(Mathematics) CONTINUITY

1. CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS :
A function for which a small change in the independent variable causes only a small change and
not a sudden jump in the dependent variable are called continuous functions. Naively, we may
that a function is continuous at fixed point if we can draw the graph of the function around the
point without lifting the pen from the plane of the paper.

Continuity of a function at a point :

A function f(x) is said to be continuous at x = a, if Limx→a ⁡ f(x) = f(a). Symbolically f is
continuous at x = a if Limh→0 ⁡ f(a − h) = Limh→0 ⁡ f(a + h) = f(a), h > 0
i. e. (LHLx=a = RHL) equals value of f ′ f ′ at x = a.
πx
sin⁡ , x<1
Illustration 1: If f(x) = { 2 then find whether f(x) is continuous or not at x = 1,
[x] x≥1

where [ ] denotes greatest integer function.

πx
sin⁡ , x<1
Solution: ⁡f(x) = { 2
[x] x≥1

For continuity at x = 1, we determine, f(1), limx→1−  f(x) and limx→1+  f(x).

Now, f(1) = [1] = 1
πx π
limx→1−  f(x) = limx→1−  sin⁡ 2 = sin⁡ 2 = 1 and limx→1+  f(x) = limx→1+  [x] = 1
So ⁡f(1) = limx→1−  f(x) = limx→1+  f(x)
∴ f(x) is continuous at x = 1
a(1−xsin⁡ x)+bcos⁡ x+5
x<0
x2
3 x=0
Illustration 2: Let f(x) = 1
x
cx+dx3
(01 + ( )) x>0
{ x2

If f is continuous at x = 0, then find out the values of a, b, c and d.

Solution: Since f(x) is continuous at x = 0, so at x = 0, both left and right limits must
exist and both must be equal to 3 .
b
a(1−xsin⁡ x)+bcos⁡ x+5 (a+b+5)+(−a− )x2 +⋯
Now Limx→0− ⁡ = Limx→0− ⁡ 2
= 3 (By the expansion of sin⁡ x
x2 x2
and cos⁡ x )
b
If limx→0−  f(x) exists then a + b + 5 = 0 and −a − 2 = 3 ⇒ a = −1 and b = −4 since
1
x
cx+dx3 cx+dx3
limx→0+  (1 + ( )) exists ⇒ limx→0+   =0⇒c=0
x2 x2

APNI KAKSHA 1
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
1 1 d
Now limx→0+  (1 + dx)x = limx→0+  [(1 + dx)dx ] = ed
So ed = 3 ⇒ d = ln⁡ 3,
Hence a = −1, b = −4, c = 0 and d = ln⁡ 3.

Do yourself - 1 :
cos⁡ x; x ≥ 0
(i) If f(x) = { find the value of k if f(x) is continuous at x = 0.
x + k; x < 0
|x+2|
; x ≠ −2
(ii) If f(x) = {tan−1 ⁡(x+2) then discuss the continuity of f(x) at x = −2
2 ; x = −2

CONTINUITY OF THE FUNCTION IN AN INTERVAL :

(a) A function is said to be continuous in (a, b) if f is continuous at each and every point
belonging to (a, b).
(b) A function is said to be continuous in a closed interval [a, b] if :
(i) f is continuous in the open interval (a, b)
(ii) f is right continuous at 'a' i.e. Limx→a+ ⁡ f(x) = f(a) = a finite quantity
(iii) f is left continuous at 'b' i.e. Limx→b− ⁡ f(x) = f( b) = a finite quantity

Note :

(i) All polynomials, trigonometrical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions are
continuous in their domains.
(ii) If f(x) and g(x) are two functions that are continuous at x = c then the function defined by :
F1 (x) = f(x) ± g(x); F2 (x) = Kf(x), where K is any real number ; F3 (x) = f(x). g(x) are also
continuous at x = c.
f(x)
Further, if g(c) is not zero, then F4 (x) = g(x) is also continuous at x = c.

|x + 1| , x < −2
2x + 3 , −2 ≤ x < 0
Illustration 3: Discuss the continuity of f(x) = { 2
x +3 , 0≤x<3
x 3 − 15 , x≥3

−x − 1 , x < −2
2x + 3 , −2 ≤ x < 0
Solution : We write f(x) as f(x) = { 2
x +3 , 0≤x<3
x 3 − 15, x≥3

As we can see, f(x) is defined as a polynomial function in each of intervals (−∞, −2),
(−2,0), (0,3) and (3, ∞). Therefore, it is continuous in each of these four open intervals. Thus
we check the continuity at x = −2,0,3.
At the point x = −2

lim  f(x) = lim − (−x − 1) = +2 − 1 = 1

x→−2− x→−2

lim  f(x) = lim + (2x + 3) = 2. (−2) + 3 = −1

x→−2+ x→−2

APNI KAKSHA 2
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
Therefore, limx→−2  f(x) does not exist and hence f(x) is discontinuous at x = −2.
At the point x = 0

lim  f(x) = lim−  (2x + 3) = 3

x→0− x→0

lim  f(x) = lim+  (x 2 + 3) = 3

x→0+ x→0

f(0) = 02 + 3 = 3

Therefore f(x) is continuous at x = 0.

At the point x = 3

lim  f(x) = lim−  (x 2 + 3) = 32 + 3 = 12

x→3− x→3

lim  f(x) = lim+  (x 3 − 15) = 33 − 15 = 12

x→3+ x→3

⁡
f(3) = 33 − 15 = 12

Therefore, f(x) is continuous at x = 3.

