Dr. Md.

Amirul Islam
01710-459975
Course Title : Differential and Integral Calculus
Course Code : ICT – 1107

Md. Khalid Hasan

ID : IT24013
Continuity
A function f(x) is said to be continuous at x = a if the following conditions
are satisfied.
(i) f(a) exists
(ii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists
𝑥→𝑎
(iii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) = f(a)
𝑥→𝑎

that is, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(a)

𝑥→𝑎− 𝑥→𝑎

↓ ↓ ↓
L.H.L R.H.L F.v
1+𝑥 if 𝑥 ≤ 2
Problem 1 : Show that the function f(x) = { is continuous
5−𝑥 if 𝑥 > 2
at x = 2.
1+𝑥 if 𝑥 ≤ 2
Solution : Given, f(x) = {
5−𝑥 if 𝑥 > 2
When, x = 2 then, f(x) = 1 + x
∴ f(2) = 1 + 2
=3
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(1 + 𝑥 )
𝑥→2− 𝑥→2

=1+2
=3
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(5 − 𝑥 )
𝑥→2+ 𝑥→2

=5–2
=3
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(2)
𝑥→2 𝑥→2

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 2

(Proved)
 3+𝑥 if 𝑥 ≤ 3
Problem 2 : Show that the function f(x) = { is continuous
9−𝑥 if 𝑥 > 3
at x = 3.
3+𝑥 if 𝑥 ≤ 3
Solution : Given, f(x) = {
9−𝑥 if 𝑥 > 3
When, x = 3 then, f(x) = 3 + x
∴ f(3) = 3 + 3
=6
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(3 + 𝑥 )
𝑥→3− 𝑥→3

=3+3
=6
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(9 − 𝑥 )
𝑥→3+ 𝑥→2

=9–3
=6
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(3)
𝑥→3 𝑥→3

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 3 (Proved)

Problem 3 : Show that the function
1 if 𝑥 < 0
f(x) = {1 + sin𝑥 if 0 ≤ 𝑥 < π⁄2 is continuous at x = 0 and x = π⁄2.
2 + (𝑥 − π⁄2)2 if 𝑥 ≥ π⁄2
1 if 𝑥 < 0
Solution : Given, f(x) = {1 + sin𝑥 if 0 ≤ 𝑥 < π⁄2
2 + (𝑥 − π⁄2)2 if 𝑥 ≥ π⁄2
For, x = 0
When, x=0 then, f(x) = 1 + sinx
∴ f(0) = 1 + sin0
=1+0 =1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(1)
𝑥→0− 𝑥→0

=1
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(1 + sin𝑥)
𝑥→0+ 𝑥→0

= 1 + sin0
=1+0
=1
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(0)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 0 (Proved)

For, x = π⁄2

when, x = π⁄2 then, f(x) = 2 + (𝑥 − π⁄2)2

∴ f(π⁄2) = 2 + (π⁄2 − π⁄2)2

=2
Again, lim − 𝑓(𝑥) = lim (1 + sin𝑥)
𝑥→π⁄2 π −
𝑥→ ⁄2

= 1 + sinπ⁄2
=1+1
=2
Also aging, lim + 𝑓(𝑥) = lim + (2 + (𝑥 − π⁄2)2 )
𝑥→π⁄2 𝑥→π⁄2

= 2 + (π⁄2 − π⁄2)2
=2+0
=2
Since, lim
π −
𝑓(𝑥) = lim + 𝑓(𝑥) = f(π⁄2)
𝑥→ ⁄2 𝑥→π⁄2

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = π⁄2 (Proved)

 𝑥2 if 𝑥 ≤ 0
Problem 4 : Show that the function f(x) = { 𝑥 if 0 < 𝑥 < 1 is
1⁄ if 𝑥 ≥ 1
𝑥
continuous at x = 0 and x = 1.
𝑥2 if 𝑥 ≤ 0
Solution : Given, f(x) = { 𝑥 if 0 < 𝑥 < 1
1⁄ if 𝑥 ≥ 1
𝑥
For, x = 0
When, x=0 then, f(x) = x2
∴ f(0) = 02
=0
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(𝑥 2 )
𝑥→0− 𝑥→0

