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Limits and continuity · Revision

Functions of a Real Variable. Types of Functions

Before you start, make sure you know: Inequalities (High School Year 2 (semesters 3 and 4))
Before you start, make sure you know: Composition of functions (High School Year 2 (semesters 3 and 4))

Diego signed up for a data plan: the first 5 GB cost $\$150$ and each extra GB costs $\$20$. When he looked at the graph of his bill, he noticed it has a "corner" but no jump. What type of function is it, and why is there no jump? To study limits and continuity you need to master what a function is, what type it is, and how functions are combined. This review gives you that foundation.

Domain and types of functions

Move the view and observe where each graph starts: the square root starts at $x=-4$ and the logarithm at $x=1$ (not including it). That is exactly their domain.

When a function mixes several types, you write all the conditions and intersect them. If there is a quotient under a root, you need a sign analysis.

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Determine the domain of the following functions of a real variable based on the restrictions of the operations that define them: a) $f(x) = \frac{2x - 5}{x^2 - 9}$ b)…

Determine the domain of the following functions of a real variable based on the restrictions of the operations that define them:

  1. a) $f(x) = \frac{2x - 5}{x^2 - 9}$
  1. b) $g(x) = \sqrt{3x + 12}$
  1. c) $h(x) = \ln(x - 1)$
Solve
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Classify the following functions according to their type (polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, or logarithmic): a) $f(x) = 3^x - 1$ b)…

Classify the following functions according to their type (polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, or logarithmic):

  1. a) $f(x) = 3^x - 1$
  1. b) $g(x) = \frac{x^2 + 1}{x - 2}$
  1. c) $h(x) = \log_{10}(x^2)$
  1. d) $i(x) = x^3 - 5x + 2$
  1. e) $j(x) = \sqrt[3]{x - 4}$
Solve
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Determine the largest possible domain for the following real-valued function of a real variable, expressing the result as a union of intervals: $$f(x) =…

Determine the largest possible domain for the following real-valued function of a real variable, expressing the result as a union of intervals:

$$f(x) = \sqrt{\frac{\ln(x^2 - 8)}{|x| - 4}}$$

To solve this, you must simultaneously consider the restrictions imposed by the square root, the natural logarithm, and the denominator of the fraction.

Solve

Axis intercepts and removable discontinuities

The $x$-intercepts are found by solving $f(x)=0$ (in a rational function, set the numerator equal to zero, always within the domain). The $y$-intercept is $f(0)$, if $0$ is in the domain.

In a rational function, if a value makes both the numerator and the denominator zero, a factor cancels when you factor. There the function is not defined, but the graph just has a "hole." This is called a removable discontinuity.

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Given the rational function $f(x) = \frac{2x^2 - 8}{x^2 - x - 2}$: 1. Find its domain. 2. Identify whether there is any point where the function has a "removable…

Given the rational function $f(x) = \frac{2x^2 - 8}{x^2 - x - 2}$:

  1. Find its domain.

  2. Identify whether there is any point where the function has a "removable discontinuity" (a point where the numerator and the denominator vanish simultaneously).

  3. Find the axis intercepts.

Solve

Graphs: parabolas, absolute value, and transformations

Many graphs come from a known function with some transformations:

Change Effect on the graph of $y=f(x)$
$f(x-h)$ shift $h$ units to the right (to the left if $h<0$)
$f(x)+k$ shift $k$ units up (down if $k<0$)
$-f(x)$ reflection across the $x$-axis
$f(-x)$ reflection across the $y$-axis
$\lvert f(x)\rvert$ the part below the $x$-axis is reflected upward
$f(\lvert x\rvert)$ the left part is erased and the right part is copied, reflected across the $y$-axis

The order matters: first what is inside the function, then what is outside.

The absolute value is written piecewise: $\lvert u\rvert=u$ if $u\ge0$ and $\lvert u\rvert=-u$ if $u<0$. For example, $\lvert x-3\rvert=\begin{cases}x-3 & x\ge3\\ -(x-3) & x<3\end{cases}$.

For a parabola $y=ax^2+bx+c$, the vertex is at $x=-\dfrac{b}{2a}$. If $a<0$ it opens downward and the vertex is the maximum. The $y$-intercept is $c$.

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Given the modulus function $f(x) = |x - 3|$, express it as a piecewise function and calculate its value for $x = 0$ and $x = 5$.

Given the modulus function $f(x) = |x - 3|$, express it as a piecewise function and calculate its value for $x = 0$ and $x = 5$.

Solve
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In the study of sound signals, the function $s(t) = \ln(t)$ is used to represent the intensity of a primary signal. Due to interference, the resulting signal is…

In the study of sound signals, the function $s(t) = \ln(t)$ is used to represent the intensity of a primary signal. Due to interference, the resulting signal is transformed according to the rule $g(t) = |s(|t-2|)-1|$.