We find that f(x) is continuous at all points in R except at x = −2

Do yourself - 2:

3.TYPES OF DISCONTINUITIES :

Type-1 :(Removable type of discontinuities) : - In case Limx→a ⁡ f(x) exists but is not equal to f
(a) then the function is said to have a removable discontinuity or discontinuity of the first kind.
In this case we can redefine the function such that Limx→a ⁡ f(x) = f(a) and make it continuous
at x = a. Removable type of discontinuity can be further classified as :
(a) Missing point discontinuity :
Where Limx→a ⁡ f(x) exists but f(a) is not defined.
APNI KAKSHA 3
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
(b) Isolated point discontinuity :
Where Limx→a ⁡ f(x) exists and f( a) also exists but ; Limx→a ⁡ f(x) ≠ f(a).
x − 1, x < 0
Illustration 4 : Examine the function, f(x) = { 1/4, x = 0. Discuss the continuity, and if
2
x − 1, x > 0
discontinuous remove the discontinuity by redefining the function (if possible).

Graph of f(x) is shown, from graph it is seen that

limx→0−  f(x) = limx→0+  f(x) = −1, but f(0) = 1/4
Thus, f(x) has removable discontinuity and f(x) could be made continuous by taking

f(0) = −1

x−1 , x<0
⇒ f(x) = { −1 , x=0
x2 − 1 , x>0

Do yourself - 3:

(i) then discuss the types of discontinuity for the function.

Type - 2: (Non-Removable type of discontinuities) :

In case Limx→a ⁡ f(x) does not exist then it is not possible to make the function continuous by
redefining it. Such a discontinuity is known as non- removable discontinuity or discontinuity of
the 2nd kind. Non-removable type of discontinuity can be further classified as :

(i) Finite type discontinuity : In such type of discontinuity left hand limit and right hand limit at
a point exists but are not equal.
(ii) Infinite type discontinuity : In such type of discontinuity at least one of the limit viz. LHL
and RHL is tending to infinity.
(iii) Oscillatory type discontinuity :
π
e.g. f(x) = sin⁡ x at x = 0

APNI KAKSHA 4
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY

f(x) has non removable oscillatory type discontinuity at x = 0

Example :

From the adjacent graph note that

(i) f is continuous at x = −1
(ii) f has isolated discontinuity at x = 1
(iii) f has missing point discontinuity at x = 2
(iv) f has non removable (finite type) discontinuity at the origin.
Note : In case of non-removable (finite type) discontinuity the non-negative difference between
the value of the RHL at x = a and LHL at x = a is called the jump of discontinuity. A function
having a finite number of jumps in a given interval I is called a piece wise continuous or
sectionally continuous function in this interval.

Illustration 5:

e1/x −1
Show that the function, f(x) = {e1/x +1 ; when x ≠ 0 has non-removable discontinuity
0, ; when x = 0

at x = 0.
Solution :

e1/x −1
We have, f(x) = {e1/x +1 ; when x ≠ 0
0, ; when x = 0

1 1
eh − 1 1− 1/h
⇒ limx→0+  f(x) = limh→0  f(0 + h) = limh→0   1 = limh→0   e = 1[∵ e1/h → ∞]
1
eh + 1 1 + 1/h
e

e−1/h − 1 0 − 1
⇒ limx→0−  f(x) = limh→0   −1/h = = −1⁡[∵ h → 0; e−1/h → 0]
e +1 0+1
APNI KAKSHA 5
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
limx→0−  f(x) = −1

⇒ limx→0+  f(x) ≠ limx→0−  f(x). Thus f(x) has non-removable discontinuity.

Do yourself - 4:

−1 ; x ≤ −1
(i) Discuss the type of discontinuity for f(x) = { |x| ; −1 < x < 1
(x + 1) ; x≥1

4.THE INTERMEDIATE VALUE THEOREM :

Suppose f(x) is continuous on an interval I, and a and b are any two points of I. Then if y0 is a
number between f(a) and f( b), there exists a number c between a and b such that f(c) = y0

Note that a function f which is continuous in [a, b] possesses the following properties:
(i) If f(a) and f( b) posses opposite signs, then there exists at least one root of the equation
f(x) = 0 in the open interval (a, b).
(ii) If K is any real number between f(a) and f( b), then there exists at least one root of the
equation f(x) = K in the open interval (a, b).

Note: In above cases the number of roots is always odd.

Illustration 6:
a+b
Show that the function, f(x) = (x − a)2 (x − b)2 + x, takes the value for some x0 ∈ (a, b)
2
Solution :

f(x) = (x − a)2 (x − b)2 + x

f( b) = b

f(a) = a

a+b
and ∈ (f(a), f( b))
2
a+b
∴ By intermediate value theorem, there is at least one x0 ∈ (a, b) such that f(x0 ) = .
2

APNI KAKSHA 6
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
Illustration 7:
onto
Let f: [0,1] ⟶ [0,1] be a continuous function, then prove that f(x) = x for atleast

one x ∈ [0,1]
Solution :

Consider g(x) = f(x) − x

g(0) = f(0) − 0 = f(0) ≥ 0⁡{∵ 0 ≤ f(x) ≤ 1}

g(1) = f(1) − 1 ≤ 0

⇒ ⁡g(0) ⋅ g(1) ≤ 0

⇒ ⁡g(x) = 0 has at least one root in [0,1]

⇒ ⁡f(x) = x for at least one x ∈ [0,1]

Do yourself - 5:
2f(a)+3f(b)
(i) If f(x) is continuous in [a, b] such that f(c) = , then prove that c ∈ (a, b)
5

5. SOME IMPORTANT POINTS :

(a) If f(x) continuous and g(x) is discontinuous at x = a then the product

function ϕ(x) = f(x) ⋅ g(x) will not necessarily be discontinuous at x = a, e.g.

