Back to homeMathematics · Secondary Year 6 · Change subject
Start for free
Secondary 6 · Mathematics
Limits and continuity · Limits

Continuity on an Interval. Discontinuities. The Bolzano and Weierstrass Theorems

You set out before dawn toward Pico Duarte. At 6:00 a.m. you are at an altitude of 1,200 m, and at 10:00 a.m. you are at 1,800 m. Did you necessarily pass through 1,500 m? Nobody measured you at that instant, but math guarantees it without needing to see the route. At the end of the page you will see why.

Continuity on an interval

At an endpoint you can only approach from one side, so a one-sided limit is enough. Remember that $f$ is continuous at a point $x_0$ when $\lim_{x\to x_0}f(x)=f(x_0)$: the limit exists, the function is defined, and both values are equal.

Graph of a continuous function on the closed interval [a, b], with filled points at the endpoints a and b. a b continuous on (a, b) and from one side at a and at b
Practice★☆☆Not started
Study the one-sided continuity of the following function at the endpoints of the interval $[0, 4]$: $$f(x) = \begin{cases} \sqrt{x} & \text{if } 0 \le x < 1 \\ x^2 - x +…

Study the one-sided continuity of the following function at the endpoints of the interval $[0, 4]$:

$$f(x) = \begin{cases} \sqrt{x} & \text{if } 0 \le x < 1 \\ x^2 - x + 1 & \text{if } 1 \le x \le 4 \end{cases}$$

State whether the function is continuous at $x=1$ by comparing its left-hand and right-hand limits.

Solve
Practice★☆☆Not started
Observe the graph of the function $f(x)$ shown below and identify the points of discontinuity. For each one, state what type it is (removable, jump, or infinite).

Observe the graph of the function $f(x)$ shown below and identify the points of discontinuity. For each one, state what type it is (removable, jump, or infinite).

−2 −1 1 2 3 x 1 2 3 −1 −2 f(x)
Solve

Classification of discontinuities

A function is discontinuous at $x_0$ when at least one of the three conditions for continuity fails. Depending on how it fails, there are three types.

Three graphs: a removable discontinuity with a hole, a finite jump discontinuity with two pieces at different heights, and an infinite jump discontinuity with a vertical asymptote. removable finite jump infinite jump

To classify, the method is always the same: factor, simplify, and compute the one-sided limits.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Given the rational function $f(x) = \frac{x-3}{x^2-9}$, study its continuity at the points $x = 3$ and $x = -3$. If there are discontinuities, classify them, giving…

Given the rational function $f(x) = \frac{x-3}{x^2-9}$, study its continuity at the points $x = 3$ and $x = -3$. If there are discontinuities, classify them, giving reasons by calculating their one-sided limits.

Solve
Practice★☆☆Not started
Consider the function $f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 4x + 4}{x - 2}$. 1. Prove that the function is not continuous at $x = 2$. 2. What value should $f(2)$ take so that the…

Consider the function $f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 4x + 4}{x - 2}$.

  1. Prove that the function is not continuous at $x = 2$.

  2. What value should $f(2)$ take so that the discontinuity is removable and the function becomes continuous at that point?

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Study the continuity of the following function and classify all its points of discontinuity, giving reasons: $$f(x) = \frac{x^2 - x - 6}{x^2 + x - 12}$$ State whether…

Study the continuity of the following function and classify all its points of discontinuity, giving reasons:

$$f(x) = \frac{x^2 - x - 6}{x^2 + x - 12}$$

State whether any of the discontinuities is removable and, if so, redefine the function at that point so that it becomes continuous.

Solve

Continuous functions with parameters

Sometimes a piecewise function has unknown constants and you are asked to make it continuous. You set the one-sided limits equal at each switching point.

When a piece is a quotient that gives $0/0$, you need some known limit. These three will help you:

Practice★☆☆Not started
Calculate the value of the parameter $k$ so that the following piecewise function is continuous on the set of all real numbers: $$f(x) = \begin{cases} x^2 - 1 & \text{if…

Calculate the value of the parameter $k$ so that the following piecewise function is continuous on the set of all real numbers:

$$f(x) = \begin{cases} x^2 - 1 & \text{if } x < 2 \\ 2x + k & \text{if } x \ge 2 \end{cases}$$
Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Given the function $f(x) = \frac{k \times \sin(x)}{x}$ for $x \neq 0$: a) Find the value of $k$ given that $\lim_{x \to 0} f(x) = 5$. b) Using that value of $k$, define…

Given the function $f(x) = \frac{k \times \sin(x)}{x}$ for $x \neq 0$:

