Choose the correct answer Which of the following is a necessary condition for a function f(x) to be continuous at x=a?f(x) must be differentiable at x=alimx→af(x)=f(a)f(a)=0f(x) must have a positive slope at x=a
Q. Choose the correct answer Which of the following is a necessary condition for a function f(x) to be continuous at x=a?f(x) must be differentiable at x=alimx→af(x)=f(a)f(a)=0f(x) must have a positive slope at x=a
Recall Definition of Continuity: To determine a necessary condition for continuity at a point, we need to recall the definition of continuity at a point. A function f(x) is continuous at x=a if the following three conditions are met:1. f(a) is defined.2. The limit of f(x) as x approaches a exists.3. The limit of f(x) as x approaches a is equal to f(a).
Examine Given Options: Now, let's examine the given options to identify which one is a necessary condition for continuity at x=a: - "f(x) must be differentiable at x=a" is not a necessary condition for continuity because a function can be continuous at a point without being differentiable there (e.g., the absolute value function at x=0). - "limx→af(x)=f(a)" directly states that the limit of f(x) as x approaches a must equal the function value at a, which is a restatement of the third condition for continuity. - "f(a)=0" is not a necessary condition for continuity; the function value at a can be any real number. - "f(x) must have a positive slope at x=a" is not a necessary condition for continuity; the function can be continuous at a point regardless of the slope or even if the slope is undefined.
Identify Necessary Condition: Based on the definition of continuity and the analysis of the options, the correct answer is limx→af(x)=f(a) because it is the only option that is a restatement of the necessary condition for a function to be continuous at a point.
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