= 02
=0
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(𝑥 )
𝑥→0+ 𝑥→0

=0
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(0)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 0 (Proved)

For, x = 1
When, x=1 then, f(x) = 1⁄𝑥

∴ f(1⁄𝑥) = 1⁄1
=1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(𝑥)
𝑥→1− 𝑥→1

=1
Also aging, lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(1⁄𝑥 )
𝑥→1 𝑥→1
 = 1⁄1
=1
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(1)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 1 (Proved)

𝑥 if 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 1
Problem 5 : Show that the function f(x) = { is
𝑥−1 if 1 < 𝑥 ≤ 2
continuous at x = 1.
𝑥 if 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 1
Solution : Given, f(x) = {
𝑥−1 if 1 < 𝑥 ≤ 2
When, x=1 then, f(x) = x
∴ f(1) = 1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(𝑥 )
𝑥→1− 𝑥→1

=1
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(𝑥 − 1)
𝑥→1+ 𝑥→1

=1–1
=0
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(1)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Therefore, the given function is discontinuous at x = 1 (Proved)

2
Problem 6 : Show that the function f(x) = { − 1
𝑥 if 1 ≤ 𝑥 is
1−𝑥 if 𝑥 < 1
continuous at x = 1.
2
Solution : Given, f(x) = {𝑥 − 1 if 1 ≤ 𝑥
1−𝑥 if 𝑥 < 1
When, x=1 then, f(x) = x2 – 1
∴ f(1) = 12 – 1
=0
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(1 − 𝑥 )
𝑥→1− 𝑥→1
 =1–1
=0
Also aging, lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(𝑥 2 − 1)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

= 12 – 1
=0
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(1)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 1 (Proved)

𝑥 if 𝑥 ≤ 1
Problem 7 : Show that the function f(x) = { is
2𝑥 − 1 if 1 < 𝑥
continuous at x = 1.
𝑥 if 𝑥 ≤ 1
Solution : Given, f(x) = {
2𝑥 − 1 if 1 < 𝑥
When, x=1 then, f(x) = x
∴ f(1) = 1
=1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(𝑥 )
𝑥→1− 𝑥→1

=1
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(2𝑥 − 1)
𝑥→1+ 𝑥→1

= 2×1 – 1
=1
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(1)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 1 (Proved)

𝑥 if 0 < 𝑥 < 1
Problem 8 : Show that the function f(x) = { is
2−𝑥 if 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2
continuous at x = 1.
𝑥 if 0 < 𝑥 < 1
Solution : Given, f(x) = {
2−𝑥 if 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2
When, x=1 then, f(x) = 2 – x
∴ f(1) = 2 – 1
=1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(𝑥 )
𝑥→1− 𝑥→1

=1
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(2 − 𝑥 )
𝑥→1+ 𝑥→1

=2–1
=1
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(1)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 1 (Proved)

2𝑥 − 1 if 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 1
Problem 9 : Show that the function f(x) = { 2
𝑥 −𝑥+1 if 𝑥 > 1
is continuous at x = 1.
2𝑥 − 1 if 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 1
Solution : Given, f(x) = { 2
𝑥 −𝑥+1 if 𝑥 > 1
When, x=1 then, f(x) = 2x – 1
∴ f(1) = 2×1 – 1
=2–1
=1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(2𝑥 − 1)
𝑥→1− 𝑥→1

= 2×1 – 1
=2–1
=1
Also aging, lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 1)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

= 12 – 1 + 1
=1
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(1)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 1 (Proved)

1+𝑥 if 𝑥 ≤ 0
Problem 10 : Show that the function f(x) = { 𝑥 if 0 < 𝑥 < 1 is
2−𝑥 if 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2
continuous at x = 0, 1.
1+𝑥 if 𝑥 ≤ 0
Solution : Given, f(x) = { 𝑥 if 0 < 𝑥 < 1
2−𝑥 if 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2
For, x = 0
When, x=0 then, f(x) = 1 + x
∴ f(0) = 1 + 0
=1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(1 + 𝑥)
𝑥→0− 𝑥→0

=1+0
=1
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(𝑥 )
𝑥→0+ 𝑥→0

=0
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(0)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

Therefore, the given function is discontinuous at x = 0 (Proved)

For, x = 1
When, x=1 then, f(x) = 2 – x
∴ f(1) = 2 – 1
=1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(𝑥)
𝑥→1− 𝑥→1

=1
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(2 − 𝑥 )
𝑥→1+ 𝑥→1

=2–x
=2–1
=1
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(1)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 1 (Proved)

3 + 2𝑥 when − 3⁄2 ≤ 𝑥 < 0
Problem 11 : Given f(x) = 3 − 2𝑥 when 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3⁄2
{−3 − 2𝑥 when 𝑥 ≥ 3⁄2
3
investigate the continuity of the function at x = 0 and x = 2 .

