x² – 16 tate why f(x) is continuous on [1, 2]. x² – 9

Calculus: Early Transcendentals
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ISBN:9781285741550
Author:James Stewart
Publisher:James Stewart
Chapter1: Functions And Models
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RCC: (a) What is a function? What are its domain and range? (b) What is the graph of a function? (c) How...
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**Problem Statement:**

State why \( f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 16}{x^2 - 9} \) is continuous on the interval \([1, 2]\).

**Solution Explanation:**

The function \( f(x) \) is defined as a rational function, which is the quotient of two polynomials: \( x^2 - 16 \) (numerator) and \( x^2 - 9 \) (denominator). Rational functions are continuous everywhere in their domain, which includes all real numbers except where the denominator equals zero.

First, we find where the denominator is equal to zero:

\[ x^2 - 9 = 0 \]

Solving for \( x \), we get:

\[ x^2 = 9 \]

\[ x = \pm 3 \]

This means the function is undefined at \( x = 3 \) and \( x = -3 \).

Next, we check the interval \([1, 2]\). The interval does not include \( x = \pm 3 \), therefore the function \( f(x) \) is defined and continuous for every point in \([1, 2]\). Since the function is a rational function and is defined across this entire interval, \( f(x) \) is continuous on \([1, 2]\).
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem Statement:** State why \( f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 16}{x^2 - 9} \) is continuous on the interval \([1, 2]\). **Solution Explanation:** The function \( f(x) \) is defined as a rational function, which is the quotient of two polynomials: \( x^2 - 16 \) (numerator) and \( x^2 - 9 \) (denominator). Rational functions are continuous everywhere in their domain, which includes all real numbers except where the denominator equals zero. First, we find where the denominator is equal to zero: \[ x^2 - 9 = 0 \] Solving for \( x \), we get: \[ x^2 = 9 \] \[ x = \pm 3 \] This means the function is undefined at \( x = 3 \) and \( x = -3 \). Next, we check the interval \([1, 2]\). The interval does not include \( x = \pm 3 \), therefore the function \( f(x) \) is defined and continuous for every point in \([1, 2]\). Since the function is a rational function and is defined across this entire interval, \( f(x) \) is continuous on \([1, 2]\).
Expert Solution
Step 1 definition used

f(x) is continuous on [a,b] if and only if 

1. x0(a,b)R, limxx0f(x)=f(x0)

2. limxa+f(x)=f(a) and limxb-f(x)=f(b)

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