TARGET JEE (MAIN ADVANCED)

SHORT NOTES
on
CONTINIUITY
OF
FUNCTION
44 C ON TINUITY OF FUN CTION

CONTINUITY

1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION :

After conceiving the notion of limits the next element which is taken into consideration is the continuity of
function. Qualitatively the graph of a function is said to be continuous at x = a if while travelling along the
graph of the function and in crossing over the point at x = a either from Left to Right or from Right to
Left one does not have to lift his pen. In case one has to lift his pen the graph of the function is said to
have a break or discontinuity at x = a. Different type of situations which may come up at x = a along the
graph can be :

Figure (2) – (6) is discontinuous at x = a and in figure (1) f is continuous at x = a

2. DEFINITION OF CONTINUITY OF A FUNCTION :

A function f(x) is said to be continuous at x = a,

if Lim f(x) = f (a).
x a
 Lim f(a – h)= Lim f (a + h) = f (a) = a finite quantity..
h 0 h 0
i.e. LHL at (x = a) = RHL at (x = a) = value of f (x) at (x = a) = a finite quantity.
Note:
(i) Continuity at x = a  existence of limit at x = a, but not the converse
(ii) Continuity at x = a  f is well defined at x = a, but not the converse
(iii) Discontinuity at x = a is meaningful to talk if in the immediate neighbourhood of
x = a, i.e. the function has a graph in the immediate neighbourhood of x = a, not necessarily at x = a.
1 1
(iv) Continuity is always talked in the domain of function and hence f (x) = , , tan x are all continuous
x 1 x
1 1
functions but if you want to talk of discontinuity then we can say is discontinuous at x = 1, is
x 1 x
discontinuous at x = 0.
Note that all rational functions are continuous. Because continuity is always talked in the domain of f (x).
(v) Point function are continuous.
e.g. 1  x  x 1 , x  x
CON TINUITY OF FUN CTION 45

(vi) Inverse of a discontinuous function can be continuous.

1  x 2 if x  0
 if x  0
e.g. f (x) = 0 is discontinuous at x = 0 but its inverse function
2
 (1  x ) if x  0
 x  1 if x  1
0 if x  0
f–1(x) =  which is a continuous function and its graph is as shown.
  (1  x ) if x  1

f (x) 1+x2 f –1 (x)

1
–1
x x
0 0 1
–1
–(1+x2)

3. CONTINUITY IN AN INTERVAL :

(a) A function f is said to be continuous in (a, b) if f is continuous at each & every point (a, b).
(b) A function f is said to be continuous in a closed interval a , b if :
(i) f is continuous in the open interval (a , b) &
(ii) f is right continuous at ‘a’ i.e. Lim f(x) = f(a) = a finite quantity .
x a 

(iii) f is left continuous at ‘b’ i.e. Lim f(x) = f(b) = a finite quantity .
x b

4. REASONS OF DISCONTINUITY :
A function can be discontinuous due to the following reasons.
(i) Lim f (x) does not exist ( f (a) may or may not be defined)
x a
i.e. Lim f (a + h)  Lim f (a – h)
h 0 h 0
e.g. f (x) = [x] discontinuous at all integer points f (x) = sgn x discontinuous at x = 0
x
f (x) = discontinuous at x = 1.
x 1
(ii) Lim f (x) exist but is not equal to f (a) i.e. Lim f (a + h) = Lim f (a – h)  f (a)
x a h 0 h 0

x
(1  x ) tan if x  1
f (x) =  2
 
if x  1
2
 x  h 2
Lim f ( x )  Lim 1  x  tan   = Lim 
x 1 x 1  2  h 1  h  
tan 
 2 
 Lim f ( x )  f (1)  f(x) is discontinuous at x = 1.
x 1
46 C ON TINUITY OF FUN CTION

(iii) f (a) is not defined

1
eg. f (x) = x  1
(iv) To understand explicitly the reasons of discontinuity. Consider the following graph of a function.

(a) f is continuous at x = 0 and x = 4

(b) f is discontinuous at x = 1 as limit does not

exist

(c) f is discontinuous at x = 2 as f (2) is not

defined although limit exist.
O
(d) f is discontinuous at x = 3 as
Lim f (x)  f (3)
x 3

(e) f is discontinuous at x = 5 as neither the

limit exist nor f is defined at x = 5

Note:
(i) Every polynomial function is continous at every point of the real line.
f (x) = a0xn + a1xn–1 + a2xn–2 + …… + an  x  R
(ii) Every rational function is continuous at every point where its denominator is different from zero.
(iii) Logarithmic functions, exponential functions, trigonometric functions, inverse circular functions, and
modulus functions are continuous in their domain.

