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 Page 1


 MATHEMATICS 104
v
The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement
of everyday thinking.” — ALBERT EINSTEIN v
5.1  Introduction
This chapter is essentially a continuation of our study of
differentiation of functions in Class XI. We had learnt to
differentiate certain functions like polynomial functions and
trigonometric functions. In this chapter, we introduce the
very important concepts of continuity, differentiability and
relations between them. We will also learn differentiation
of inverse trigonometric functions. Further, we introduce a
new class of functions called exponential and logarithmic
functions. These functions lead to powerful techniques of
differentiation. We illustrate certain geometrically obvious
conditions through differential calculus. In the process, we
will learn some fundamental theorems in this area.
5.2  Continuity
We start the section with two informal examples to get a feel of continuity. Consider
the function
1, if 0
( )
2, if 0
x
f x
x
= ?
=
?
>
?
This function is of course defined at every
point of the real line. Graph of this function is
given in the Fig 5.1. One can deduce from the
graph that the value of the function at nearby
points on x-axis remain close to each other
except at x = 0. At the points near and to the
left of 0, i.e., at points like – 0.1, – 0.01, – 0.001,
the value of the function is 1. At the points near
and to the right of 0, i.e., at points like 0.1, 0.01,
Chapter 5
CONTINUITY AND
DIFFERENTIABILITY
Sir Issac Newton
(1642-1727)
Fig 5.1
Reprint 2024-25
Page 2


 MATHEMATICS 104
v
The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement
of everyday thinking.” — ALBERT EINSTEIN v
5.1  Introduction
This chapter is essentially a continuation of our study of
differentiation of functions in Class XI. We had learnt to
differentiate certain functions like polynomial functions and
trigonometric functions. In this chapter, we introduce the
very important concepts of continuity, differentiability and
relations between them. We will also learn differentiation
of inverse trigonometric functions. Further, we introduce a
new class of functions called exponential and logarithmic
functions. These functions lead to powerful techniques of
differentiation. We illustrate certain geometrically obvious
conditions through differential calculus. In the process, we
will learn some fundamental theorems in this area.
5.2  Continuity
We start the section with two informal examples to get a feel of continuity. Consider
the function
1, if 0
( )
2, if 0
x
f x
x
= ?
=
?
>
?
This function is of course defined at every
point of the real line. Graph of this function is
given in the Fig 5.1. One can deduce from the
graph that the value of the function at nearby
points on x-axis remain close to each other
except at x = 0. At the points near and to the
left of 0, i.e., at points like – 0.1, – 0.01, – 0.001,
the value of the function is 1. At the points near
and to the right of 0, i.e., at points like 0.1, 0.01,
Chapter 5
CONTINUITY AND
DIFFERENTIABILITY
Sir Issac Newton
(1642-1727)
Fig 5.1
Reprint 2024-25
CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY 105
0.001, the value of the function is 2. Using the language of left and right hand limits, we
may say that the left (respectively right) hand limit of f at 0 is 1 (respectively 2). In
particular the left and right hand limits do not coincide. We also observe that the value
of the function at x = 0 concides with the left hand limit. Note that when we try to draw
the graph, we cannot draw it in one stroke, i.e., without lifting pen from the plane of the
paper, we can not draw the graph of this function. In fact, we need to lift the pen when
we come to 0 from left. This is one instance of function being not continuous at x = 0.
Now, consider the function defined as
f x
x
x
( )
,
,
=
?
=
?
?
?
1 0
2 0
if
if
This function is also defined at every point. Left and the right hand limits at x = 0
are both equal to 1. But the value of the
function at x = 0 equals 2 which does not
coincide with the common value of the left
and right hand limits. Again, we note that we
cannot draw the graph of the function without
lifting the pen. This is yet another instance of
a function being not continuous at x = 0.
Naively, we may say that a function is
continuous at a fixed point if we can draw the
graph of the function around that point without
lifting the pen from the plane of the paper.