π
sin⁡ x≠0
f(x) = x and g(x) =∣ x
0 x=0

f(x) is continuous at x = 0 and g(x) is discontinuous at x = 0. but f(x) ⋅ g(x) is

continuous at x = 0.
(b) If f(x) and g(x) both are discontinuous at x = a then the product function ϕ(x) = f(x) ⋅ g(x)
is not necessarily be discontinuous at x = a, e..

1 x≥0
f(x) = −g(x) = ⌊
−1 x < 0

f(x) and g(x) both are discontinuous at x = 0 but the product function f(x) ⋅ g(x) is

still continuous at x = 0

(c) If f(x) and g(x) both are discontinuous at x = a then f(x) ± g(x) is not necessarily be
discontinuous at x = a
(d) A continuous function whose domain is closed must have a range also in closed interval.
(e) If f is continuous at x = a and g is continuous at x = f(a) then the composite g[f(x)] is

APNI KAKSHA 7
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
xsin⁡ x
continuous at x = a. eg. f(x) = and g(x) = |x| are continuous at x = 0, hence the
x2 +2
xsin⁡ x
composite (g ∘ f)(x) = | x2+2 | will also be continuous at x = 0

Illustration 8:
x+1 1
If f(x) = x−1 and g(x) = x−2, then discuss the continuity of f(x), g(x) and f ∘ g(x) in R.
x+1
Solution : ⁡f(x) = x−1
f(x) is a rational function it must be continuous in its domain and f is not defined at x = 1.
∴ f is discontinuous at x = 1

1
g(x) =
x−2

g(x) is also a rational function. It must be continuous in its domain and g is not defined at x = 2.
∴ g is discontinuous at x = 2
Now f ∘ g(x) will be discontinuous at x = 2 (point of discontinuity of g(x) )
Consider g(x) = 1 (when g(x) = point of discontinuity of f(x) )
1
=1⇒x=3
x−2
∴ f ∘ g(x) is discontinuous at x = 2 and x = 3.

Do yourself - 6 :

(i) Let f(x) = [x] and g(x) = sgn⁡(x) (where [.] denotes greatest integer function), then discuss
f(x)
the continuity of f(x) ± g(x), f(x) ⋅ g(x) and g(x) at x = 0.
f(x)
(ii) If f(x) = sin⁡ |x| and g(x) = tan⁡ |x| then discuss the continuity of f(x) ± g(x); g(x) and
f(x)g(x)

6. SINGLE POINT CONTINUITY :

Functions which are continuous only at one point are said to exhibit single point continuity
Illustration 9

x if x ∈ Q
: If f(x) = ⌊ , find the points where f(x) is continuous
−x if x ∉ Q
Solution : Let x = a be the point at which f(x) is continuous.

⁡⇒ lim
x→a
 f(x) = x→a
lim  f(x)
through rational through irrational
⁡⇒ a = −a⁡ ⇒ a = 0 ⇒ function is continuous at x = 0.

Do yourself - 7:

xif x ∈ Q
(i) If g(x) = ⌊ , then find the points where function is continuous.
0if x ∉ Q
x2 ; x∈Q
(ii) If f(x) = { 2 , then find the points where function is continuous.
1−x ; x∉Q
APNI KAKSHA 8
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
ANSWERS FOR DO YOURSELF

1. (i) 1 (ii) discontinuous at x = −2

π
2. (i) a = −1 and b = 1 (ii) Discontinuous at x = 1 and continuous at x = 2

3. (i) Non-removable infinite type discontinuity at x = 1, isolated point removable

discontinuity at x = 4.
4. (i) Finite type non-removable discontinuity at x = −1,1
6. (i) All are discontinuous at x = 0.
(ii) f(x)g(x) and f(x) ± g(x) are discontinuous at
π f(x) nπ
x = (2n + 1) 2 ; n ∈ I g(x) is discontinuous at x = ;n ∈ I
2

7. (i) x=0
1
(ii) x = ±
√2

APNI KAKSHA 9
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
CONTINUITY
EXERCISE # 1
[SINGLE CORRECT CHOICE TYPE]

ax + 1 if ⁡x < 1
1. Let f(x) = { 3 if ⁡x = 1 If f(x) is continuous at x = 1 then (a − b) is equal to-
bx 2 + 1 if ⁡x > 1

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 4

1
2. For the function f(x) = 1 , x ≠ 2 which of the following holds ?
( )
x+2 x−2