Illustration :

Find the points of discontinuity of the following functions.

1 1 1 1
(i) f (x) = ; (ii) f (x) = 2 ; (iii) f (x) = 4 ; (iv) f (x) = x 1
2 sin x  1 x  3 | x | 2 x  x2  1 1  e x 2
(v) f (x) = [[x]] – [x – 1], where [·] represents the greatest integer function.
Sol.
1
(i) f (x) =
2 sin x  1
f (x) is discontinuous when 2 sin x – 1 = 0
1  5
 sin x =  x = 2n + or x = 2n + ,nZ
2 6 6
1
(ii) f(x) 2
x  3 | x | 2
f (x) is discontinuous when x2 – 3| x | + 2 = 0
 | x |2 – 3| x | + 2 = 0  (| x | – 1) (| x | – 2) = 0  | x | = 1, 2  x = ±1, ±2
CON TINUITY OF FUN CTION 47

1 1
(iii) f(x) 
x  x  1  2 1 2 3
4 2
x   
 2 4
2
 2 1 3
Now, + + 1 =  x   +  1  x  R
x4 x2
 2 4
 f (x) is continuous  x  R

1
(iv) f (x) = x 1
1  e x 2
f (x) is discontinuous when x – 2 = 0 also
x 1
when 1  e x 2 = 0
x 1
 x = 2 and e x2 = 1
x 1
 x = 2 and =0
x2
 x = 2 and x = 1

(v) f (x) = [[x]] – [x – 1] = [x] – ([x] – 1) = 1

 f (x) is continuous  x  R.

Illustration :
2
cot x
 (cos x ) x0
(a) f (x) =  1 2 find whether the f (x) is continuous at x = 0 or not.
 e if x0

( e x  1 )3 cosec( ax )
 x0
ln( 1  x 2 )
(b) If f (x) =  is continuous, find b.

b x0
Sol.

Lim f ( x )  Lim cos x cot

2
x
(a)
x 0 x 0

 1 cos x  x2 1
Lim cos x  1  cot 2 x Lim
=e
x0
e x 0 x2 tan 2 x  e2  f 0   f(x) is continuous at x = 0.

3
 ex  1 
 
( e x  1 )3 cosec ( ax )  x 
Lim   · x 
(b) 2 = Lim  
x 0 ln ( 1  x ) x  0 ln ( 1  x 2 )  sin ax 

x2

1
b= .
a
48 C ON TINUITY OF FUN CTION

Illustration :

π
x  a 2 sin x 0x
 4
 π π
Find the values of 'a' and 'b' so that the function f (x)=  2 x cot x  b x
4 2
 
a cos 2 x  b sin x  x 
2

is continuous in [0, ]
Sol.

   
f(x) is continuous in the interval 0  x  , x ,  x  .
4 4 2 2

 
We need to make the function continuous at x  ,
4 2

  
For continuity at x = , Lim f ( x ) = Lim f ( x ) = f  
4   4
x x
4 4

Lim x  a 
2 sin x  Lim 2 x cot x  b    
f  
 
x  

 
x  

4
4 4

        
  a 2 sin   2 · · cot    b = 2 · cot    b
4 4 4 4 4 4

  
 a  b  a – b = .........(1)
4 2 4

  
For continuity at x = , Lim f ( x )  Lim f ( x )  f  
2   2
x x
2 2

Lim 2 x cot x  b   Lim a cos 2 x  b sin x   a cos   b sin 

   

x x  
2 2

 0 + b = – a – b  a + 2b = 0 .........(2)
From equation (1) and (2)

 
a= ,b= .
6 12
CON TINUITY OF FUN CTION 49

 1  cos 4 x if x  0
 x2
 if x  0
Illustration : f (x)=  a
 x
 if x  0
 16  x  4
Determine 'a' if possible so that the function is continuous at x = 0.
1  cos 4 x
Sol. f(0–) = Lim f ( x )  Lim 8
x 0 x0 x2

x x ·  16  x  4 
 
f(0+) = Lim f ( x )  Lim = Lim
x 0 x0 16  x  4 x 0 16  x  16

 
= Lim  16  x  4   8 f(0–) = f(0+) = 8 = f(0)  a = 8.
x 0

a
 ( 1 | sin x | ) |sin x| 
for   x0
 6
 for x  0
Illustration : Let f (x) =  b Find 'a' and 'b' if f is continuous at x =0.
 tan 2 x 
 e tan 3 x for 0  x 
 6

a
Sol. Lim f ( x )  Lim 1  | sin x || sin x |  ea
x  0 x0

tan 2 x tan 2 x 3 x 3
Lim · · 3 3
x  0 2 x tan 3 x 2 3 3
Lim f ( x )  Lim e tan 3 x = e  e2  ea =b= e2 a= , b = ln   .
 