  1. a) Find the value of $k$ given that $\lim_{x \to 0} f(x) = 5$.
  2. b) Using that value of $k$, define $f(0)$ so that the function is continuous at $x = 0$.
  3. c) Justify whether the resulting function is continuous on the interval $[0, 2\pi]$. Can we guarantee that it reaches an absolute maximum value in that interval?
Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Given the piecewise function $f(x)$ defined by the following expression: $$f(x) = \begin{cases} \dfrac{e^{ax} - \cos(x)}{x} & \text{if } x < 0 \\ b & \text{if } x = 0 \\…

Given the piecewise function $f(x)$ defined by the following expression:

$$f(x) = \begin{cases} \dfrac{e^{ax} - \cos(x)}{x} & \text{if } x < 0 \\ b & \text{if } x = 0 \\ \left(1 + \sin(x)\right)^{\frac{2}{x}} & \text{if } x > 0 \end{cases}$$
  1. a) Determine the values of the real parameters $a$ and $b$ so that the function is continuous on its entire domain.
  1. b) In the case where $b=1$, classify the type of discontinuity that the function has at $x=0$ depending on the value of $a$.
Solve

Discontinuities with a parameter and special cases

Practice★★☆Not started
A graphic designer is plotting the trajectory of an object in an animation. The height $h$ in meters with respect to time $t$ (in seconds) is given by: $$h(t) = \frac{|t…

A graphic designer is plotting the trajectory of an object in an animation. The height $h$ in meters with respect to time $t$ (in seconds) is given by:

$$h(t) = \frac{|t - 3|}{t^2 - 9}$$
  1. a) State the domain of the trajectory.
  2. b) Study the continuity at $t = 3$. What type of discontinuity does it have? Interpret the result in the context of the animation (is there a jump, does the object disappear, or does it tend to infinity?).
  3. c) Is it possible for the object to reach a height of $0$ meters at some time in the interval $[0, 2]$? Justify your answer using Bolzano's Theorem.
Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Consider the family of functions depending on the parameter $k \in \mathbb{R}$: $$f(x) = \frac{x^2 - (k+1)x + k}{x^3 - 3x^2 + 2x}$$ Analyse and classify all…

Consider the family of functions depending on the parameter $k \in \mathbb{R}$:

$$f(x) = \frac{x^2 - (k+1)x + k}{x^3 - 3x^2 + 2x}$$

Analyse and classify all discontinuities of $f(x)$ depending on the possible values of $k$. State specifically for which values of $k$ any of the discontinuities is removable and redefine the function at that point so that it is continuous.

f(x) = (x-1)(x-k) x(x-1)(x-2) Redefine f(x): f(x0) = ? Roots of the denominator: x x = 0 Tipo: ? ¿Evitable si k=? x = 1 Tipo: ? ¿Evitable si k=? x = 2 Tipo: ? ¿Evitable si k=?
Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Study the continuity of the following function on its domain: $$f(x) = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{x^n - 1}{x^n + 1}$$ Determine the points where the function has…

Study the continuity of the following function on its domain:

$$f(x) = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{x^n - 1}{x^n + 1}$$

Determine the points where the function has discontinuities and classify them. Investigate whether the function satisfies the hypotheses of Bolzano's Theorem in the interval $[0.5; 2]$ to guarantee the existence of a root.

Solve

Bolzano's theorem: guaranteeing a root

The idea is common sense: if the graph is an unbroken line that starts below the $x$-axis and ends above it, it has to cross it.

Graph of a continuous function on [a, b] with values of opposite sign at the endpoints, crossing the x-axis at a point c. a b f(a) < 0 f(b) > 0 c

The theorem also serves to prove that two functions intersect: you build the difference.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Check whether the function $f(x) = x^3 - 3x + 1$ satisfies the hypotheses of Bolzano's Theorem on the interval $[0, 1]$. Can you guarantee that there is at least one…

Check whether the function $f(x) = x^3 - 3x + 1$ satisfies the hypotheses of Bolzano's Theorem on the interval $[0, 1]$. Can you guarantee that there is at least one root of the equation $x^3 - 3x + 1 = 0$ in that interval? Justify your answer.

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Prove, using Bolzano's Theorem, that the graphs of the functions $f(x) = e^x - 2$ and $g(x) = \cos(x)$ intersect at least at one point in the interval $[0, \pi]$.…

Prove, using Bolzano's Theorem, that the graphs of the functions $f(x) = e^x - 2$ and $g(x) = \cos(x)$ intersect at least at one point in the interval $[0, \pi]$. Explain in detail the steps and hypotheses required to apply the theorem.