(A) f(2) = 1/2 and f is continuous at x = 2 (B) f(2) ≠ 0,1/2 and f is continuous at x = 2
(C) f can not be continuous at x = 2 (D) f(2) = 0 and f is continuous at x = 2.
4−x2
3. The function f(x) = 4x−x3, is-
(A) Discontinuous at only one point in its domain.
(B) Discontinuous at two points in its domain.
(C) Discontinuous at three points in its domain.
(D) Continuous everywhere in its domain.
x2 −bx+25
4. If f(x) = x2−7x+10 for x ≠ 5 and f is continuous at x = 5, then f(5) has the value equal to-
(A) 0 (B) 5 (C) 10 (D) 25
x−ex +cos⁡ 2x
5. If f(x) = , x ≠ 0 is continuous at x = 0, then -
x2
5
(A) f(0) = 2 (B) [f(0)] = −2 (C) {f(0)} = −0.5 (D) [f(0)]. {f(0)} = −1.5
where [.]and{.}denotesgreatestintegerandfractionalpartfunction
6. y = f(x) is a continuous function such that its graph passes through (a, 0).
loge ⁡(1+3f(x))
Then limx→a   is-
2f(x)
3 2
(A) 1 (B) 0 (C) 2 (D) 3
7. In [1,3], the function [x 2 + 1], [.] denoting the greatest integer function, is continuous -
(A) For all x (B) For all x except at nine points
(C) For all x except at seven points (D) For all x except at eight points
8. Number of points of discontinuity of f(x) = [2x 3 − 5] in [1,2), is equal to(Where [x] denotes
greatest integer less than or equal to x )
(A) 14 (B) 13 (C) 10 (D) 8
|x + 1| if x < −2
2x + 3 if −2 ≤ x < 0
9. Given f(x) = { 2 . Then number of point(s) of discontinuity of f(x) is-
x + 3 if 0≤x<3
x 3 − 15 if x≥3
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3
9 2 1−cos⁡ 3x
10. If f(x) is continuous and f (2) = 9, then the value of limx→0  f ( ) is-
x2
2 9
(A) 9 (B) 2 (C) 0 (D) data insufficient

APNI KAKSHA 10
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
11. f is a continuous function on the real line. Given that x 2 + (f(x) − 2)x − √3 ⋅ f(x) + 2√3 − 3 =
0. Then the value of f(√3)
(A) cannot be determined (B) is 2(1 − √3)
2(√3−2)
(C) is zero (D) is
√3

12. The function f(x) = [x] − 2 [x 2 ] (where [y] is the greatest integer less than or equal to y ), is
discontinuous at :
(A) all integers (B) all integers except 0&1
(C) all integers except 0 (D) all integers except 1
13. Let f: R → R be a continuous function ∀x ∈ R and f(x) = 5∀x ∈ irrational. Then the value of f(3)
is -
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 5 (D) cannot determine
1 1
14. If f(x) = (x−1)(x−2) and g(x) = x2, then points of discontinuity of f{g(x)} are -
1 1 1
(A) {−1,0,1, } (B) {− , −1,0,1, }
√2 √2 √2
1
(C) {0,1} (D) {0,1, }
√2
x
if 1≤x<2
[x]
15. Consider the function f(x) = ⌊ 1 if x=2
√6 − x if 2 < x ≤ 3
Where [x] denotes step up function then at x = 2 function -
(A) has missing point removable discontinuity
(B) has isolated point removable discontinuity
(C) has non removable discontinuity finite type
(D) is continuous
x[x]2 log (1+x) ⁡ 2
x2 +2√{x})
16. Consider f(x) =∣ ln⁡(e , for − 1 < x < 0
tan⁡ √x
for 0 < x < 1
where [∗]&{⁡∗ } are the greatest integer function & fractional part function respectively, then :-
(A) f(0) = ln⁡ 2 ⇒ f is continuous at x = 0
(B) f(0) = 2 ⇒ f is continuous at x = 0
(C) f(0) = e2 ⇒ f is continuous at x = 0
(D) f has an irremovable discontinuity at x = 0
2x−1
17. The function f(x) = [x] ⋅ cos⁡ π, where [·] denotes the greatest integer function, is
2
discontinuous at :-
(A) all x (B) all integer points
(C) no x (D) x which is not an integer
sin⁡ x−xcos⁡ x
18. Consider the function defined on [0,1] → R, f(x) = if x ≠ 0 and f(0) = 0, then the
x2
function f(x) :-
(A) has a removable discontinuity at x = 0
(B) has a non removable finite discontinuity at x = 0
(C) has a non removable infinite discontinuity at x = 0
(D) is continuous at x = 0

APNI KAKSHA 11
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
19. Which one of the following function is discontinuous for atleast one real value of x ?
ex +1
(A) f(x) = √1 + sgn⁡ x (B) g(x) = ex +3
5
22x +1 7
(C) h(x) = (23x +5) (D) k(x) = √3 + 2sin⁡ x
[Note : sgn⁡ x denotes signum function of x.]
√x2 +px+1
20. Let f(x) = . If f(x) is discontinuous at exactly 2 values of x and continuous for all
x2 −p
remaining value of x ∈ R, then number of integers in the range of p is
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
1
(1+tan⁡ x)x −e
21. Let f(x) = { , if x ≠ 0
x
k, if x = 0
If f(x) is continuous at x = 0, then the value of k is
−e −e
(A) e (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) None
pxx 2 − px + q, x < 1
22. Let f(x) =∣ x − 1, 1≤x≤3
2
lx + mx + 2, x > 3
ql−m
If f(x) is continuous ∀x ∈ R, then the value of l is equal to
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
23. Let f(x) and g(x) are continuous function on [a, b] such that f(a) ≥ g(a) and f( b) ≤ g( b). Then
(A) f(x0 ) = g(x0 ) for exactly one x0 ∈ [a, b].
(B) f(x0 ) = g(x0 ) for atleast one x0 ∈ [a, b].
(C) f(x0 ) = g(x0 ) for no values of x0 ∈ [a, b].
(D) f(x0 ) = g(x0 ) for infinitely many values of x0 ∈ [a, b].
24. If f(x) is continuous at x = 0, then α can be
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