x 0 x 0 2 2

2x x x
 ( e  1 )  ( x  1 )( e  e )
 if x  0
x( e x  1 )
Illustration : Let f (x) =  if f (x) is continuous at x = 0 then k

 k if x  0
is equal to
(A) 1/2 (B) 1 (C) 3/2 (D) 2

Sol. k = Lim
e 2x

 1  ( x  1 ) ( e x  e x )
= Lim
 
e 2 x  1  ( x  1 ) ( e x  e x )
x 0 x( e x  1 ) x 0 x2

2e 2 x  ( x  1 ) ( e x  e  x )  ( e x  e  x )
= Lim By L Hospital Rule
x 0 2x

= Lim
  
4e2 x   x  1 e x  e x  e x  e x  e x  e  x
=
 
4  2 0 0
= 1.

x 0 2 2
50 C ON TINUITY OF FUN CTION

Illustration :

x 2  kx  1
Let f (x) = . The interval(s) of all possible values of k for which f is continuous for
x2  k
every x  R, is
(A) (– , – 2] (B) [–2, 0) (C) R – (– 2, 2) (D) (– 2, 2)

Sol. x2 – k  0  x  R
 k<0 ........(1)
x2 + x + 1  0  x  R
 k2 – 4  0  –2  k  2 .......(2)
 From (1) and (2)
k  [ – 2, 0)

Practice Problem

Q.1 What value must be assigned to k so that the function f (x) is continuousat x = 4?
 x 4  256

f (x )   x  4 , x  4
 k, x4

 sin ax 2
 2
, x0
Q.2 Let f (x) =  x . For what values of a, f (x) is continuous at x = 0.
3  1 , x  0
 4 4a

 a  3 cos x
 , x0
x2
Q.3 Let f (x) =    
b tan , x  0
  [ x  3] 
If f (x) is continuous at x = 0, then find a and b, where [·] denotes the greatest integer function.

Answer key

1 3
Q.1 k = 256 Q.2 a=– ,1 Q.3 a = –3, b = –
4 2
CON TINUITY OF FUN CTION 51

5. TYPES OF DISCONTINUITY :

Types of discontinuity

Removable discontinuity Non-Removable discontinuity

(A) (B) (A) (B) (C)

Missing point Isolated point Finite type Infinite type Oscillatory
discontinuity discontinuity

5.1 REMOVABLE DISCONTINUITY :

Here lim f ( x ) necessarily exists, but is either not equal to f (a) or f (a) is not defined. In this case,
xa

therefore it is possible to redefine the function in such a manner that Lim f ( x )  f (a ) and thus making
x a

the function continuous. These discontinuities can be further classified as

(A) Missing point discontinuity :

Here Lim f ( x ) exists. But f(a) is not defined.

xa

( x  1)(9  x 2 )
(a) f(x)= x1
x 1

at x = 1, f(1) is not defined. Hence f(x) has missing point of discontinuity at x = 1.

x2  4
(b) f (x)= x  2
x2

f(2) is not defined. Hence, f(x) has missing point of discontinuity at x = 2.

sin x
(c) f (x)= ,x0
x

f(0) is not defined. f(x) has missing point of discontinuity at x = 0.

52 C ON TINUITY OF FUN CTION

(B) Isolated point discontinuity :

Here Lim f ( x ) exists, also f(a) is defined but Lim f ( x )  f (a )

xa xa

 0 if x  I
(a) f (x) = [x]+[–x] = 
  1 if x  I

has isolated point of discontinuity at all integeral points.


0 if x  2n 
 2
(b) f(x)=sgn(cos2x–2sinx+3) = sgn (2(2 + sin x)(1 – sinx)) = 
 
 1 if x  2n 
2


has an isolated point at x = 0 discontinuity as x=2n+
2

5.2 NON-REMOVABLE DISCONTINUITY :

Here Lim f ( x ) does not exists and therefore it is not possible to redefine the function in any manner to
xa
make it continuous. Such discontinuities can be further classified into 3 fold.

