Finding removable discontinuity

In summary, the conversation discusses the function f(x) and whether there are values for A and B that make it continuous at x=5 and x=-5 respectively. The conversation notes that f(x) is a parabola at every point except x=5 and x=-5 and that there is a vertical asymptote at x=-5. Further discussion reveals that there is a value for A when x=5, but no value for B when x=-5 due to the function being undefined at that point.
  • #1
i5hands
4
0

Homework Statement



Let f(x)= {x^2-7x+10, for x^2 ≠ 25
{ A, for x = 5
{ B, for x = -5
Is there a value of A that makes f continuous at x= 5?
Is there a value of B that makes f continuous at x= -5?
 
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  • #2
i5hands said:

Homework Statement



Let f(x)= {x^2-7x+10, for x^2 ≠ 25
{ A, for x = 5
{ B, for x = -5
Is there a value of A that makes f continuous at x= 5?
Is there a value of B that makes f continuous at x= -5?

You should draw out the graph of f, it will be easier to see.

So f(x) = x2-7x+10 when x≠±5. So f(x) is a parabola at every point except when x=5 or x=-5.

At those two points it attains a value A for x=5 and B for x=-5 respectively. Are there values of A and B you can choose to make the graph smooth? As in have no jumps or breaks in it?

Big hint : What is f(5) and f(-5) ? That should tell you something about the roots of f and the values you need.
 
  • #3
Thank you!
There is a Vertical asymptote at x=-5 so does that mean there are no values to make it continuos?
 
  • #4
i made a mistake when writing the question, it is f(x) ={ x^2-7x+10 / x^2 - 25
 
  • #5
Ah even better then.

Can you factor : x^2-7x+10 ?
Can you factor : x^2-25?

Now simplify your f(x) after factoring, what do you get and what do you notice?
 
  • #6
Yes, you can factor so there is a value for a when x = 5 you get 3/10. But there is not a value for when x=-5 because after plugging in -5 you get undefined therefore there are no values for B.
Thank you so much!
 
  • #7
No problem bud :)
 

Related to Finding removable discontinuity

1. What is a removable discontinuity?

A removable discontinuity is a type of discontinuity that occurs in a mathematical function when there is a hole or gap in the graph of the function. This means that the function is undefined at a particular point, but it can be made continuous by redefining the function at that point.

2. How do I know if a function has a removable discontinuity?

A function will have a removable discontinuity if there is a point where the function is undefined but the limit of the function as it approaches that point exists. In other words, there is a gap in the graph, but it can be filled in to make the function continuous at that point.

3. What causes a removable discontinuity?

A removable discontinuity can be caused by a variety of factors, including a simplification or cancellation of terms in the function, or the presence of an asymptote. It can also occur when a function is defined differently at a particular point than it is on either side of that point.

4. How do I find the location of a removable discontinuity?

To find the location of a removable discontinuity, you can look for points where the function is undefined but the limit exists. This can be done by graphing the function or by plugging in values on either side of the potential discontinuity to see if the limit is the same.

5. Can a removable discontinuity be removed?

Yes, a removable discontinuity can be removed by redefining the function at the point where the discontinuity occurs. This can be done by filling in the gap in the graph with a new point or by simplifying the function to remove the discontinuity altogether.

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