25. Number of points of discontinuity of the function f(x) = [cos −1 ⁡(cos⁡ x) − sin−1 ⁡(sin⁡ x)] in x ∈
−π π
⌊ 2 , 2 ⌋, is
[Note : [k] denotes the largest integer less than or equal to k.]
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

26. Let f: [0,1] → R be a continuous function and assumes only rational values. If f(0) = 2 then the
1 3 1
value of tan−1 ⁡ (f (2)) + tan−1 ⁡ (2 f (2)) is
π π 3π
(A) 4 (B) 6 (C) (D) π
4
x + 1; x < 0
27. f(x) = { at x = 0, f(x) is
cos⁡ x; x ≥ 0
(A) continuous (B) having removable discontinuity
(C) discontinuous (D) none

APNI KAKSHA 12
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
EXERCISE - 2
3x2 +ax+a+3
1. If the function f(x) = x2+x−2 is continuous at x = −2. Find f(−2).
2. Find all possible values of a and b so that f(x) is continuous for all x ∈ R if
|ax + 3| if x ≤ −1
|3x + a| if −1 < x ≤ 0
f(x) = bsin⁡ 2x
− 2b if 0<x<π
x
{ cos2 ⁡ x − 3 if x≥π
3. Determine the values of ' a ' & ' b ', if f is continuous at x = π/2.
f(x)
,x ≠ 3
4. Suppose that f(x) = x 3 − 3x 2 − 4x + 12 and h(x) =∣ x−3 then
K ,x = 3
(a) find all zeroes of f(x).
(b) find the value of K that makes h continuous at x = 3.
(c) using the value of K found in (b) determine whether h is an even function.
1−sin⁡ πx 1
, x<2
1+cos⁡ 2πx
1
5. Let f(x) =∣ p, x = 2. Determine the value of p, if possible, so that the function is
√2x−1 1
, x>2
√4+√2x−1−2
continuous at x = 1/2.
6. Given the function g(x) = √6 − 2x and h(x) = 2x 2 − 3x + a. Then
(a) evaluate h(g(2))
g(x), x ≤ 1
(b) If f(x) = ⌊ , find 'a' so that f is continuous
h(x), x > 1
1 + x, 0 ≤ x ≤ 2
7. Let f(x) =∣ . Determine the form of g(x) = f[f(x)]& hence find the point of
3 − x, 2 < x ≤ 3
discontinuity of g, if any.
ℓlos⁡ x
4 if x > 0
√1+x2 −1
8. Let f(x) = [ esin⁡ 4x −1
if x < 0
ℓln⁡(1+tan⁡ 2x)
Is it possible to define f(0) to make the function continuous at x = 0. If yes what is the value of
f(0), if not then indicate the nature of discontinuity.
1−sin3 ⁡ x π
if x <
3cos2 ⁡ x 2
π π
9. Determine a& b so that f is continuous at x = 2 where f(x) =∣ a if ⁡x = 2
b(1−sin⁡ x) π
if x>
(π−2x)2 2
10. Determine the values of a, b & c for which the function
sin⁡(a+1)x+sin⁡ x
for x < 0
x
f(x) =∣ c for x=0
1/2
(x+bx2 ) −x1/2
for x>0
bx3/2
is continuous at x = 0.

APNI KAKSHA 13
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
EXERCISE - 3 (JM)
1 2
1. The function f: R/{0} → R given by f(x) = x − e2x −1 can be made continuous at x = 0 by defining
f(0) as- [AIEEE 2007]
(A) 2 (B) -1 (C) 0 (D) 1
sin⁡(p+1)x+sin⁡ x
, x<0
x
2. The values of p and q for which the function f(x) = q , x = 0 is continuous for
√x+x2 −√x
3 ,x > 0
{ x2
all x in R are :- [AIEEE 2011]
3 1 1 3 1 3 5 1
(A) p = − 2 , q = 2 (B) p = 2 , q = 2 (C) p = 2 , q = − 2 (D) p = 2 , q = 2

3. Define F(x) as the product of two real functions f1 (x) = x, x ∈ ℝ, and

1
sin⁡ x , if x ≠ 0 f (x) ⋅ f2 (x) if x ≠ 0
f2 (x) = { as follows : F(x) = { 1 [AIEEE 2011]
0, if x = 0 0, if x = 0
Statement-1: 𝐅(𝐱) is continuous on ℝ.
Statement-2 : 𝐟𝟏 (𝐱) and 𝐟𝟐 (𝐱) are continuous on ℝ.
(A) Statemen-1 is false, statement- 2 is true.
(B) Statemen-1 is true, statement-2 is true; Statement-2 is correct explanation for statement.
(C) Statement-1 is true, statement-2 is true, statement- 2 is not a correct explanation for
statement 1
(D) Statement-1 is true, statement-2 is false
1−cos⁡ 3x
4. If f(x) is continuous and f(9/2) = 2/9, then limx→0  f ( ) is equal to: [JEE Mains 2014]
x2