(a) Finite type (both limits finite and unequal)


11 
f (0  ) 
(i) Lim tan   2 ; jump =
x 0 x  
f (0 )  
2

| sin x | f (0  )  1
(ii) Lim ; jump = 2
x0 x f (0  )  1

f (2  )  1
[x ] 1
(iii) Lim ; jump =
x 2 x 1 2
f (2  ) 
2
In this case non negative difference between the two limits is called the Jump of discontinuity. A function
having a finite number of jumps in a given interval I is called a Piece Wise Continuous or Sectionally
Continuous function in this interval.
CON TINUITY OF FUN CTION 53

(b) Infinite type (at least one of the two limit are infinity)
x f (1 )   
(i) f(x) = at x = 1
1 x f (1 )   

  
f 0
2 
 

(ii) f(x) = 2tanx at x =
2   
f  
2 
 

1 f (0  )  
(iii) f(x) = 2 at x = 0
x f (0  )  

(c) Oscillatory (limits oscillate between two finite quantities)

1
f ( x )  sin
x 
(i) or  at x = 0 oscillates between – 1 & 1
1 
f ( x )  cos
x
 1 
(ii) f(x) = 1  sin( ln | x | )  at x = 0 oscillates between 0 & 1.
 3 

Illustration :
State the number of point of discontinuities and discuss the nature of discontinuity for the function
1
f (x) = and also sketch its graph.
ln | x |
1
if x  0 , x  1
 ln x
Sol. f (x) =  function is obviously discontinuous at x = 0, 1, –1. as it is not
 1 if x  0 , x  1
ln (  x )
defined.
Lim f ( x )  0 
x 0  
 Limit exists at x = 0. Hence removable discontinuity at x = 0. (Missing point
Lim f ( x )  0 
x 0  
discontinuity)

Lim f ( x )   
x 1 
 Limit DNE. Hence non removable discontinuity (infinite type) at x = 1
Lim f ( x )   
x 1 
54 C ON TINUITY OF FUN CTION

Lim f ( x )  
x1 
 Limit DNE. Hence non removable discontinuity (infinite type) at x = 1
Lim f ( x )   
x1 
Note that f (x) is even  symmetric about y axis.
The graph of f (x) is as follows.

Practice Problem

1 2
Q.1 The function f : R – {0}  R given by f (x) =  2x , is continuous at x = 0, then find the value of
x e 1
f (0).
(1  3x )1 / x , x  0
Q.2 Let f (x) =  3 . Discuss the continuity of f (x) at (i) x = 0, (ii) x = 1.
e , x0

Q.3 Which of the following functions is not continuous  x  R?

5/7
ex  1  22 x  1 
(A) 2 sin x  3 (B) x (C)  3x 
 (D) sgn x  1
e 3  2  5 

x 4  5x 2  4
 , x  1, 2
 ( x  1)( x  2)
Q.4 Discuss the continuity of f (x) =  6, x 1
 12, x2


Q.5 Column-I Column-II

1
(A) f (x) = (P) Removable discontinuity
x 1

x3  x
(B) f (x) = (Q) Non-removable discontinuity
x2 1
| x 1|
(C) f (x) = (R) Jump of discontinuity
x 1

 1 
(D) f (x) = sin   (S) Discontinuity due to vertical asymptote
 x 1 
(T) Missing point discontinuity
(U) Oscillating discontinuity
CON TINUITY OF FUN CTION 55

Answer key

Q.1 1 Q.2 Continuous at x = 0

Q.3 D Q.4 f (x) is discontinuous at x = 1, 2
Q.5 (A)  (S), (Q); (B)  (T), (P); (C)  (R), (Q); (D)  (U), (Q)

6. CONTINUITY OF FUNCTIONS DEFINED BY SOME FUNCTIONAL

RULE :

Illustration :

If f(x+y) = f(x) . f(y) for all x & y & f(x) = 1 + g(x). G(x) where Lim g(x)= 0 & Lim G(x) exist.
x 0 x 0
Prove that f(x) is continuous for all x.

Sol. Lim f ( x )  Lim f a  h   Lim f ( a ) f (  h )  Lim f (  h )

x  a h 0 h 0 h0

 
= f a   1  Lim g (  h ) g (  h )  = f(a)
 h0 
Similarly Lim f ( x )  f ( a )  Lim f ( x ) so continuous at x = a.
x  a x  a

7. THEOREMS ON CONTINUITY :
Theroem–1 :

(a) Sum, difference, product and quotient of two continuous functions is always a continuous function.
f (x )
However h (x) = is continuous at x = a only if g (a)  0.
g( x)
(b) If f (x) is continuous and g (x) is discontinuous then f (x) + g (x) is a discontinuous function.
Proof : Let f(x) + g(x) is a continuous function.
so, Lim f ( x )  g ( x )  = f(a) + g(a) ........(1)
xa

Also, f(x) is a continuous function Lim f ( x )  g (a ) .......(2)

xa

From (1) and (2)

Lim g ( x )  g (a )  g(x) is continuous at x = a.
xa

But given g(x) is discontinuous at x = a.