3 + 2𝑥 when − 3⁄2 ≤ 𝑥 < 0

Solution : Given, f(x) = 3 − 2𝑥 when 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3⁄2
{−3 − 2𝑥 when 𝑥 ≥ 3⁄2
For, x = 0
When, x=0 then, f(x) = 3 – 2x
∴ f(0) = 3 – 2×0
=3
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(3 + 2𝑥)
𝑥→0− 𝑥→0

= 3 + 2×0
=3
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(3 − 2𝑥 )
𝑥→0+ 𝑥→0

= 3 – 2×0
=3
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(0)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0
Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 0 (Proved)
3
For, x = 2

3
When, x=2 then, f(x) = –3 – 2x

3 3
∴ f(2 ) = –3 – 2×2

= –3 – 3
= –6
Again, lim − 𝑓(𝑥) = lim −(3 − 2𝑥)
𝑥→3⁄2 𝑥→3⁄2

3
= 3 – 2×2

=0
Also aging, lim + 𝑓(𝑥) = lim +(−3 − 2x)
𝑥→3⁄2 𝑥→3⁄2

= –3 – 2x
3
= 2 – 2×2

=2–3
=–1
Since, lim − 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ lim + 𝑓(𝑥) = f(–6)
𝑥→3⁄2 𝑥→3⁄2

3
Therefore, the given function is discontinuous at x = 2 (Proved)

Modulus
f(x) = |𝑥 | + |𝑥 − 1| x<0 0≤x<1 1≤x

x=0 x=1 0 1
 𝑥 if 𝑥 > 0
|𝑥 | = { 0 if 𝑥 = 0
−(𝑥 ) if 𝑥 < 0
*** |𝑥 + 1| + |𝑥 − 2| + |𝑥 − 3| + |𝑥 − 5|
x = –1 , x = 2 , x=3, x=5
x < –1 ––––
–1 ≤ x < 2 +–––
2≤x<3 ++––
3≤x<5 +++–
5≤x ++++
Problem 1 :
f(x) = |𝑥 | + |𝑥 − 1|
x=0 x=1
−(𝑥 ) + {−(𝑥 − 1)} if 𝑥 < 0 --
= { 𝑥 + {−(𝑥 − 1)} if 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 1 +-
𝑥+𝑥−1 if 1 ≤ 𝑥 ++
−𝑥−𝑥+1 if 𝑥 < 0
= {𝑥 − 𝑥 + 1 if 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 1
2𝑥 − 1 if 1 ≤ 𝑥
−2𝑥 + 1 if 𝑥 < 0
={1 if 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 1
2𝑥 − 1 if 1 ≤ 𝑥
Problem 2 :
f(x) = |𝑥 − 1| + |𝑥 − 2| + |𝑥 − 3|
x=1 x=2 x=3
−(𝑥 − 1) − (𝑥 − 2) − (𝑥 − 3) if 𝑥 < 1 ---
(𝑥 − 1) − (𝑥 − 2) − (𝑥 − 3) if 1 ≤ 𝑥 < 2 +--
=
(𝑥 − 1 ) + (𝑥 − 2 ) − (𝑥 − 3 ) if 2 ≤ 𝑥 < 3 ++-
{ (𝑥 − 1 ) + (𝑥 − 2 ) + (𝑥 − 3 ) if 3 ≤ 𝑥 +++
 −𝑥 + 1 − 𝑥 + 2 − 𝑥 + 3 if 𝑥 < 1
𝑥−1−𝑥+2−𝑥+3 if 1 ≤ 𝑥 < 2
={
𝑥−1+𝑥−2−𝑥+3 if 2 ≤ 𝑥 < 3
𝑥−1+𝑥−2+𝑥−3 if 3 ≤ 𝑥
−3𝑥 + 6 if 𝑥 < 1
−𝑥 + 4 if 1 ≤ 𝑥 < 2
={
𝑥 if 2 ≤ 𝑥 < 3
3𝑥 − 6 if 3 ≤ 𝑥
Problem 3 : Show that the function f(x) = |𝑥 | + |𝑥 − 1| is continuous at the
point x = 0, x = 1.
Solution :
Given, f(x) = |𝑥 | + |𝑥 − 1|
−(𝑥 ) − (𝑥 − 1) if 𝑥 < 0
= { 𝑥 − (𝑥 − 1) if 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 1
𝑥+𝑥−1 if 1 ≤ 𝑥
−𝑥−𝑥+1 if 𝑥 < 0
= {𝑥 − 𝑥 + 1 if 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 1
2𝑥 − 1 if 1 ≤ 𝑥
−2𝑥 + 1 if 𝑥 < 0
={1 if 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 1
2𝑥 − 1 if 1 ≤ 𝑥
At, x = 0
When, x=0 then, f(x) = 1
∴ f(0) = 1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(−2𝑥 + 1)
𝑥→0− 𝑥→0