Mathematically, it may be phrased precisely as follows:
Definition 1 Suppose f is a real function on a subset of the real numbers and let  c be
a point in the domain of f. Then f is continuous at c if
lim ( ) ( )
x c
f x f c
?
=
More elaborately, if the left hand limit, right hand limit and the value of the function
at x = c exist and equal to each other, then f is said to be continuous at x = c. Recall that
if the right hand and left hand limits at x = c coincide, then we say that the common
value is the limit of the function at x = c. Hence we may also rephrase  the definition of
continuity as follows: a function is continuous at x = c if the function is defined at
x = c and if the value of the function at x = c equals the limit of the function at
x = c. If f is not continuous at c, we say f is discontinuous at c and c is called a point
of discontinuity of f.
Fig 5.2
Reprint 2024-25
Page 3


 MATHEMATICS 104
v
The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement
of everyday thinking.” — ALBERT EINSTEIN v
5.1  Introduction
This chapter is essentially a continuation of our study of
differentiation of functions in Class XI. We had learnt to
differentiate certain functions like polynomial functions and
trigonometric functions. In this chapter, we introduce the
very important concepts of continuity, differentiability and
relations between them. We will also learn differentiation
of inverse trigonometric functions. Further, we introduce a
new class of functions called exponential and logarithmic
functions. These functions lead to powerful techniques of
differentiation. We illustrate certain geometrically obvious
conditions through differential calculus. In the process, we
will learn some fundamental theorems in this area.
5.2  Continuity
We start the section with two informal examples to get a feel of continuity. Consider
the function
1, if 0
( )
2, if 0
x
f x
x
= ?
=
?
>
?
This function is of course defined at every
point of the real line. Graph of this function is
given in the Fig 5.1. One can deduce from the
graph that the value of the function at nearby
points on x-axis remain close to each other
except at x = 0. At the points near and to the
left of 0, i.e., at points like – 0.1, – 0.01, – 0.001,
the value of the function is 1. At the points near
and to the right of 0, i.e., at points like 0.1, 0.01,
Chapter 5
CONTINUITY AND
DIFFERENTIABILITY
Sir Issac Newton
(1642-1727)
Fig 5.1
Reprint 2024-25
CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY 105
0.001, the value of the function is 2. Using the language of left and right hand limits, we
may say that the left (respectively right) hand limit of f at 0 is 1 (respectively 2). In
particular the left and right hand limits do not coincide. We also observe that the value
of the function at x = 0 concides with the left hand limit. Note that when we try to draw
the graph, we cannot draw it in one stroke, i.e., without lifting pen from the plane of the
paper, we can not draw the graph of this function. In fact, we need to lift the pen when
we come to 0 from left. This is one instance of function being not continuous at x = 0.
Now, consider the function defined as
f x
x
x
( )
,
,
=
?
=
?
?
?
1 0
2 0
if
if
This function is also defined at every point. Left and the right hand limits at x = 0
are both equal to 1. But the value of the
function at x = 0 equals 2 which does not
coincide with the common value of the left
and right hand limits. Again, we note that we
cannot draw the graph of the function without
lifting the pen. This is yet another instance of
a function being not continuous at x = 0.
Naively, we may say that a function is
continuous at a fixed point if we can draw the
graph of the function around that point without
lifting the pen from the plane of the paper.
Mathematically, it may be phrased precisely as follows:
Definition 1 Suppose f is a real function on a subset of the real numbers and let  c be
a point in the domain of f. Then f is continuous at c if
lim ( ) ( )
x c
f x f c
?
=
More elaborately, if the left hand limit, right hand limit and the value of the function
at x = c exist and equal to each other, then f is said to be continuous at x = c. Recall that
if the right hand and left hand limits at x = c coincide, then we say that the common
value is the limit of the function at x = c. Hence we may also rephrase  the definition of
continuity as follows: a function is continuous at x = c if the function is defined at
x = c and if the value of the function at x = c equals the limit of the function at
x = c. If f is not continuous at c, we say f is discontinuous at c and c is called a point
of discontinuity of f.