(A) 9/2 (B) 0 (C) 2/9 (D) 8/9

√2+cos⁡ x−1
, x≠π
5. If the function f(x) = { (π−x)2 is continuous at x = π, then k equals:-
k, x=π
1 1
(A) 4 (B) 2 (C) 2 (D) 0 [JEE Mains 2014]
5, if x≤1
a + bx, if 1<x<3
6. Let f: R → R be a function defined as : f(x) = { Then, f is :
b + 5x, if 3≤x<5
30, if x≥5
(A) continuous if a = 5 and b = 5 (B) continuous if a = −5 and b = 10 [JEE Mains 2019]
(C) continuous if a = 0 and b = 5 (D) not continuous for any values of a and b

APNI KAKSHA 14
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
aex + be−x , −1 ≤ x < 1
7. If a function f(x) defined by f(x) = {cx 2 1 ≤ x ≤ 3 be continuous for some a, b, c ∈ R
2
ax + 2cx, 3<x≤4
and f (0) + f (2) = e, then the value of a is :
′ ′
(JEE Main 2020)

e e e 1
(A) e2+3e+13 (B) e2−3e+13 (C) e2−3e−13 (D) e2−3e+13

x
1 1+
a
log e ⁡ ( x ), ,x < 0
x 1−
b 1 1 4
8. If the function f(x) = k , x = 0 is continuous at x = 0, then a + b + k is equal to :
cos2 ⁡ x−sin2 ⁡ x−1
{ √x2+1−1 , x>0
(A) -5 (B) 5 (C) -4 (D) 4 (JEE Main 2021)

[ex ], x<0
aex + [x − 1], 0≤x<1
9. Let f: ℝ → ℝ be defined as f(x) = [
b + [sin⁡(πx)], 1≤x<2
[e−x ] − c, x≥2

where a, b, c ∈ ℝ and [t] denotes greatest integer less than or equal to t. Then, which of the
following statements is true ? (JEE Main 2022)
(A) There exists a, b, c ∈ ℝ such that f is continuous of ℝ.
(B) If f is discontinuous at exactly one point, then a + b + c = 1.
(C) If f is discontinuous at exactly one point, then a + b + c ≠ 1.
(D) f is discontinuous at atleast two points, for any values of a, b and c.
1
x 2 sin⁡ (x) ,x ≠ 0
10. Let f(x) = { ; Then at x = 0 (JEE Main 2023)
0 ,x = 0

(A) f is continuous but not differentiable

(B) f is continuous but f ′ is not continuous
(C) f and f ′ both are continuous
(D) f ′ is continuous but not differentiable
λ π
(1 + |cos⁡ x|) |cos⁡ x| , 0 < x < 2
π
11. If the function f(x) = μ ,x = 2
cot⁡ 6x
π
{ e cot⁡ 4x ,2 < x < π

π
is continuous at x = 2 , then 9λ + 6log e ⁡ μ + μ6 − e6λ is equal to (JEE Main 2023)
(A) 11 (B) 8 (C) 2e4 + 8 (D) 10

APNI KAKSHA 15
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
EXERCISE - 4 (JA)

SECTION-1
1. For every integer n, let an and bn be real numbers. Let function f: ℝ → ℝ be given by
an + sin⁡ πx, for x ∈ [2n, 2n + 1]
f(x) = { , for all integers n If f is continuous, then which of
bn + cos⁡ πx, for x ∈ (2n − 1,2n)
the following holds(s) for all n ? [JEE 2012]
(A) an−1 − bn−1 = 0 (B) an − bn = 1
(C) an − bn+1 = 1 (D) an−1 − bn = −1
2. For every pair of continuous function f, g: [0,1] → ℝ such that
max{f(x): x ∈ [0,1]} = max{g(x): x ∈ [0,1]} the correct statement(s) is(are) :
(A) (f(c))2 + 3f(c) = (g(c))2 + 3g(c) for some c ∈ [0,1] [JEE(Advanced)-2014]
(B) (f(c)) + f(c) = (g(c)) + 3g(c) for some c ∈ [0,1]
2 2

(C) (f(c))2 + 3f(c) = (g(c))2 + g(c) for some c ∈ [0,1]

(D) (f(c))2 = (g(c))2 for some c ∈ [0,1]
3. Let [x] be the greatest integer less than or equals to x. Then, at which of the following point(s)
the function f(x) = xcos⁡(π(x + [x])) is discontinuous ? [JEE(Advanced)-2017]
(A) x = −1 (B) x = 0 (C) x = 2 (D) x = 1

SECTION-2

e1/(x−1) −2
4. Discuss the continuity of the function f(x) = {e1/(x−1)+2 , x ≠ 1 at x = 1.
1, x=1
[REE 2001 (Mains), 3 out of 100]

APNI KAKSHA 16
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
EXERCISE - 5
[MULTIPLE CORRECT CHOICE TYPE]

1. Which of the following function(s) is/are discontinuous at x = 0 ?

π π
(A) f(x) = sin⁡ 2x , x ≠ 0 and f(0) = 1 (B) g(x) = xsin⁡ ( x ) , x ≠ 0 and g(0) = π
|x| 1
(C) h(x) = , x ≠ 0 and h(0) = 1 (D) k(x) = 1+ecot⁡ x , x ≠ 0 and k(0) = 0.
x
Asin⁡ x+sin⁡ 2x
2. A function f(x) is defined as f(x) = , (x ≠ 0). If the function is continuous at x = 0,
x3
then -
(A) A = −2 (B) f(0) = −1 (C) A = 1 (D) f(0) = 1
3. Which of the following function(s) not defined at x = 0 has/have non-removable discontinuity
at the point x = 0 ?
1
1 1 ex −1 1
(A) f(x) = 1 (B) f(x) = arctan⁡ x (C) f(x) = 1 (D) f(x) = ln⁡ |x|
1+2x ex +1