= – 2×0 + 1
=1
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(1)
𝑥→0+ 𝑥→0

=1
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(0)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0
Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 0 (Proved)
At, x = 1
When, x=1 then, f(x) = 2x – 1
∴ f(1) = 2×1 – 1
=2–1
=1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(1)
𝑥→1− 𝑥→1

=1
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(2𝑥 − 1)
𝑥→1+ 𝑥→1

= 2×1 – 1
=2–1
=1
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(1)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 1 (Proved)

Problem 4 : Show that the function f(x) = |𝑥 + 1| + |𝑥| is continuous at the
point x = –1, x = 0.
Solution :
Given, f(x) = |𝑥 + 1| + |𝑥 |
−(𝑥 + 1) − 𝑥 if 𝑥 < −1
={𝑥+1−𝑥 if − 1 ≤ 𝑥 < 0
𝑥+1+𝑥 if 0 ≤ 𝑥
−𝑥−1−𝑥 if 𝑥 < −1
= {𝑥 + 1 − 𝑥 if − 1 ≤ 𝑥 < 0
2𝑥 + 1 if 0 ≤ 𝑥
−2𝑥 − 1 if 𝑥 < −1
= {1 if − 1 ≤ 𝑥 < 0
2𝑥 + 1 if 0 ≤ 𝑥
At, x = −1
When, x = −1 then, f(x) = 1
∴ f(−1) = 1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim −(−2𝑥 − 1)
𝑥→−1− 𝑥→−1

= – 2×(−1) − 1
=2−1=1
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim +(1)
𝑥→−1+ 𝑥→−1

=1
Since, lim − 𝑓(𝑥) = lim + 𝑓(𝑥)= f(−1)
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = −1 (Proved)

At, x = 0
When, x=0 then, f(x) = 2x + 1
∴ f(0) = 2×0 + 1
=1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(1)
𝑥→0− 𝑥→0

=1
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(2𝑥 + 1)
𝑥→0+ 𝑥→0

= 2×0 + 1
=1
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(0)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 0 (Proved)

Problem 5 : Show that the function f(x) = |𝑥 + 1| + |𝑥| + |𝑥 − 1| is
continuous at the point x = –1, x = 0, x = 1.
Solution :
Given, f(x) = f(x) = |𝑥 + 1| + |𝑥 | + |𝑥 − 1|
 −(𝑥 + 1) − 𝑥 − (𝑥 − 1) if 𝑥 < −1
(𝑥 + 1) − 𝑥 − (𝑥 − 1) if − 1 ≤ 𝑥 < 0
=
(𝑥 + 1) + 𝑥 − (𝑥 − 1) if 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 1
{ (𝑥 + 1) + 𝑥 + (𝑥 − 1) if 1 ≤ 𝑥
−𝑥 − 1 − 𝑥 − 𝑥 + 1 if 𝑥 < −1
x+1−𝑥−𝑥+1 if − 1 ≤ 𝑥 < 0
={
x+1+𝑥−𝑥+1 if 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 1
x+1+𝑥+𝑥−1 if 1 ≤ 𝑥
−3x if 𝑥 < −1
2−𝑥 if − 1 ≤ 𝑥 < 0
={
𝑥+2 if 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 1
3𝑥 if 1 ≤ 𝑥
At, x = −1
When, x = −1 then, f(x) = 2 – x
∴ f(−1) = 2 – (–1)
=2+1
=3
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim −(−3𝑥)
𝑥→−1− 𝑥→−1