Fig 5.2
Reprint 2024-25
 MATHEMATICS 106
Example 1 Check the continuity of the function f given by f (x) = 2x + 3 at x = 1.
Solution First note that the function is defined at the given point x = 1 and its value is 5.
Then find the limit of the function at x = 1. Clearly
1 1
lim ( ) lim (2 3) 2(1) 3 5
x x
f x x
? ?
= + = + =
Thus
1
lim ( ) 5 (1)
x
f x f
?
= =
Hence, f is continuous at x = 1.
Example 2 Examine whether the function f given by f (x) = x
2
 is continuous at x = 0.
Solution First note that the function is defined at the given point x = 0 and its value is 0.
Then find the limit of the function at x = 0. Clearly
2 2
0 0
lim ( ) lim 0 0
x x
f x x
? ?
= = =
Thus
0
lim ( ) 0 (0)
x
f x f
?
= =
Hence, f is continuous at x = 0.
Example 3 Discuss the continuity of the function f given by f(x) = | x | at x = 0.
Solution By definition
f (x) =
, if 0
, if 0
x x
x x
- < ?
?
=
?
Clearly the function is defined at 0 and f (0) = 0. Left hand limit of f at 0 is
0 0
lim ( ) lim (– ) 0
x x
f x x
- -
? ?
= =
Similarly, the right hand limit of f at 0 is
0 0
lim ( ) lim 0
x x
f x x
+ +
? ?
= =
Thus, the left hand limit, right hand limit and the value of the function coincide at
x = 0. Hence, f is continuous at x = 0.
Example 4 Show that the function f given by
f (x) =
3
3, if 0
1, if 0
x x
x
?
+ ? ?
?
= ?
?
is not continuous at x = 0.
Reprint 2024-25
Page 4


 MATHEMATICS 104
v
The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement
of everyday thinking.” — ALBERT EINSTEIN v
5.1  Introduction
This chapter is essentially a continuation of our study of
differentiation of functions in Class XI. We had learnt to
differentiate certain functions like polynomial functions and
trigonometric functions. In this chapter, we introduce the
very important concepts of continuity, differentiability and
relations between them. We will also learn differentiation
of inverse trigonometric functions. Further, we introduce a
new class of functions called exponential and logarithmic
functions. These functions lead to powerful techniques of
differentiation. We illustrate certain geometrically obvious
conditions through differential calculus. In the process, we
will learn some fundamental theorems in this area.
5.2  Continuity
We start the section with two informal examples to get a feel of continuity. Consider
the function
1, if 0
( )
2, if 0
x
f x
x
= ?
=
?
>
?
This function is of course defined at every
point of the real line. Graph of this function is
given in the Fig 5.1. One can deduce from the
graph that the value of the function at nearby
points on x-axis remain close to each other
except at x = 0. At the points near and to the
left of 0, i.e., at points like – 0.1, – 0.01, – 0.001,
the value of the function is 1. At the points near
and to the right of 0, i.e., at points like 0.1, 0.01,
Chapter 5
CONTINUITY AND
DIFFERENTIABILITY
Sir Issac Newton
(1642-1727)
Fig 5.1
Reprint 2024-25
CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY 105
0.001, the value of the function is 2. Using the language of left and right hand limits, we
may say that the left (respectively right) hand limit of f at 0 is 1 (respectively 2). In
particular the left and right hand limits do not coincide. We also observe that the value
of the function at x = 0 concides with the left hand limit. Note that when we try to draw
the graph, we cannot draw it in one stroke, i.e., without lifting pen from the plane of the
paper, we can not draw the graph of this function. In fact, we need to lift the pen when
we come to 0 from left. This is one instance of function being not continuous at x = 0.
Now, consider the function defined as
f x
x
x
( )
,
,
=
?
=
?
?
?
1 0
2 0
if
if
This function is also defined at every point. Left and the right hand limits at x = 0
are both equal to 1. But the value of the
function at x = 0 equals 2 which does not
coincide with the common value of the left
and right hand limits. Again, we note that we
cannot draw the graph of the function without
lifting the pen. This is yet another instance of
a function being not continuous at x = 0.
