To access the cross sections applet (based
on work of Tom Banchoff) follow the link:
http://www.slu.edu/classes/maymk/banchoff/Continuity1Var.html
Spread the two graphs out
where you can see them both, as well as the control panel.
We
start with a polynomial function, which is obviously continuous.
This lets us look at what it means to say a graph is
continuous at a point. We then move on to more complicated
functions. The applet opens with the graph of the function
f(x,y)
= -x^4+x^2+x/4+1/2. The applet has an f(x) graph window and a
close up graph window. Visually the graph of the function at
x0 is a red point. The graph of the function in a delta
neighborhood of that point is given in purple. Two blue lines
are drawn epsilon above and below the point. The definition
of continuity says that no matter how small epsilon, delta can be
chosen so that the purple curve is trapped by the blue lines.
1) The
example starts with f(x) = -x^4+x^2+x/4+1/2, epsilon = 0.1,
and delta = 0.5. Find a value of delta that works with this epsilon at
this point. (Make delta smaller until the purple curve is
between between the two lines.)
Now reduce epsilon to 0.05 and find a delta that works for that epsilon and that point.
Change the value of x0 up and down to find the range of x values for which your delta works.
Repeat the process with epsilon = 0.01.
2)
Next we work with a function that is clearly discontinuous.
Set f(x) = x-ipart(2*x)/2. This gives a
sawtooth function that jumps when x is some number of halves.
Set x0 = .6 and find values of delta that work when epsilon
is 0.5, 0.1, and 0.02. In each case find a range of x values
for which your delta works.
Set x0 = 1/2. Explain why you can't find a value of delta that works if epsilon < .5.
3) Set
of f(x) = x*sin(1/x) if x≠0, with f(0)=x. Justify the
claim that this function is continuous at x=0 by finding delta that
work when epsilon is 0.5, 0.1, and 0.02.
4) Set of f(x) = sin(1/x) if x≠0, with f(0)=x. Justify the claim that
this function is not continuous at x=0 by finding a value of epsilon is for which no value of delta works.
Return to the Continuity Applet page.
Last updated By Mike May, S.J.,
January 25, 2006.