1 2 3 π 1 2 3 −1 0 f(π) ≈ 21.1 f(x) = eˣ - 2 g(x) = cos(x) g(0) = 1 f(0) = −1 g(π) = −1 c ∈ (0, π) f(c) = g(c)
Solve
Practice★★★Not started
A team of engineers is testing two new models of surveillance drones, $D_1$ and $D_2$. The altitude (in meters) of drone $D_1$ above the ground is given by the function…

A team of engineers is testing two new models of surveillance drones, $D_1$ and $D_2$. The altitude (in meters) of drone $D_1$ above the ground is given by the function $h_1(t) = t \times \ln(t+1)$, while the altitude of drone $D_2$ follows the function $h_2(t) = 10 \times e^{-t} + 5$, where $t$ is the time in minutes since takeoff ($t \geq 0$).

Use Bolzano's Theorem to prove that there is a time $t_0 \in [2, 5]$ at which both drones are at exactly the same altitude. Justify in detail whether you could guarantee, using Weierstrass's Theorem, that the difference in altitude between both drones reaches a maximum value in that time interval.

Solve

The intermediate value theorem (Darboux)

Bolzano deals with the value $0$, but it is a particular case of a more general result.

It follows from Bolzano by applying it to $g(x)=f(x)-k$, which changes sign between $a$ and $b$.

Go back to Pico Duarte: the altitude $A(t)$ is continuous (nobody teleports), $A(0)=1{,}200$ and $A(4)=1{,}800$. Since $1{,}500$ is between both values, there was an instant with $A(t)=1{,}500$. On the other hand, $2{,}000$ is not between $1{,}200$ and $1{,}800$: the theorem says nothing (perhaps you climbed up to $2{,}000$ and perhaps you did not).

Practice★☆☆Not started
A hiker starts a route at a shelter at an altitude of 1.200 meters ($t=0$). After 4 hours of walking, they are at a viewpoint at an altitude of 1.800 meters. Assuming…

A hiker starts a route at a shelter at an altitude of 1.200 meters ($t=0$). After 4 hours of walking, they are at a viewpoint at an altitude of 1.800 meters. Assuming that the function describing their altitude with respect to time, $A(t)$, is continuous:

  1. Explain, using the Intermediate Value Theorem, whether the hiker passed through the altitude of 1.500 meters at any point.

  2. Can we guarantee that they passed through 2.000 meters?

? A(t) Altitude (m) 1200 1500 1800 2000 Time (h) 0 t₁ 4
Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Given the function $f(x) = x^3 + x - 5$, justify whether there exists a value $c \in [1, 2]$ such that $f(c) = -1$. What theorem guarantees this result? State the…

Given the function $f(x) = x^3 + x - 5$, justify whether there exists a value $c \in [1, 2]$ such that $f(c) = -1$. What theorem guarantees this result? State the theorem and verify that its hypotheses are satisfied.

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
A drone takes off from the ground ($y=0$) and follows a trajectory given by the height function $h(t) = t^2 \times e^{-t} + \ln(t+1)$, where $t$ is the time in minutes.…

A drone takes off from the ground ($y=0$) and follows a trajectory given by the height function $h(t) = t^2 \times e^{-t} + \ln(t+1)$, where $t$ is the time in minutes.

Prove that at some time between minute $1$ and minute $5$ of flight, the drone is at an altitude of exactly $2$ meters. Use the Intermediate Value Theorem to do so.

Time t (min) Height h(t) (m) 2 h(t) h(1) < 2 h(5) > 2 h(c) = 2 0 1 5 c
Solve

Weierstrass's theorem: maximum and minimum

Bolzano guarantees roots; Weierstrass guarantees extreme values.

A continuous function does not make jumps or escape to infinity on a closed, bounded interval, so its highest and lowest values are actually attained.

Graph of a continuous function on [a, b] with an absolute maximum in the interior and an absolute minimum near b. a b maximum minimum
Practice★☆☆Not started
Explain whether the function $f(x) = \frac{1}{x}$ must reach an absolute maximum and minimum on the following intervals, based on Weierstrass's Theorem: 1. On the closed…

Explain whether the function $f(x) = \frac{1}{x}$ must reach an absolute maximum and minimum on the following intervals, based on Weierstrass's Theorem:

  1. On the closed interval $[1, 5]$.

  2. On the open interval $(0, 1)$.

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Let $f(x)$ be the piecewise function defined as: $$f(x) = \begin{cases} \dfrac{x^2 - a}{x - 2} & \text{if } x < 2 \\ 2x + b & \text{if } 2 \le x < 4 \\ \ln(x - 3) + k &…