Naively, we may say that a function is
continuous at a fixed point if we can draw the
graph of the function around that point without
lifting the pen from the plane of the paper.
Mathematically, it may be phrased precisely as follows:
Definition 1 Suppose f is a real function on a subset of the real numbers and let  c be
a point in the domain of f. Then f is continuous at c if
lim ( ) ( )
x c
f x f c
?
=
More elaborately, if the left hand limit, right hand limit and the value of the function
at x = c exist and equal to each other, then f is said to be continuous at x = c. Recall that
if the right hand and left hand limits at x = c coincide, then we say that the common
value is the limit of the function at x = c. Hence we may also rephrase  the definition of
continuity as follows: a function is continuous at x = c if the function is defined at
x = c and if the value of the function at x = c equals the limit of the function at
x = c. If f is not continuous at c, we say f is discontinuous at c and c is called a point
of discontinuity of f.
Fig 5.2
Reprint 2024-25
 MATHEMATICS 106
Example 1 Check the continuity of the function f given by f (x) = 2x + 3 at x = 1.
Solution First note that the function is defined at the given point x = 1 and its value is 5.
Then find the limit of the function at x = 1. Clearly
1 1
lim ( ) lim (2 3) 2(1) 3 5
x x
f x x
? ?
= + = + =
Thus
1
lim ( ) 5 (1)
x
f x f
?
= =
Hence, f is continuous at x = 1.
Example 2 Examine whether the function f given by f (x) = x
2
 is continuous at x = 0.
Solution First note that the function is defined at the given point x = 0 and its value is 0.
Then find the limit of the function at x = 0. Clearly
2 2
0 0
lim ( ) lim 0 0
x x
f x x
? ?
= = =
Thus
0
lim ( ) 0 (0)
x
f x f
?
= =
Hence, f is continuous at x = 0.
Example 3 Discuss the continuity of the function f given by f(x) = | x | at x = 0.
Solution By definition
f (x) =
, if 0
, if 0
x x
x x
- < ?
?
=
?
Clearly the function is defined at 0 and f (0) = 0. Left hand limit of f at 0 is
0 0
lim ( ) lim (– ) 0
x x
f x x
- -
? ?
= =
Similarly, the right hand limit of f at 0 is
0 0
lim ( ) lim 0
x x
f x x
+ +
? ?
= =
Thus, the left hand limit, right hand limit and the value of the function coincide at
x = 0. Hence, f is continuous at x = 0.
Example 4 Show that the function f given by
f (x) =
3
3, if 0
1, if 0
x x
x
?
+ ? ?
?
= ?
?
is not continuous at x = 0.
Reprint 2024-25
CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY 107
Solution The function is defined at x = 0 and its value at x = 0 is 1. When x ? 0, the
function is given by a polynomial. Hence,
0
lim ( )
x
f x
?
 =
3 3
0
lim ( 3) 0 3 3
x
x
?
+ = + =
Since the limit of f at x = 0 does not coincide with f (0), the function is not continuous
at x = 0. It may be noted that x = 0 is the only point of discontinuity for this function.
Example 5 Check the points where the constant function f (x) = k is continuous.
Solution The function is defined at all real numbers and by definition, its value at any
real number equals k. Let c be any real number. Then
lim ( )
x c
f x
?
 = lim
x c
k k
?
=
Since f(c) = k = 
lim
x c ?
 f(x) for any real number c, the function f is continuous at
every real number.
Example 6 Prove that the identity function on real numbers given by f(x) = x is
continuous at every real number.
Solution The function is clearly defined at every point and f(c) = c for every real
number c. Also,
lim ( )
x c
f x
?
 =
lim
x c
x c
?
=
Thus, lim
x c ?
f (x) = c = f (c) and hence the function is continuous at every real number.
Having defined continuity of a function at a given point, now we make a natural
extension of this definition to discuss continuity of a function.
Definition 2 A real function f is said to be continuous if it is continuous at every point
in the domain of f.
