limit as x approaches a point must exist and equal the function's value at that point. By evaluating limits, you can identify whether discontinuities are removable or permanent, making limits the foundation for analyzing continuity.