= – 3×(−1)
=3
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim +(2 − 𝑥 )
𝑥→−1+ 𝑥→−1

= 2 – (–1)
=2+1
=3
Since, lim − 𝑓(𝑥) = lim + 𝑓(𝑥)= f(−1)
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = −1 (Proved)

At, x = 0
When, x=0 then, f(x) = x + 2
 ∴ f(0) = 0 + 2
=2
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(2 − 𝑥)
𝑥→0− 𝑥→0

=2–0
=2
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(2 + 𝑥 )
𝑥→0+ 𝑥→0

=2+0
=2
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = f(0)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 0 (Proved)

At, x = 1
When, x=1 then, f(x) = 3x
∴ f(1) = 3×1
=3
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim−(𝑥 + 2)
𝑥→1− 𝑥→1

=1+2
=3
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+(3𝑥 )
𝑥→1+ 𝑥→1

= 3×1
=3
Since, lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑓(𝑥)= f(1)
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Therefore, the given function is continuous at x = 1 (Proved)

Problem 6 : Show that the function f(x) = |𝑥 + 1| + |𝑥 + 2| is continuous at
the point x = –1, x = –2.
Solution :
Given, f(x) = |𝑥 + 1| + |𝑥 + 2|
−(𝑥 + 1) − (𝑥 + 2) if 𝑥 < −2
= {𝑥 + 1 − (𝑥 + 2) if − 2 ≤ 𝑥 < −1
𝑥+1+𝑥+2 if − 1 ≤ 𝑥
−x − 1 − 𝑥 − 2 if 𝑥 < −2
= {𝑥 + 1 − 𝑥 − 2 if − 2 ≤ 𝑥 < −1
𝑥+1+𝑥+2 if − 1 ≤ 𝑥
−2x − 3 if 𝑥 < −2
= { −1 if − 2 ≤ 𝑥 < −1
2𝑥 + 3 if − 1 ≤ 𝑥
At, x = −1
When, x = −1 then, f(x) = 2x + 3
∴ f(−1) = 2×(–1) + 3
= –2 + 3
=1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim −(−1)
𝑥→−1− 𝑥→−1

=–1
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim +(2𝑥 + 3)
𝑥→−1+ 𝑥→−1

= 2×(–1) + 3
= –2 + 3
=1
Since, lim − 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ lim + 𝑓(𝑥)= f(−1)
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1

Therefore, the given function is discontinuous at x = −1 (Proved)

At, x = –2
When, x = –2 then, f(x) = –1
∴ f(−2) = –1
= –1
Again, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim −(−2𝑥 − 3)
𝑥→−2− 𝑥→−2

= – 2(–2) – 3
=4–3
=1
Also aging, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim +(−1)
𝑥→−2+ 𝑥→−2

=–1
Since, lim − 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ lim + 𝑓(𝑥) = f(−2)
𝑥→−2 𝑥→−2

Therefore, the given function is discontinuous at x = −2 (Proved)

∈ −𝛅 definition of continuity
A function f(x) is said to be continuous at x = a if for each ∈ > 0 there exists
a δ > 0 such that
|𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑎)| < ∈ whenever |𝑥 − 𝑎| < δ
x=2
|𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2)| < ∈ ⟺ |𝑥 − 2| < δ
𝑥 2 −16
Problem 1 : By (δ, ∈) definition prove that lim = 16
𝑥→2 𝑥−4

𝑥 2 −16
Solution : Given, lim = 16 [Note : lim 𝑓(𝑥) = f(a)]
𝑥→2 𝑥−4 𝑥→𝑎

Here, a = 2
x2 - 16
f(x) = , f(2) = 6
x-4
we have to show that for each ∈ > 0 there exists a δ > 0
such that, |𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑎)| < ∈ whenever |𝑥 − 𝑎| < δ
therefore, |𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2)| < ∈ whenever |𝑥 − 2| < δ
Now,
|𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2)| < ∈
 𝑥 2 −16
⟹| − 6| < ∈
𝑥−4
(𝑥+4)(𝑥−4)
⟹| − 6| < ∈
𝑥−4