This definition requires a bit of elaboration. Suppose f is a function defined on a
closed interval [a, b], then for f to be continuous, it needs to be continuous at every
point in [a, b] including the end points a and b. Continuity of f at a means
lim ( )
x a
f x
+
?
= f (a)
and continuity of f  at b means
–
lim ( )
x b
f x
?
= f(b)
Observe that lim ( )
x a
f x
-
?
 and lim ( )
x b
f x
+
?
do not make sense. As a consequence
of this definition, if f is defined only at one point, it is continuous there, i.e., if the
domain of f is a singleton, f is a continuous function.
Reprint 2024-25
Page 5


 MATHEMATICS 104
v
The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement
of everyday thinking.” — ALBERT EINSTEIN v
5.1  Introduction
This chapter is essentially a continuation of our study of
differentiation of functions in Class XI. We had learnt to
differentiate certain functions like polynomial functions and
trigonometric functions. In this chapter, we introduce the
very important concepts of continuity, differentiability and
relations between them. We will also learn differentiation
of inverse trigonometric functions. Further, we introduce a
new class of functions called exponential and logarithmic
functions. These functions lead to powerful techniques of
differentiation. We illustrate certain geometrically obvious
conditions through differential calculus. In the process, we
will learn some fundamental theorems in this area.
5.2  Continuity
We start the section with two informal examples to get a feel of continuity. Consider
the function
1, if 0
( )
2, if 0
x
f x
x
= ?
=
?
>
?
This function is of course defined at every
point of the real line. Graph of this function is
given in the Fig 5.1. One can deduce from the
graph that the value of the function at nearby
points on x-axis remain close to each other
except at x = 0. At the points near and to the
left of 0, i.e., at points like – 0.1, – 0.01, – 0.001,
the value of the function is 1. At the points near
and to the right of 0, i.e., at points like 0.1, 0.01,
Chapter 5
CONTINUITY AND
DIFFERENTIABILITY
Sir Issac Newton
(1642-1727)
Fig 5.1
Reprint 2024-25
CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY 105
0.001, the value of the function is 2. Using the language of left and right hand limits, we
may say that the left (respectively right) hand limit of f at 0 is 1 (respectively 2). In
particular the left and right hand limits do not coincide. We also observe that the value
of the function at x = 0 concides with the left hand limit. Note that when we try to draw
the graph, we cannot draw it in one stroke, i.e., without lifting pen from the plane of the
paper, we can not draw the graph of this function. In fact, we need to lift the pen when
we come to 0 from left. This is one instance of function being not continuous at x = 0.
Now, consider the function defined as
f x
x
x
( )
,
,
=
?
=
?
?
?
1 0
2 0
if
if
This function is also defined at every point. Left and the right hand limits at x = 0
are both equal to 1. But the value of the
function at x = 0 equals 2 which does not
coincide with the common value of the left
and right hand limits. Again, we note that we
cannot draw the graph of the function without
lifting the pen. This is yet another instance of
a function being not continuous at x = 0.
Naively, we may say that a function is
continuous at a fixed point if we can draw the
graph of the function around that point without
lifting the pen from the plane of the paper.
Mathematically, it may be phrased precisely as follows:
Definition 1 Suppose f is a real function on a subset of the real numbers and let  c be
a point in the domain of f. Then f is continuous at c if
lim ( ) ( )
x c
f x f c
?
=
More elaborately, if the left hand limit, right hand limit and the value of the function
at x = c exist and equal to each other, then f is said to be continuous at x = c. Recall that
if the right hand and left hand limits at x = c coincide, then we say that the common
value is the limit of the function at x = c. Hence we may also rephrase  the definition of
continuity as follows: a function is continuous at x = c if the function is defined at
x = c and if the value of the function at x = c equals the limit of the function at
x = c. If f is not continuous at c, we say f is discontinuous at c and c is called a point
of discontinuity of f.
Fig 5.2
Reprint 2024-25
 MATHEMATICS 106
Example 1 Check the continuity of the function f given by f (x) = 2x + 3 at x = 1.
Solution First note that the function is defined at the given point x = 1 and its value is 5.