Sketch the graph of the final function $g(t)$ starting from the basic function $\ln(t)$ and explaining in detail each of the geometric transformations (translations, reflections and modulus operations) that take place.

You can do it on paper and send a photo with your answer.

Solve

Increasing and decreasing

Change is the central theme of calculus, so it is worth knowing how to read it on a graph: on which intervals does the function go up and on which does it go down?

A practical way to decide is the average rate of change between two points: $\dfrac{f(x_2)-f(x_1)}{x_2-x_1}$. If it is positive, the function goes up between those points; if it is negative, it goes down. The point where the graph changes from going up to going down is a local maximum; where it changes from going down to going up, a local minimum.

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A surveillance drone carries out a test flight following a trajectory whose height in meters with respect to time in seconds is given by the function: $$H(t) = -t^2 +…

A surveillance drone carries out a test flight following a trajectory whose height in meters with respect to time in seconds is given by the function:

$$H(t) = -t^2 + 20t + 5$$
  1. From what height does the drone take off?

  2. What is the maximum height it reaches and in which second does it occur?

  3. If the drone must land when its battery reaches $5\%$ (which occurs at $21$ seconds), at what height will it be at that moment? Explain whether the result makes physical sense.

Collision zone (H < 0) 5 10 15 20 25 120 100 80 60 40 20 −20 Time t (s) Height H (m) H(t) = -t² + 20t + 5 Take-off: H(0) = 5 m Max Height (10 s, 105 m) t = 21 s, H = −16 m
Solve

Piecewise-defined functions

Go back to the beginning: Diego's graph has a corner (the slope changes) but no jump, because the two pieces have the same value at $x=5$.

When you are also told that the graph passes through a point $(x_0, y_0)$, you substitute into the piece that corresponds to $x_0$ and get another equation. With two conditions you solve a $2\times2$ system for $a$ and $b$.

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A phone company offers a data plan where the first $10$ GB cost a fixed $300$ pesos. From then on, each extra GB is charged at $40$ pesos. The function representing the…

A phone company offers a data plan where the first $10$ GB cost a fixed $300$ pesos. From then on, each extra GB is charged at $40$ pesos. The function representing the total cost $C(x)$ in terms of the GB consumed $x$ is:

$C(x) = \begin{cases} 300 & \text{if } 0 \le x \le 10 \\ 300 + 40(x - 10) & \text{if } x > 10 \end{cases}$

Study whether the function is continuous at the critical point $x = 10$.

Solve
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A new video game streaming service applies a monthly fee based on high-speed data usage. The first $20$ GB are included in a fixed charge of $300$ pesos. Beyond that,…

A new video game streaming service applies a monthly fee based on high-speed data usage. The first $20$ GB are included in a fixed charge of $300$ pesos. Beyond that, the price for each additional GB increases linearly according to the function $P(x) = 300 + 10(x - 20)$, where $x$ is the total number of GB consumed.

However, if the user exceeds $100$ GB, the company applies an excess traffic penalty and the function becomes $P(x) = 2x^2 - 900$.

Write the algebraic expression for the total cost function $C(x)$ as a piecewise-defined function and check whether the price "jumps" or is continuous right at the point of consuming $100$ GB.

Solve
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Given the piecewise function: $$f(x) = \begin{cases} \frac{ax + b}{x - 2} & \text{if } x < 1 \\ \sqrt{x^2 + 3} & \text{if } x \ge 1 \end{cases}$$ Find the values of the…

Given the piecewise function:

$$f(x) = \begin{cases} \frac{ax + b}{x - 2} & \text{if } x < 1 \\ \sqrt{x^2 + 3} & \text{if } x \ge 1 \end{cases}$$

Find the values of the real parameters $a$ and $b$ knowing that the function passes through point $(-2, 0)$ and that it is continuous at the point of abscissa $x = 1$. Once found, study the symmetry of the function on the interval $[1, +\infty)$.

Solve

Operations and composition

Block diagram of the composition f∘g: the input x goes into g, produces g(x), which goes into f to give f(g(x)). x g g(x) g(x) f f(g(x)) (f∘g)(x) = f(g(x)): first g, then f

Range of a composition: first find the range of the inner function $u=g(x)$. Then see which values $f(u)$ takes for those $u$. For example, if $u\in[0, +\infty)$ and $f(u)=\dfrac{u-2}{u+3}=1-\dfrac{5}{u+3}$, this function increases with $u$: it starts at $f(0)=-\dfrac23$ and approaches $1$ without reaching it. The range is $\left[-\dfrac23,\,1\right)$.

