Limits and Continuity

Lesson 5

Math

Unit 9

11th Grade

Lesson 5 of 9

Objective


Define continuity of functions and determine whether a function is continuous on a particular domain.

Criteria for Success


  1. Define continuity of a function $$f$$ at a point $$a$$ as $$f(a)$$ exists, $$\lim_{x\rightarrow a}f(x)$$ exists, and $$\lim_{x\rightarrow a}f(x)=f(a)$$.
  2. Determine whether a function meets the criteria for continuity on a particular domain.
  3. Determine intervals on which a function is continuous.
  4. Sketch functions given constraints on continuity.

Tips for Teachers


The definition of continuity used in Anchor Problem #1 is a common definition, but the target task uses an alternate definition. Students should build an intuitive understanding of continuity and understand that there are multiple formal ways to describe this idea.

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Anchor Problems

25-30 minutes


Problem 1

The conditions under which a function $$f$$  is "continuous" at a point $$a$$ are:

A: $$f(a)$$ exists

B: $$\lim_{x\rightarrow a}f(x)$$ exists

C: $$\lim_{x\rightarrow a}f(x) = f(a)$$

 

  1. Sketch a function that meets all three conditions.
  2. Sketch a function that meets conditions A and B but not C.
  3. Sketch a function that meets condition A but not B or C.

Guiding Questions

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Problem 2

The graph below shows $${{f(x)}=|x|}$$. Sketch a slope graph of $${f(x)}$$.

On what interval(s) is the slope graph continuous? What features of a function cause its slope graph to be discontinuous?

Guiding Questions

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Target Task

5-10 minutes


Below are four conditions. If a point $$a$$ on a function $$f$$ meet these conditions, is it continuous?

A:  $$\lim_{x\rightarrow a^+}f(x)$$ exists

B:  $$\lim_{x\rightarrow a^-}f(x)$$ exists

C:  $$f(a)$$ exists

D:  $$\lim_{x\rightarrow a^+}f(x)=\lim_{x\rightarrow a^-}f(x)=f(a)$$

Next

Write and evaluate piecewise functions algebraically and graphically using parent functions.

Lesson 6
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