⟹ |𝑥 + 4 − 6| < ∈
⟹ |𝑥 − 2| < ∈
we choose, ∈ = δ then we have, |𝑥 − 2| < δ
Hence, |𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2)| < ∈ whenever |𝑥 − 2| < δ
𝑥 2 −16
Therefore, By the definition of (δ, ∈) we have lim = 16 (Proved)
𝑥→2 𝑥−4

𝑥 2 −25
Problem 2 : By (δ, ∈) definition prove that lim = 10
𝑥→5 𝑥−5

𝑥 2 −25
Solution : Given, lim = 10 [Note : lim 𝑓(𝑥) = f(a)]
𝑥→5 𝑥−5 𝑥→a

Here, a = 5
x2 - 25
f(x) = , f(5) = 10
x-5
we have to show that for each ∈ > 0 there exists a δ > 0
such that, |𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑎)| < ∈ whenever |𝑥 − 𝑎| < δ
therefore, |𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(5)| < ∈ whenever |𝑥 − 5| < δ
Now,
|𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(5)| < ∈
𝑥 2 −25
⟹| − 10| < ∈
𝑥−5
(𝑥+5)(𝑥−5)
⟹| − 10| < ∈
𝑥−5

⟹ |𝑥 + 5 − 10| < ∈
⟹ |𝑥 − 5| < ∈
we choose, ∈ = δ then we have, |𝑥 − 5| < δ
Hence, |𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(5)| < ∈ whenever |𝑥 − 5| < δ
 𝑥 2 −25
Therefore, By the definition of (δ, ∈) we have lim = 10 (Proved)
𝑥→5 𝑥−5

Problem 3 : By (δ, ∈) definition prove that lim(3𝑥 + 4) = 10

𝑥→2

Solution : Given, lim(3𝑥 + 4) = 10 [Note : lim 𝑓(𝑥) = f(a)]

𝑥→2 𝑥→𝑎

Here, a = 2
f(x) = 3x + 4, f(2) = 10
we have to show that for each ∈ > 0 there exists a δ > 0
such that, |𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑎)| < ∈ whenever |𝑥 − 𝑎| < δ
therefore, |𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2)| < ∈ whenever |𝑥 − 2| < δ
Now,
|𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2)| < ∈
⟹ |3𝑥 + 4 − 10| < ∈
⟹ |3𝑥 − 6| < ∈
⟹ |3(𝑥 − 2)| < ∈
⟹ 3|𝑥 − 2| < ∈
∈
⟹ |𝑥 − 2| < 3

∈
we choose, δ = 3 then we have, |𝑥 − 2| < δ

Hence, |𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2)| < ∈ whenever |𝑥 − 2| < δ

Therefore, By the definition of (δ, ∈) we have lim(3𝑥 + 4) = 10 (Proved)
𝑥→2

Problem 4 : By (δ, ∈) definition prove that lim(𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 + 7) = 9

𝑥→2

Solution : Given, lim(𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 + 7) = 9 [Note : lim 𝑓(𝑥) = f(a)]

𝑥→2 𝑥→𝑎

Here, a = 2
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 + 7, f(2) = 9
we have to show that for each ∈ > 0 there exists a δ > 0
such that, |𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑎)| < ∈ whenever |𝑥 − 𝑎| < δ
therefore, |𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2)| < ∈ whenever |𝑥 − 2| < δ
Now,
|𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2)| < ∈
⟹ |𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 + 7 − 9| < ∈
⟹ |𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 − 2| < ∈
⟹ |(𝑥 − 2)3 + 6(𝑥 − 2)2 + 9(𝑥 − 2)| < ∈
Again, we can write,
|𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2)| = |(𝑥 − 2)3 + 6(𝑥 − 2)2 + 9(𝑥 − 2)|
[Note : |𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐| = |𝑎| + |𝑏| + |𝑐|]
≤ |(𝑥 − 2)3 | + 6|(𝑥 − 2)2 | + 9|(𝑥 − 2)|
< | 𝑥 − 2 | + 6| 𝑥 − 2 | + 9 | 𝑥 − 2 | [∵ |𝑥 − 2| < 1]
|𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2)| < 16 |𝑥 − 2|
⟹ |𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2)| < 16 . δ [∵ |𝑥 − 2| < δ]
we choose, 16.δ = ∈ then we have, |𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑓(2)| < ∈
Hence, |𝑓(𝑥 ) − 𝑓(2)| < ∈ whenever |𝑥 − 2| < δ
Therefore, By the definition of (δ, ∈) we have lim(𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 + 7) = 9
𝑥→2