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Given the functions $f(x) = x + 3$ and $g(x) = x^2 - 1$, perform the following operations and determine the domain of the resulting function: a) $(f + g)(x)$ b)…

Given the functions $f(x) = x + 3$ and $g(x) = x^2 - 1$, perform the following operations and determine the domain of the resulting function:

  1. a) $(f + g)(x)$
  1. b) $(f \times g)(x)$
  1. c) $(\frac{f}{g})(x)$
Solve
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Consider the functions $f(x) = \sqrt{x + 2}$ and $g(x) = \frac{1}{x^2 - 1}$. 1. Find the expression for the composite function $(g \circ f)(x)$. 2. Determine the domain…

Consider the functions $f(x) = \sqrt{x + 2}$ and $g(x) = \frac{1}{x^2 - 1}$.

  1. Find the expression for the composite function $(g \circ f)(x)$.

  2. Determine the domain of $(g \circ f)(x)$.

  3. Does this domain coincide with that of the function $h(x) = \frac{1}{x+1}$? Justify your answer.

Solve
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An aerospace engineering company is designing the ascent trajectory of a probe. The height $h$ in kilometers, measured from a reference level (negative below it), with…

An aerospace engineering company is designing the ascent trajectory of a probe. The height $h$ in kilometers, measured from a reference level (negative below it), with respect to time $t$ in minutes is given by a composite function. It is known that the outer function is $f(x) = \frac{x-2}{x+3}$ and the inner function is $g(t) = \sqrt{t^2 - 1}$.

Find the algebraic expression of the total height function $H(t) = (f \circ g)(t)$ and give reasons for its domain and range in the physical context of the problem, knowing that the probe begins its mission at $t = 1$.

Solve

Inverse function

The inverse $f^{-1}$ "undoes" $f$: if $f(a)=b$ then $f^{-1}(b)=a$. It only exists if $f$ is one-to-one: different values of $x$ correspond to different values of $y$. To check this analytically, assume $f(a)=f(b)$ and show that necessarily $a=b$.

To find the inverse: write $y=f(x)$, solve for $x$, and swap the names $x\leftrightarrow y$.

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Find the inverse function $f^{-1}(x)$ of the function $f(x) = \frac{e^x + 3}{2}$. State the domain and range of both functions and verify graphically their symmetry with…

Find the inverse function $f^{-1}(x)$ of the function $f(x) = \frac{e^x + 3}{2}$. State the domain and range of both functions and verify graphically their symmetry with respect to the line y = x.

Solve
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An artificial intelligence algorithm processes input data $x$ by means of a modified logistic activation function: $$A(x) = \frac{10}{1 + e^{-0.5x}}$$ The figure shows…

An artificial intelligence algorithm processes input data $x$ by means of a modified logistic activation function:

$$A(x) = \frac{10}{1 + e^{-0.5x}}$$

The figure shows the graph of $A(x)$ for $x$ between $-10$ and $10$.

Graph of the function A(x) in an increasing S shape, passing through the point (0, 5), with graduated Cartesian axes−10100510xyA(x)

We want to find the inverse function $A^{-1}(x)$ so that the system can carry out the reverse process (decoding).

  1. a) Find the expression of the inverse $A^{-1}(x)$.
  1. b) Determine for which output values $y$ it is possible to perform the decoding (range of the original function) and justify your answer.
Solve
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Let the function be $f(x) = \frac{3^x - 1}{3^x + 1}$. Prove algebraically that the function is one-to-one (injective) over its entire domain. Then, find the expression…

Let the function be $f(x) = \frac{3^x - 1}{3^x + 1}$. Prove algebraically that the function is one-to-one (injective) over its entire domain. Then, find the expression for its inverse function $f^{-1}(x)$ and clearly specify the domain and range of this inverse function.

y = x x y 0 1 −1 1 −1 f(x) f⁻¹(x) y = 1 y = −1 x = 1 x = −1
Solve

Symmetry: even and odd functions

Sine and cosine: parity

Cosine is even and sine is odd: $\cos(-x)=\cos x$ and $\sin(-x)=-\sin x$. On the unit circle, the angle $-x$ is reflected across the horizontal axis from the angle $x$: the horizontal coordinate (cosine) is the same and the vertical one (sine) changes sign.

With this and the parity rules for products you can study functions like $g(x)=x\cos x$: $g(-x)=(-x)\cos(-x)=-x\cos x=-g(x)$, so it is odd (odd times even gives odd).