Hence by contradiction f(x) + g(x) is discontinuous function.
56 C ON TINUITY OF FUN CTION

(c) If f(x) is continuous & g(x) is discontinuous at x = a then the product function (x) = f(x) . g(x) is not
necessarily be discontinuous at x = a. e.g.
sin x1 , x  0  x sin x1 , x  0
(i) f(x) = x & g(x) =  0, x0; f (x) · g(x) =  0 , x  0 is continuous at x = 0.
 
 2x  1 
(ii) f (x) = cos   is continuous at x = 1 and g (x) = [x] is discontinuous at x = 1
 2 
but f (x) · g (x) is continuous at x = 1.

(d) If f(x) and g(x) both are discontinuous at x = a then the product function then nothing defnite can
f (x )
be said about continuity of f (x) + g(x), f (x) – g(x), f(x) · g(x), . It may be or may not be
g( x )
continuous at x = a.
e.g. Let f (x) = [x], g(x) = x – [x]. Both are discontinuous at x  I. But f (x) + g(x) is continuous
whereas f(x) – g(x) is discontinuous.

Theroem–2 : Intermediate value theorem :

If f is continuous on [a, b] and f (a)  f (b) then for any value c  f (a ), f (b)  , there is at least one
number x0 in (a, b) for which f (x0) = c
CON TINUITY OF FUN CTION 57

NOTE:
(1) Continuity through the interval [a, b] is essential for the validity of this theorem.
(2) in figure-3, f (a) and f (b) are of opposite sign but f (x) has no root in (a, b) as f is continuous.

Illustration :
ab
Show that the function f (x) = (x – a)2 (x – b)2 + x takes the value for some value
2
of x  [a, b]

Sol. f(x) = (x – a)2 (x – b)2 + x ; as f(x) is continuous on [a, b] and f(a) = a and f(b) = b, then for any
ab
value c  (a, b), there is at least one number x0 in (a, b) for which f(x0)= c = .
2

Illustration :

Suppose that f (x) is continuous in [0, 1] and f (0) = 0, f (1) = 0. Prove that f(c)=1 – 2c2 for
some c  (0, 1).

Sol. Let f(x) = f(x) + 2x2 – 1 is a continuous function in (0, 1).

f(0) = f(0) – 1 = – 1 and f(1) = F(1) + 1 = 1 then there exists same c  (0, 1) such that F(x) = 0
f(x) = 1 – 2c2.

T-3: Extreme Value Theorem :

If f is continuous on [a, b] then f takes on, a least value of m and a greatest value M on this interval.

M M

m
m
a c d b a b
Minimum value 'm' occurs Minimum value 'm' occurs at the
at x = c and maximum value end point x = a and the maximum
M occurs at x = d. c, d  (a, b) value M occurs inside the interval
58 C ON TINUITY OF FUN CTION

Note : To see that continuity is necessary for the extreme value theorem to be true refer the graph
shown.

There is a discontinuity at x = c interval. The function

has a minimum value at the left end point x = a and f
has no maximum value.

9. PROPERTIES OF FUNCTION CONTINUOUS IN [a, b] :

(i) If a function f is continuous on a closed interval [a, b] then it is bounded.

(ii) A continuous function whose domain is some closed interval must have its range also in closed interval.
(iii) If f is continuous and onto on [a, b] then f –1(from the range of f ) is also continuous.
(iv) If f (a) and f (b) possess opposite signs then  at least one solution of the equation f (x) = 0 in the open
interval (a, b) provided f is continous in [a, b].

Illustration : Let f be a continuous function defined onto on [0, 1] with range [0, 1]. Show that there
is some c in [0,1] such that f (c) = 1 – c.

Sol. Consider g (x) = f (x) – 1 + x

g (0) = f (0) – 1  0 [as f (0)  1]
g (1) = f (1)  0 [as f (1)  0]
Hence, g(0) and g(1) have valuse of opposite signs.
Hence, there exists at least one c  (0, 1) such that g(c) = 0.
 g(c) = f (c) – 1 + c = 0; f (c) = 1 – c.