Then find the limit of the function at x = 1. Clearly
1 1
lim ( ) lim (2 3) 2(1) 3 5
x x
f x x
? ?
= + = + =
Thus
1
lim ( ) 5 (1)
x
f x f
?
= =
Hence, f is continuous at x = 1.
Example 2 Examine whether the function f given by f (x) = x
2
 is continuous at x = 0.
Solution First note that the function is defined at the given point x = 0 and its value is 0.
Then find the limit of the function at x = 0. Clearly
2 2
0 0
lim ( ) lim 0 0
x x
f x x
? ?
= = =
Thus
0
lim ( ) 0 (0)
x
f x f
?
= =
Hence, f is continuous at x = 0.
Example 3 Discuss the continuity of the function f given by f(x) = | x | at x = 0.
Solution By definition
f (x) =
, if 0
, if 0
x x
x x
- < ?
?
=
?
Clearly the function is defined at 0 and f (0) = 0. Left hand limit of f at 0 is
0 0
lim ( ) lim (– ) 0
x x
f x x
- -
? ?
= =
Similarly, the right hand limit of f at 0 is
0 0
lim ( ) lim 0
x x
f x x
+ +
? ?
= =
Thus, the left hand limit, right hand limit and the value of the function coincide at
x = 0. Hence, f is continuous at x = 0.
Example 4 Show that the function f given by
f (x) =
3
3, if 0
1, if 0
x x
x
?
+ ? ?
?
= ?
?
is not continuous at x = 0.
Reprint 2024-25
CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY 107
Solution The function is defined at x = 0 and its value at x = 0 is 1. When x ? 0, the
function is given by a polynomial. Hence,
0
lim ( )
x
f x
?
 =
3 3
0
lim ( 3) 0 3 3
x
x
?
+ = + =
Since the limit of f at x = 0 does not coincide with f (0), the function is not continuous
at x = 0. It may be noted that x = 0 is the only point of discontinuity for this function.
Example 5 Check the points where the constant function f (x) = k is continuous.
Solution The function is defined at all real numbers and by definition, its value at any
real number equals k. Let c be any real number. Then
lim ( )
x c
f x
?
 = lim
x c
k k
?
=
Since f(c) = k = 
lim
x c ?
 f(x) for any real number c, the function f is continuous at
every real number.
Example 6 Prove that the identity function on real numbers given by f(x) = x is
continuous at every real number.
Solution The function is clearly defined at every point and f(c) = c for every real
number c. Also,
lim ( )
x c
f x
?
 =
lim
x c
x c
?
=
Thus, lim
x c ?
f (x) = c = f (c) and hence the function is continuous at every real number.
Having defined continuity of a function at a given point, now we make a natural
extension of this definition to discuss continuity of a function.
Definition 2 A real function f is said to be continuous if it is continuous at every point
in the domain of f.
This definition requires a bit of elaboration. Suppose f is a function defined on a
closed interval [a, b], then for f to be continuous, it needs to be continuous at every
point in [a, b] including the end points a and b. Continuity of f at a means
lim ( )
x a
f x
+
?
= f (a)
and continuity of f  at b means
–
lim ( )
x b
f x
?
= f(b)
Observe that lim ( )
x a
f x
-
?
 and lim ( )
x b
f x
+
?
do not make sense. As a consequence
of this definition, if f is defined only at one point, it is continuous there, i.e., if the
domain of f is a singleton, f is a continuous function.
Reprint 2024-25
 MATHEMATICS 108
Example 7 Is the function defined by f (x) = | x |, a continuous function?
Solution We may rewrite f as
f (x) =
, if 0
, if 0
x x
x x
- < ?
?
=
?
By Example 3, we know that f is continuous at x = 0.
Let c be a real number such that c < 0. Then f (c) = – c. Also
lim ( )
x c
f x
?
 =
lim ( ) –
x c
x c
?
- =
          (Why?)
Since lim ( ) ( )
x c
f x f c
?
= ,  f  is continuous at all negative real numbers.
