Find the values of a and b that make the following function continuous. f(x) { 8x if x < 1 ax² + bif 1 ≤ x ≤ 2 2 if x > 2 7x What is the value of a? (You do not need to enter the value of b.) Enter your answer as a decimal. Round to three decimal places (as needed).

Advanced Engineering Mathematics
10th Edition
ISBN:9780470458365
Author:Erwin Kreyszig
Publisher:Erwin Kreyszig
Chapter2: Second-order Linear Odes
Section: Chapter Questions
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**Finding the Values of \( a \) and \( b \) for Continuity**

To ensure the function \( f(x) \) is continuous, find the values of \( a \) and \( b \) that satisfy the following criteria:

\[ f(x) = \begin{cases} 
8x & \text{if } x < 1 \\
ax^2 + b & \text{if } 1 \leq x \leq 2 \\
7x & \text{if } x > 2 
\end{cases} \]

### Task
Determine the value of \( a \), rounding to three decimal places, and there is no need to enter the value of \( b \).

### Explanation
The piecewise function consists of three parts, each valid within different intervals:
- **\( 8x \)** for \( x < 1 \)
- **\( ax^2 + b \)** for \( 1 \leq x \leq 2 \)
- **\( 7x \)** for \( x > 2 \)

For the function to be continuous at the boundaries of these intervals (\( x = 1 \) and \( x = 2 \)), the following conditions must be met:
- The limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches 1 from the left (\( 8x \)) must equal \( f(1) \).
- The limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches 1 from the right (\( ax^2 + b \)) must equal \( f(1) \).
- The limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches 2 from the left (\( ax^2 + b \)) must equal \( f(2) \).
- The limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches 2 from the right (\( 7x \)) must equal \( f(2) \).
Transcribed Image Text:**Finding the Values of \( a \) and \( b \) for Continuity** To ensure the function \( f(x) \) is continuous, find the values of \( a \) and \( b \) that satisfy the following criteria: \[ f(x) = \begin{cases} 8x & \text{if } x < 1 \\ ax^2 + b & \text{if } 1 \leq x \leq 2 \\ 7x & \text{if } x > 2 \end{cases} \] ### Task Determine the value of \( a \), rounding to three decimal places, and there is no need to enter the value of \( b \). ### Explanation The piecewise function consists of three parts, each valid within different intervals: - **\( 8x \)** for \( x < 1 \) - **\( ax^2 + b \)** for \( 1 \leq x \leq 2 \) - **\( 7x \)** for \( x > 2 \) For the function to be continuous at the boundaries of these intervals (\( x = 1 \) and \( x = 2 \)), the following conditions must be met: - The limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches 1 from the left (\( 8x \)) must equal \( f(1) \). - The limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches 1 from the right (\( ax^2 + b \)) must equal \( f(1) \). - The limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches 2 from the left (\( ax^2 + b \)) must equal \( f(2) \). - The limit of \( f(x) \) as \( x \) approaches 2 from the right (\( 7x \)) must equal \( f(2) \).
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