Illustration : Let f be continuous on the inteval [0, 1] to R such that f (0) = f (1). Prove that there exists
 1  1
a point c in 0 ,  such that f (c) =f  c   .
 2  2

 1   1
Sol. Consider a continuous function g (x) = f  x   – f (x)  g is continous  x  0 ,  
 2   2

1 1
 g (0) = f   – f (0) = f   – f (1) [as f (0) = f (1)]
2 2

1 1  1 

and g   = f(1) – f   = –  f    f ( 1 )
2 2  2 

1
Since g is continuous and g(0) and g   have opposite signs, hence the equation g(x) = 0 must
2
CON TINUITY OF FUN CTION 59

 1
have at one root in 0 ,  .
 2

 1  1
Hence, for some c  0 ,  , g(c) = 0  f  c   = f (c).
 2  2

Illustration : Let f : [0, 1]  [0, 1] be a continuous function. Then prove f (x) = x for at least one
x  [0, 1].

Sol. Clearly, 0  f (0)  1 and 0  f (1)  1. As f (x) is y

y=x
continuous, f (x) attains all the values between f
1
(0) and f (1) and the graph will have no breaks. So,
the graph
f (1)
will cut the line y = x at one point x at least where f (0)
0  x  1. So, f (x) = x at that point.
O x
1
10. Important Facts :

10.1 Continuity of functions in which greatest integer function is involved:

f (x) = [x] is discontinuous when x is an integer.

Similarly, f (x) = [g (x)] is discontinuous when g(x) is an integer, but this is true only when g(x) is monotonic
(g(x) is strictly increasing or strictly decreasing).
For example, f (x) = [ x ] is discountinuous when x is an integer, as x is strictly increasing

3
2
(monotonic function). 1
1 4 9 16

f (x) = [x2], x  0 is discountinuous when x2 is an integer, as x2 is strictly inreasing for x  0.

1 2 3 25
60 C ON TINUITY OF FUN CTION

Now consider, f (x) = [sin x], x  [0, 2]. g(x) = sin x is not monotonic in [0, 2].

For this type of function, points of discontinuity can determined easily by graphical methods. We can
3 3
note that at x  , sin x takes integral value –1, but at x = , f (x) = [sin x] is countinuous.
2 2
y

1
x
O 2
–1

Illustration :

Discuss the continuity of following functions ([·] represents the greatest integer function.)

 2 
(a) f (x) = [loge x] (b) f (x) = [ sin–1 x] (c) f (x) =  2 ,x 0
 1  x 
Sol.
(a) loge x function is a montonically increasing function.
Hence f (x) = [loge x] is discontinuous, where logex = k or x = ek, k  Z.
Thus f (x) is discontinuous at x = …… e–2, e–1, e0, e1, e2, ……
(b) sin–1 x, is a monotonically increasing function.
Hence, f (x) = [sin–1 x] is discontinuous where sin–1 x is discontinuous where sin–1 x is an integer.
 sin–1 x = –1, 0, 1 or x = –sin 1, 0, sin 1
2
(c) , x  0, is a monotonically decreasing function.
1  x2

 2  2
Hence, f (x) =  2  , x  0 is discontinuous, when is an integer..
1  x  1  x2

2
  1,2
1  x2
 x = 1, 0
CON TINUITY OF FUN CTION 61

Illustration :
Draw the graph and find the points of discontinuity for f (x) = [2 cos x], x  [0, 2],
([·] represents the gratest integer function).

Sol. f (x) = [2cos x]

y
Clearly from the graph given in figure
f (x) is discontinuous at x = 0 (0, 2)
and when 2 cos x = ± 1 y=1
1
or x = 0 and when 2 cos x = ±1
x' 2/3  4/3 x
O /3 /2 3/2 5/3 2
1
or x = 0 and cos x = ± –1 y=2
2
–2
 2 4 5
or x = 0 and x = , , , y'
3 3 3 3

Illustration :

Draw the graph and discuss the continuity of f (x) = [sin x + cos x], x  [0, 2], where [·]
represents the greatest integer function.

Sol. f (x) = [sin x + cos x] = [g(x)] where g(x) = sin x + cos x

    y
g(0) = 1, g   = 2 , g  = 1
4 2
1
 3   5   5/4 3/2
g    0 or g() = –1 g   = 2 x'
O 7/4 2
x
 4  2  /4 /2 3/4
–1

 3   7  –2
g   = –1, g   = 0, g(2) = 1
 2   2  y'

 3 3 7
Clearly from the graph given in figure f (x) is discontinuous at x = 0, , , , , 2 .
2 4 2 2
62 C ON TINUITY OF FUN CTION

 ( x  2 )3 
Illustration : If the function f (x) =   sin (x – 2) + a cos (x – 2). [·] denotes the greatest
 a 
integer function which is continuous in [4, 6], then find the value of a.

Sol. sin (x – 2) and cos (x – 2) are continuous for all x.

Since [x] is not continuous at integral point.