Now, let c be a real number such that c > 0. Then f (c) = c. Also
lim ( )
x c
f x
?
 =
lim
x c
x c
?
=
                 (Why?)
Since lim ( ) ( )
x c
f x f c
?
= , f is continuous at all positive real numbers. Hence, f
is continuous at all points.
Example 8 Discuss the continuity of the function f given by f (x) = x
3
 + x
2
 – 1.
Solution Clearly f is defined at every real number c and its value at c is c
3
 + c
2
 – 1. We
also know that
lim ( )
x c
f x
?
 =
3 2 3 2
lim ( 1) 1
x c
x x c c
?
+ - = + -
Thus lim ( ) ( )
x c
f x f c
?
= , and hence f is continuous at every real number. This means
f is a continuous function.
Example 9 Discuss the continuity of the function f defined by f (x) = 
1
x
, x ? 0.
Solution Fix any non zero real number c, we have
1 1
lim ( ) lim
x c x c
f x
x c
? ?
= =
Also, since for c ? 0, 
1
( ) f c
c
=
, we have lim ( ) ( )
x c
f x f c
?
= and hence, f is continuous
at every point in the domain of f. Thus f is a continuous function.
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FAQs on NCERT Textbook: Continuity and Differentiability - Mathematics (Maths) Class 12 - JEE

1. What is continuity and differentiability?
Ans. Continuity and differentiability are fundamental concepts in calculus. Continuity refers to the property of a function where there are no abrupt jumps, breaks, or holes in its graph. A function is said to be continuous if its graph can be drawn without lifting the pencil from the paper. Differentiability, on the other hand, deals with the ability to find the derivative of a function at a given point. It indicates the rate at which the function is changing at that point.
2. How do you determine if a function is continuous at a point?
Ans. To determine if a function is continuous at a point, we need to check three conditions: 1. The function must be defined at that point. 2. The limit of the function as it approaches the given point must exist. 3. The value of the function at the given point must be equal to the limit value. If all three conditions are satisfied, the function is continuous at that point. Otherwise, it is discontinuous.
3. What is the difference between continuity and differentiability?
Ans. The main difference between continuity and differentiability is that continuity is a necessary condition for differentiability, but differentiability does not guarantee continuity. A function can be continuous at a point without being differentiable at that point. However, if a function is differentiable at a point, it must also be continuous at that point. Continuity ensures that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks in the graph of the function, while differentiability indicates the smoothness and the existence of a tangent line at a given point.
4. How do you calculate the derivative of a function?
Ans. To calculate the derivative of a function, you can use the rules of differentiation. These rules include the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule. The power rule states that if a function is of the form f(x) = x^n, where n is a constant, then its derivative is given by f'(x) = nx^(n-1). The product rule states that if you have two functions, u(x) and v(x), then the derivative of their product is given by (uv)' = u'v + uv'. The quotient rule states that if you have two functions, u(x) and v(x), then the derivative of their quotient is given by (u/v)' = (u'v - uv') / v^2. The chain rule is used when you have a composition of functions. It states that if y = f(g(x)), then the derivative of y with respect to x is given by dy/dx = f'(g(x)) * g'(x). By applying these rules appropriately, you can find the derivative of a function.
5. What are the real-life applications of continuity and differentiability?
Ans. Continuity and differentiability are essential concepts in various real-life applications. Here are a few examples: - In physics, continuity and differentiability are used to describe the motion of objects. The derivative of a position function gives the velocity, and the derivative of the velocity function gives the acceleration. - In economics, these concepts are used to analyze marginal changes. The derivative of a cost function gives the marginal cost, and the derivative of a revenue function gives the marginal revenue. - In engineering and computer science, continuity and differentiability are used in optimization problems. The derivative helps in finding the maximum or minimum values of a function, which is crucial in designing efficient systems. - In medicine, these concepts are used in modeling physiological processes, such as the growth of tumors or the spread of diseases. The rate of change of these processes can be described using derivatives. Overall, continuity and differentiability play a significant role in understanding and analyzing various phenomena in the real world.
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