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Study the symmetry (even, odd or neither) of the following functions, justifying the steps by evaluating $f(-x)$: 1. $f(x) = \frac{x^3}{x^2 + 1}$ 2.…

Study the symmetry (even, odd or neither) of the following functions, justifying the steps by evaluating $f(-x)$:

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

  2. $g(x) = x \times \cos(x)$

  3. $h(x) = \frac{e^x + e^{-x}}{2}$ (Hyperbolic cosine function)

Symmetry Analysis What is the relationship between f(x) and f(-x)? x -x h(x) h(-x) = ? h(x) = (ex+ e-x)/2 x -x f(x) f(-x) = ? f(x) = x3/ (x2 + 1)
Solve
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Consider the family of functions $f_k(x) = \frac{x^2 - k^2}{x^2 + k^2}$ where $k \in \mathbb{R}, k \neq 0$. 1. Show that for any value of $k$, the function is even. 2.…

Consider the family of functions $f_k(x) = \frac{x^2 - k^2}{x^2 + k^2}$ where $k \in \mathbb{R}, k \neq 0$.

  1. Show that for any value of $k$, the function is even.

  2. Determine the axis intercepts in terms of $k$.

  3. Find the value of $k$ such that the function takes the value $y = 1/2$ when $x = 3$.

  4. Discuss whether there is any value of $k$ for which the function has vertical asymptotes.

Solve
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Any function $f(x)$ can be uniquely decomposed, at the points $x$ where both $f(x)$ and $f(-x)$ exist, as the sum of an even function $g(x)$ and an odd function $h(x)$,…

Any function $f(x)$ can be uniquely decomposed, at the points $x$ where both $f(x)$ and $f(-x)$ exist, as the sum of an even function $g(x)$ and an odd function $h(x)$, such that:

$$g(x) = \frac{f(x) + f(-x)}{2} \quad \text{and} \quad h(x) = \frac{f(x) - f(-x)}{2}$$

Given the function $f(x) = \frac{x+2}{x-1}$, find its even and odd components. Verify algebraically that $g(x)$ is indeed an even function and $h(x)$ is an odd function. What are the domains of each of these three functions?

f(x) = g(x) + h(x) f(x) = x + 2 x - 1 Dom(f) = ? g(x) = ½[f(x) + f(-x)] g(x) = ? Even Dom(g) = ? h(x) = ½[f(x) - f(-x)] h(x) = ? Odd Dom(h) = ?
Solve

Reading limits and asymptotes from a graph

This prepares you for the chapter. The limit of $f$ as $x\to a$ is the value the $y$-values approach as $x$ gets close to $a$, regardless of what $f(a)$ is. You look separately from the left ($x\to a^-$) and from the right ($x\to a^+$).

On a graph, an open circle indicates a point that is not on the graph and a filled circle one that is.

Graph with a jump at x = 1: from the left the graph approaches 2 with an open circle, from the right it approaches 1 with an open circle, and the value of the function at x = 1 is 3 with a filled circle. toward 2 toward 1 f(1) = 3 x = 1

In the figure: $\lim_{x\to1^-}f(x)=2$, $\lim_{x\to1^+}f(x)=1$, and $f(1)=3$. Since the one-sided limits do not agree, the limit at $x=1$ does not exist, and the function has a jump.

Asymptotes. A vertical asymptote $x=a$ appears where the function "shoots off" ($\to\pm\infty$) as it approaches $a$. A horizontal asymptote $y=b$ appears when the $y$-values approach $b$ as $x$ goes very far to the left or to the right.

In that graph, $x=1$ is a vertical asymptote and $y=2$ is a horizontal asymptote.

Limit by substitution. If $f$ is polynomial, exponential, a root, or rational and $a$ is in its domain, $\lim_{x\to a}f(x)=f(a)$. If the result is a real number, the limit is finite.

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Calculate the following direct limits by substitution, checking whether the value obtained is finite: a) $\lim_{x \to 2} (x^2 - 3x + 1)$ b)…

Calculate the following direct limits by substitution, checking whether the value obtained is finite:

  1. a) $\lim_{x \to 2} (x^2 - 3x + 1)$
  1. b) $\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{e^x + 1}{x + 3}$
  1. c) $\lim_{x \to -1} \sqrt{x + 5}$
Solve
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From the following graph of the function $f(x)$, identify the values of the one-sided limits and the image of the function at the point of discontinuity $x = 1$. In the…

From the following graph of the function $f(x)$, identify the values of the one-sided limits and the image of the function at the point of discontinuity $x = 1$. In the graph, the empty circle indicates a point that does not belong to the graph and the filled circle indicates a point that does belong to it.

  1. a) $\lim_{x \to 1^-} f(x)$
  1. b) $\lim_{x \to 1^+} f(x)$
  1. c) $f(1)$
Graph of f(x) with a jump discontinuity at x = 1: a curved branch on the left with an empty circle and a horizontal branch on the right with a filled circle−1123450−11234xyf(x)
Solve
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Look at the following graph and visually identify the equations of its vertical and horizontal asymptotes:

Look at the following graph and visually identify the equations of its vertical and horizontal asymptotes:

0 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 −1 x y V.A. H.A.
Solve

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