4. Which of the following function(s) not defined at x = 0 has/have removable discontinuity at

x= 0?
1 |sin⁡ x| π 1
(A) f(x) = 1+2cot⁡ x (B) f(x) = cos⁡ ( x ) (C) f(x) = xsin⁡ x (D) f(x) = ℓn|x|
ex −1+ax
, x>0
x2
5. Let f(x) = b, x = 0, then -
x
sin⁡
2
, x<0
{ x
1
(A) f(x) is continuous at x = 0 if a = −1, b = 2.
1
(B) f(x) is discontinuous at x = 0, if b ≠ 2.
(C) f(x) has non-removable discontinuity at x = 0 if a ≠ −1.
1
(D) f(x) has removable discontinuity at x = 0 if a = −1, b ≠ 2
6. Which of the following function(s) has removable type of discontinuity at x = 0 ?
1−sec2 ⁡ 2x csc⁡ x−1
(A) f(x) = (B) g(x) = ( where csc⁡ x = cosec⁡ x)
4x2 xcsc⁡ x
1
sin⁡ 5x
(C) h(x) = (D) ℓ(x) = (1 + 2x 2 )x2
x

7. If f is defined on an interval [a, b]. Which of the following statement(s) is/are INCORRECT ?
(A) If f(a) and f( b), have opposite sign, then there must be a point c ∈ (a, b) such
that f(c) = 0.
(B) If f is continuous on [a, b], f(a) < 0 and f( b) > 0, then there must be a point c ∈ (a, b) such
that f(c) = 0.
(C) If f is continuous on [a, b] and there is a point c in (a, b) such that f(c) = 0, then f(a) and f(b)
have opposite sign.
(D) If f has no zeroes on [a, b], then f(a) and f( b) have the same sign.
8. Which of the following functions f has/have a removable discontinuity at the indicated point?
x2 −2x−8 x−7
(A) f(x) = at x = −2 (B) f(x) = |x−7| at x = 7
x+2
x3 +64 3−√x
(C) f(x) = at x = −4 (D) f(x) = at x = 9
x+4 9−x

APNI KAKSHA 17
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
9. In which of the following cases the given equations has atleast one root in the indicated
interval?
(A) x − cos⁡ x = 0 in (0, π/2)
(B) x + sin⁡ x = 1 in (0, π/6)
a b
(C) x−1 + x−3 = 0, a, b > 0 in (1,3)
(D) f(x) − g(x) = 0 in (a, b) where f and g are continuous on [a, b] and f(a) > g(a) and f( b) <
g(b).
x
10. Indicate all correct alternatives if, f(x) = 2 − 1, then on the interval [0, π]
1
(A) tan⁡(f(x))& f(x) are both continuous
1
(B) tan⁡(f(x))& f(x) are both discontinuous
(C) tan⁡(f(x))&f −1 (x) are both continuous
1
(D) tan⁡(f(x)) is continuous but f(x) is not

[MATRIX TYPE]

11. Column-I Column-II

x3 −1
(A) limx→1   is (P) 2
ℓnx
x(cos⁡ x−cos⁡ 2x)
(B) limx→0   is (Q) 3
2sin⁡ x−sin⁡ 2x

tan⁡ x√tan⁡ x−sin⁡ x√sin⁡ x 3

(C) limx→0   is (R) 2
x3 √ x
1 ℓn(sec2 ⁡ x) 3
(D) If f(x) = cos⁡ (xcos⁡ x) and g(x) = are (S) 4
xsin⁡ x

both continuous at x = 0 then f(0) + g(0) equals

12. Match the function in Column-I with its behaviour at x = 0 in column-II, where [.] denotes
greatest integer function & sgn⁡(x) denotes signum function.
Column-I Column-II
(A) f(x) = [x][1 + x] (P) LHL exist at x = 0
(B) f(x) = [−x][1 + x] (Q) RHL exist at x = 0
(C) f(x) = (sgn⁡(x))[2 − x][1 + |x|] (R) Continuous at x = 0
(D) f(x) = [cos⁡ x] (S) limx→0  f(x) exists but function is