 ( x  2 )3 
So, f (x) is continuous in [4, 6] if   = 0  x  [4, 6].
 a 
Now (x – 2)3  [8, 64] for x  [4, 6].

 ( x  2 )3 
 a > 64 for  = 0
 a 

10.2 Continuity of functions is which signum function is involved :

We know that f (x) = sgn (x) is discontinuous at x = 0.

In general, f (x) = sgn (g (x)) is discontinuous at x = a if g(a) = 0.

Illustration : Discuss the continuity of

(a) f (x) = sgn (x3 – x), (b) f (x) = sgn (2 cos x – 1), (c) f (x) = sgn (x2 – 2x + 3).
Sol.
(a) f (x) = sgn (x3 – x)
Here x3 – x = 0  x = 0, –1, 1
Here f (x) is discontinuous at x = 0, –1, 1
(b) f (x) = sgn (2 cos x – 1)
1  
Here, 2 cos x – 1 = 0  cos x =  x = 2n +  
2 3
n  Z, where f (x) is discontinuous.
(c) f (x) = sgn (x2 – 2x + 3)
Here, x2 – 2x + 3 > 0 for all x.
Thus, f (x) = 1 for all x, hence continuous for all x.

Illustration : If f (x) = sgn (2 sin x + a) is continuous for all x, then find the possible values of a.
Sol. f (x) = sgn (2 sin x + a) is continuous for all x.
Then 2 sin x + a  0 for any real x.
a
 sin x  –
2
a
 1  a < –2 or a > 2
2
CON TINUITY OF FUN CTION 63

Illustration :
sgn( x  2 )  [log e x ], 1  x  3
If f (x) =  where [·] denotes the greatest integer function and
 { x 2 }, 3  x  3 .5
{·} represents the fractional part function. Find the point where the continuity of f(x) should be
checked. Hence, find the points of discontinity.

Sol.
(a) Continuity should be checked at the endpoints of intervals of each definition, i.e., x = 1, 3, 3.5.
For {x2}, continuity should be checked when x2 = 10.
(b) 11, 12 or x = 10 , 11 , 12 , [x2] discontinuous for those value of x where x2 is an integer (note,
here x2 is monotonic for given domain).
(c) For sgn (x – 2), continuity should be checked when x – 2 = 0 or x = 2.
(d) For [loge x], continuity should be checked when logex = 1 or x = e ( [1, 3]).
Hence, the overall continuity must be checked at x = 1, 2, e, 3, 10 , 11 , 12 , 3.5 .
Checking continuity at x = 1
f (1) = 0 and Lim f (x) = Lim sgn (x – 2) × [loge x] = 0.
x 1 x 1
Hence f (x) is continuous at x = 1.
Checking continuity at x = 2
Lim f (x) = Lim sgn (x – 2) × [loge x] = (–1) × 0 = 0
x 2  
x 2

Lim f (x) = Lim sgn (x – 2) × [loge x] = (1) × 0 = 0

x 2  
x 2
Hence, f (x) is continuous at x = 2.
Checking continuity at x = 3
Lim f (x) = Lim {x2} = 0
 
x 3 x 3
Hence, f (x) is discontinuous at x = 3.
Also {x2} and hence f (x) is discontinuous at x  10 , 11 , 12 .
Checking continuity at x = 3.5
Lim f (x) = Lim {x2} = 0.25 = f (3.5)
 
x 3.5 x 3.5

Hence, f (x) is discontinuous at x  3 , 10 , 11 , 12 .

x2n  1
Illustration : Discuss the continuity of f (x) = Lim 2 n .
n  x  1

1 1, x  1
1   1, 0  x 2
 1 0 , x  1
( x 2 )n  1 ( x 2 )n  2 
Sol. f (x) = Lim 2 n  Lim   0 , x  1   1,  1  x  1
n  ( x )  1 x  1
1  2 n  1, x 2  1 0 , x  1
(x )  1, x  1


Thus, f (x) is discontinuous at x = ±1.

64 C ON TINUITY OF FUN CTION

Illustration : Discuss the continuity of f (x) = Lim cos2n x.

n 

Sol. f (x) = Lim(cos 2 x )n

n 

0 , 0  cos 2 x  1 0 , x  n , n  I
 
1, x  n , n  I
2
1, cos x  1
Hence, f (x) is discontinuous when x = n, n  I.