(Proved)
Differentiability
A function f(x) is said to be differentiable at x = a if
𝑓(𝑥)−𝑓(𝑎) 𝑓(𝑥)−𝑓(𝑎)
lim− = lim+ exists i.e. L𝑓 ′ (a) = R𝑓 ′ (a) [i.e. = that is]
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥−𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥−𝑎

5𝑥 − 4 if 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 1
Problem 1 : Show that the function f(x) = { is
4𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 if 1 < 𝑥 < 2
differentiable at x = 1
5𝑥 − 4 if 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 1
Solution : Given, f(x) = {
4𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 if 1 < 𝑥 < 2
when, x = 1 then, f(x) = 5x – 4
∴ f(1) = 5×1 – 4 = 5 – 4 = 1
𝑓(𝑥)−𝑓(1)
R𝑓 ′ (1) = lim+
𝑥→1 𝑥−1

(4𝑥 2 −3𝑥)−1
= lim+
𝑥→1 𝑥−1

4𝑥 2 −3𝑥−1
= lim+
𝑥→1 𝑥−1

4𝑥 2 −4𝑥+𝑥−1
= lim+
𝑥→1 𝑥−1

4𝑥(𝑥−1)+1(𝑥−1)
= lim+
𝑥→1 𝑥−1

(𝑥−1)(4𝑥+1)
= lim+
𝑥→1 𝑥−1

= lim+(4𝑥 + 1)
𝑥→1

= 4×1 + 1 = 5
𝑓(𝑥)−𝑓(1)
L𝑓 ′ (1) = lim−
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
5x−4−1
= lim−
x→1 x−1
5𝑥−5
= lim−
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
5(𝑥−1)
= lim−
𝑥→1 𝑥−1

= lim−(5)
𝑥→1

=5
Since, L𝑓 ′ (1) = R𝑓 ′ (1) = 5
∴ f(x) is differentiable at x = 1 (Proved)
 𝑥2 if 0 < 𝑥 < 1
Problem 2 : Show that the function f(x) = {𝑥 3 if 1 ≤ 𝑥 < 2 is not
𝑥
if 2 ≤ 𝑥 < 3
4
differentiable at x = 1 & differentiable at x = 2.

Problem 3 : Examine the derivative of the function f(x) at the indicated

1+𝑥 if 𝑥 ≤ 0
𝑥 if 0 < 𝑥 < 1
point. f(x) = { at x = 0, 1.
2−𝑥 if 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2
2𝑥 − 𝑥 2 if 𝑥 > 2

3 + 2𝑥 when 3⁄2 < 𝑥 ≤ 0

Problem 4 : If f(x) = 3 − 2𝑥 when 0 < 𝑥 < 3⁄2 discuss the
{ −3 − 2𝑥 when 𝑥 ≥ 3⁄2
3
differentiability of the function at x = 0, 2 .
Problem 5 : Show that the function f(x) = |𝑥 | + |𝑥 − 1| is continuous at the
point x = 1 but not differentiable.

5𝑥 − 4 when 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 1
Problem 6 : If f(x) = {4𝑥 − 3𝑥 2
when 1 < 𝑥 < 2 discuss the
3𝑥 + 4 when 𝑥 ≥ 2
differentiability of the function at x = 1 and x = 2.

Problem 7 : If f(x) = |𝑥 − 1| + |𝑥 + 3| then discuss the continuity and

differentiability of the function at x = – 3, 1.

Problem 8 : Show that the function f(x) = |𝑥 | + |𝑥 − 1| + |𝑥 − 2| is not

differentiable at the points x = 0, 1, 2.