discontinuous at x = 0

APNI KAKSHA 18
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
EXERCISE - 6
sin⁡ 3x+Asin⁡ 2x+Bsin⁡ x
1. If f(x) = (x ≠ 0) is cont. at x = 0. Find A and B. Also find f(0).
x5
π
( −sin ⁡(1−{x}2 ))sin−1 ⁡(1−{x})
−1
2
2. Let f(x) =∣ for x ≠ 0 where {x} is the fractional part of x.
√2({x}−{x}3 )
π
⁡ for x = 0 Consider another function g(x); such that
2
f(x) for x ≥ 0
g(x) = [ Discuss the continuity of the functions f(x)&g(x) at x = 0.
2√2f(x) for x < 0
3. If f(x) = x + {−x} + [x], where [x] is the integral part & {x} is the fractional part of x. Discuss
the continuity of f in [−2,2].
ax − b for x≤1
4. Find the locus of (a, b) for which the function f(x) =∣ 3x for 1 < x < 2 is continuous
2
bx − a for ⁡x ≥ 2
at x = 1 but discontinuous at x = 2.
ax2 +bx+c+enx
5. A function f: R → R is defined as f(x) = limn→∞   where f is continuous on R. Find the
1+c⋅enx
values of a, b and c.
−π
(sin⁡ x + cos⁡ x)cosec⁡ x ; 2 < x < 0
6. Let f(x) =∣ a ; ⁡x = 0
e1/x +e2/x +e3/|x| π
;0 < x < 2
ae2/x +be3/|x|
If f(x) is continuous at x = 0, find the value of (a2 + b2 ).
x x
7. Given f(x) = ∑nr=1    tan⁡ (2x ) sec⁡ (2r−1) ; r, n ∈ N
x x n x
ln⁡ (f(x) + tan⁡ 2n ) − (f(x) + tan⁡ 2n ) ⋅ [sin⁡ (tan⁡ 2)]
g(x) = limit n→∞ ⁡
x n
1 + (f(x) + tan⁡ 2n )
π
= k for x = 4 and the domain of g(x) is (0, π/2). where [] denotes the greatest integer function.
Find the value of k, if possible, so that g(x) is continuous at x = π/4. Also state the points of
discontinuity of g(x) in (0, π/4), if any.
f(x)
8. Let f(x) = x 3 − x 2 − 3x − 1 and h(x) = g(x), where h is a rational function such that (a) it is
continuous every where except when x = −1,
1
(b) limx→∞  h(x) = ∞ and (c) limx→−1  h(x) = 2
Find limx→0  (3h(x) + f(x) − 2g(x))
9. (a) Let f be a real valued continuous function on R and satisfying f(−x) − f(x) = 0∀∈ R. If
f(−5) = 5, f(−2) = 4, f(3) = −2 and f(0) = 0 then find the minimum number of zero's of the
equation f(x) = 0
(b) Find the number of points of discontinuity of the function f(x) = [5x] + {3x} in [0,5] where
[y] and {y} denote largest integer less than or equal to y and fractional part of y respectively.
10. (a) If g: [a, b] → [a, b] is continuous & onto function, then show that there is some c ∈ [a, b] such
that g(c) = c.
(b) Let f be continuous on the interval [0,1] to R such that f(0) = f(1). Prove that there exists a
1 1
point c in ⌊0, ⌋ such that f(c) = f (c + )
2 2

APNI KAKSHA 19
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
ANSWER KEY

CONTINUITY
EXERCISE-1

1. A 𝟐. C 𝟑. D 𝟒. A 𝟓. D 𝟔 C 𝟕. D
8. B 𝟗. B 𝟏𝟎. A 𝟏𝟏. B 𝟏𝟐. D 𝟏𝟑. C 𝟏𝟒. B
15. B 𝟏𝟔. D 𝟏𝟕. C 𝟏𝟖. D 𝟏𝟗. A 𝟐𝟎. B 𝟐𝟏. B
22. C 𝟐𝟑. B 𝟐𝟒. A 𝟐𝟓. C 𝟐𝟔. C 𝟐𝟕. A

EXERCISE-2

1. -1
2. a = 0, b = 1
3. a = 0; b = −1
4. (a) −2,2,3; (b) K = 5;(c) even
5. P not possible.
6. (a) 4 − 3√2 + a,(b) a = 3
7. g(x) = 2 + x for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1,2 − x for 1 < x ≤ 2,4 − x for 2 < x ≤ 3, g is

discontinuous at x = 1& x = 2
8. f(0+ ) = −2; f(0− ) = 2 hence f(0) not possible to define
9. a = 1/2, b = 410. a = −3/2, b ≠ 0, c = 1/2

EXERCISE-3 (JM)

1. D 2. A 3. D 4. C 5. A 6. D
7. B 8. A 9. C 10. B 11. D
EXERCISE-4 (JA)
SECTION-1

1. BD 2. AD 3. ACD
SECTION-2

4. Discontinuous at x = 1: f(1+ ) = 1 and f(1) = −1

EXERCISE-5 (JA)
1. ABCD 2. AB 3. ABC 4. ⁡BCD 5. ABCD 6. ACD
7. ACD 8. ⁡ACD 9. ABCD 10. CD
11. (A) → (Q); (B) → (R); (C) → (S); (D) → (P)
12. (A) → (P, Q, R); (B) → (P, Q, T); (C) → (P, Q, T); (D) → (P, Q, S)

APNI KAKSHA 20
(Mathematics) CONTINUITY
EXERCISE-6 (JA)

1. A = −4, B = 5, f(0) = 1
π π
2. f(0+ ) = 2 ; f(0− ) = 4√2 ⇒ f is discount. at x = 0; g(0+ ) = g(0− ) = g(0) = π/2 ⇒ g is
cont. at x = 0
3. discontinuous at all integral values in [−2,2]
4. locus (a, b) → x, y is y = x − 3 excluding the points where y = 3 intersects it.
5. c = 1, a, b ∈ R
6. e2 + e−2
π
ℓln⁡(tan⁡ x) if 0 < x < 4
7. k = 0; g(x) =∣ π π . Hence g(x) is continuous everywhere.
0 if ≤x<
4 2
39
8. g(x) = 4(x + 1) and limit = − 4

9. (a) 5 (b) 30

APNI KAKSHA 21