10.3 Continuity of functions in which f (x) is defined differently for rational and irrational
values of x :

1, if x is rational
Illustration : Discuss the continuity of the following function : f (x) =  .
0 , if x is irrational
Sol. For any x = a,
L.H.L. = Lim f ( x )  Lim f (a – h) = 0 or 1 [as Lim (a – h) can be rational or irrational]
x a x a h 0

Similarly, R.H.L. = Lim f ( x )  Lim f (a + h) = 0 or 1.

x a h0
Hence, f (x) oscillates between 0 and 1 as for all values of a.
 L.H.L. and R.H.L. do not exist.
 f (x) is discontinuous at a point x = a for all values of a.

 x , if x is rational
Illustration : Find the value of x where f (x) =  and f (x) is continuous for all x.
1  x , if x is irrational
1
Sol. f (x) is continuous at some x = a, where x = 1 – x or x = .
2
1 1
Hence, f (x) is continuous at x = If x  then x may be rational or irrational
2 2
 1  1 1 1 1
 f   = or 1 – = If x   then x may be rational or irrational
2  2 2 2 2
 1  1 1 1 1
 f  = or 1 – = Hence f (x) is continuous at x =
2  2 2 2 2
For some other point, say, x = 1
 f (1) = 1
If x  1+ then x may be rational or irrational.
 f (1+) = 1 or 1 – 1 = 0
Hence, f (1+) oscillates between 1 and 0, which causes discontinuity at x = 1.
1
Similarly, f (x) osciallates between x and (1 – x) for all x  R –   .
2
CON TINUITY OF FUN CTION 65

11. CONTINUITY OF COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS :

If f is continuous at x = a & g is continuous at x = f (a) then the composite g[f(x)] is continuous at

x sin x
x = a. e.g. f (x) = 2 & g (x) = | x | are continuous at x = 0, hence the composite
x 2
x sin x
(gof) (x) = 2 will also be continuous at x = 0.
x 2

Illustration :
x 1 1
If f (x) = and g(x) = , then discuss the continuity of f (x), g(x) and fog (x).
x 1 x2
Sol.
x 1
(a) f (x) =  f is not defined at x = 1.  f is discontinuous at x = 1.
x 1
1
(b) g(x) = g(x) is not defined at x = 2.  g is discontinuous at x = 2.
x2
(c) Now, fog will be discontinuous at x = 2 [point of discontinuity of g(x)]
g(x) = 1 [when g(x) = point of discontinuity of f (0)]
1
if g(x) = 1  =1  x = 3
x2
 fog (x) is discontinuous at x = 2 and x = 3.
1
1
x2
Also, fog (x) = 1 Here fog (2) is not defined.
1
x2

1
1
x  2 1 x  2
Lim fog ( x )  Lim  Lim 1
x 2 x 2 1 x2 1  x  2
1
x2
 fog (x) is discontinuous at x = 2 and it has a removable discontinuity at x = 2.
For continuity at x = 3.
1
1
Lim fog ( x )  Lim x  2 
x 3  x 3 1
1
x2
1
1
Lim fog ( x )  Lim x  2  
x 3  x 3 1
1
x2
 fog(x) is discontinuous at x = 3 and it is a non-removable discontinuity at x = 3.
66 C ON TINUITY OF FUN CTION

Practice Problem

Q.1 Find the number of points in [1, 3] where the function is [x2 + 1] is discontinuous.
([·] represents the greatest integer function).

Q.2 Find the number of points of discontinuity for f(x) = [6 sin x], 0  x , ([·] represents the greatest
integer function).

Q.3 Discuss the continuity of f (x) = [tan–1 x] ([·] represents the greatest integer function).

Q.4 Discuss the continuity of f (x) = {cot–1 x} ({·} represent the fraction part function).
2n
 x 
Q.5 Discuss the continuity of f (x) in [0, 2], where f (x) = lim  sin  .
n  2 

x 2 , x is rational
Q.6 Discuss the continuity of f (x) =  2 .
 x , x is irrational

1 1
Q.7 If y = 2 where t = , then find the number of points where f (x) is discontinuous.
t t2 x 1

Q.8 Prove that :

(i) f (x) =  0x ifif xxQQ is continuous only at x = 0.

(ii) f (x) =  x x ifif xxQQ is continuous only at x = 0.
(iii) f (x) =  1x x ififxxQQ is continuous only at x = 1/2.
(iv) f (x) =  x 2 if x  Q
1 if x  Q
is continuous only at x = 1 or – 1.

Answer key

Q.1 9 Q.2 11
Q.3 Not continuous at x = –tan 1, 0, tan 1 Q.4 Not continuous at x = cot 1, cot 2, cot 3
Q.5 Discontinuous at x = 1 Q.6 Continuous at x = 0
1
Q.7 Discontinuous at x = 1, ,2
2
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