Let $f(x)$ be the piecewise function defined as:

$$f(x) = \begin{cases} \dfrac{x^2 - a}{x - 2} & \text{if } x < 2 \\ 2x + b & \text{if } 2 \le x < 4 \\ \ln(x - 3) + k & \text{if } x \ge 4 \end{cases}$$

The figure shows the three defining pieces (they change at $x=2$ and at $x=4$) and the interval $[1, 5]$.

x-axis with the points where the expression changes at x=2 and x=4 and the interval [1, 5] shaded123456xInterval [1, 5]x < 22 ≤ x < 4x ≥ 4
  1. a) Calculate the values of $a$, $b$ and $k$ so that the function is continuous on its entire domain $\mathbb{R}$.
  1. b) Once you have found them, explain whether the function satisfies the hypotheses of the Weierstrass Theorem on the interval $[1, 5]$.
Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Let the function be $f(x) = |x^2 - 4| \times e^{-|x|}$. The figure shows its graph as a visual aid. a) Express the function without absolute values, that is, defined…

Let the function be $f(x) = |x^2 - 4| \times e^{-|x|}$. The figure shows its graph as a visual aid.

Graph of the function f(x) = |x² − 4| · e^(−|x|) with the interval [−3, 3] shaded1234−5−4−3−2−1012345xyInterval [−3, 3]
  1. a) Express the function without absolute values, that is, defined piecewise.
  1. b) Study its continuity at the points where the arguments of the absolute values vanish.
  1. c) Using the Weierstrass Theorem, prove that the function attains an absolute maximum on the closed interval $[-3, 3]$.
  1. d) Does the function have any horizontal asymptote? Relate this fact to the long-term behavior of the function.
Solve

Why the hypotheses are essential

Both theorems fail if a condition is missing: continuity on all of the interval and a closed, bounded interval. A single point of discontinuity is enough.

Graph of a function defined in two pieces with a jump at x = 0 that goes from a larger value to a smaller one without taking an intermediate value. 1 −1 x = 0 the jump “skips” the values in between
Practice★★☆Not started
It is known that a function $f(x)$ is continuous on the closed interval $[0, 4]$. If $f(0) = 1$ and $f(4) = 1$, can it be guaranteed that there is a point $c \in (0, 4)$…

It is known that a function $f(x)$ is continuous on the closed interval $[0, 4]$. If $f(0) = 1$ and $f(4) = 1$, can it be guaranteed that there is a point $c \in (0, 4)$ such that $f(c) = 0$? Give a graphical example of a function that satisfies the conditions but has no roots in that interval, and explain why it does not contradict Bolzano's Theorem.

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Consider a continuous function $f:[0, 1] \to [0, 1]$. That is, the domain is the interval $[0, 1]$ and all its images are also contained in $[0, 1]$. Prove, using…

Consider a continuous function $f:[0, 1] \to [0, 1]$. That is, the domain is the interval $[0, 1]$ and all its images are also contained in $[0, 1]$.

Prove, using Bolzano's Theorem, that there exists at least one point $c \in [0, 1]$ such that $f(c) = c$ (a fixed point of the function). Hint: Consider the auxiliary function $g(x) = f(x) - x$. Explain graphically what this result means in terms of the intersection of the graph of $f(x)$ with the line $y=x$ (the bisector of the first quadrant).

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Reasonably prove that the equation $\sqrt{x^4 + 1} = 3x^2 \times \cos(x)$ has at least two real solutions in the interval $[-\pi, \pi]$. To do this, define an…

Reasonably prove that the equation $\sqrt{x^4 + 1} = 3x^2 \times \cos(x)$ has at least two real solutions in the interval $[-\pi, \pi]$. To do this, define an appropriate auxiliary function and apply the necessary continuity theorems. Is it possible to state that an absolute maximum value exists for the function $g(x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^4+1} - 3x^2\cos(x)}$ in the interval $[0, \pi/4]$? Justify your answer based on the Weierstrass Theorem.

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Given the function $f(x) = \frac{1}{1 + 2^{1/x}}$: 1. Find the domain of the function. 2. Calculate the left-hand and right-hand limits at the point where the function…

Given the function $f(x) = \frac{1}{1 + 2^{1/x}}$:

  1. Find the domain of the function.

  2. Calculate the left-hand and right-hand limits at the point where the function is not defined.

  3. Classify the discontinuity found.

  4. Is it possible to apply Bolzano's Theorem on the interval $[-1, 1]$ to prove that there exists a value where $f(x) = 0.5$? Explain whether the lack of continuity at a point invalidates the application of the theorem even if the values at the endpoints suggest that such a point should exist.

y = 0.5 x y −1 1 1 0.5 f(−1) f(1) x → 0⁻ x → 0⁺ f(x)
Solve

Summary

See all the exercises in this section