Q.Find the values of k so that the function f is continuous at the indicated point, where f is defined by f(x)={π−2xkcosx,3,if x=2πif x=2π at x=2π
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Continuity At A Point
Continuity at a Point
Imagine drawing the graph of a function and putting your pen down at x=a. If the function is continuous there, you can draw straight through that point without lifting your pen — no jump, no hole, no break. That is the intuition; here is the precision.
The Three-Condition Test
For f(x) to be continuous at x=a, all three must hold. If even one fails, f is discontinuous there.
Continuity at x=a requires:
- f(a) is defined,
- x→alimf(x) exists (left- and right-hand limits are equal),
- x→alimf(x)=f(a).
Condition 1 says a is in the domain — the pen must have somewhere to land. Condition 2 says the curve approaches a single value from both sides — no jump. Condition 3 says that common approach value actually matches the function's value at a — no misplaced point.
Why All Three Are Needed
f(x)=x−1x2−1 has limx→1f(x)=2, yet f(1) is undefined (zero denominator). Condition 1 fails, leaving a hole at (1,2).
A piecewise function shows the opposite can be fine:
f(x)=⎩⎨⎧x+13x+1x<2x=2x>2
Here f(2)=3, both one-sided limits equal 3, and they match f(2) — so all three hold and f is continuous at x=2.
Common Pitfalls
"Limit exists" does not mean "continuous." The hole example has a limit but no continuity — the limit must equal the function value.
"Defined everywhere" does not mean "continuous." A piecewise function can have a value at every point and still jump. Always check the one-sided limits.
A Quick Check …
Concept: Continuity At A Point — A function is continuous at x=a if limx→af(x)=f(a).
Step 1: Evaluate f(π/2)
Given directly: f(π/2)=3.
Step 2: Compute limx→π/2f(x)
For x=π/2, f(x)=π−2xkcosx.
Let t=π/2−x, so x=π/2−t and t→0. Then cosx=cos(π/2−t)=sint, and π−2x=π−2(π/2−t)=2t.
Thus the limit becomes: …
For f to be continuous at x=2π, the limit of f(x) as x→2π must equal f(2π)=3. Evaluating the limit using the substitution t=2π−x and the standard limit limt→0tsint=1 gives 2k. Setting 2k=3 yields k=6, so continuity holds only when k=6.
The core idea here is continuity at a point. A function f is continuous at x=a if three things hold:
- f(a) is defined.
- limx→af(x) exists.
- limx→af(x)=f(a).
In this problem, f(2π)=3 is given, so condition 1 is satisfied. The real work is checking whether the limit of f(x) as x approaches 2π exists and equals 3. Since the function is defined piecewise, the limit depends on the expression π−2xkcosx for x=2π.
The tricky part: as x→2π, both the numerator cosx and the denominator π−2x approach 0. This gives a 00 indeterminate form. We need to resolve this limit to see what value it approaches, and then choose k so that this limit matches 3.
-
Set up the limit we need to evaluate
We want limx→2πf(x)=limx→2ππ−2xkcosx.
Since k is a constant, it factors out: k⋅limx→2ππ−2xcosx.
-
Use a substitution to simplify the limit
The denominator π−2x suggests letting t=2π−x. Then as x→2π, we have t→0. Also, x=2π−t.
Substitute into the denominator: π−2x=π−2(2π−t)=π−π+2t=2t.
For the numerator: cosx=cos(2π−t)=sint.
So the limit becomes:
limt→02tksint=2k⋅limt→0tsint.
-
Apply the standard limit
The fundamental trigonometric limit is limt→0tsint=1. This is a result you should know by heart — it's the backbone of many continuity and derivative problems involving sine.
Therefore:
limx→2πf(x)=2k⋅1=2k. …
Method: Finding an Unknown Constant by Resolving a 00 Trigonometric Limit
Use this when a piecewise function's assigned value at a point depends on an unknown constant appearing inside a limit that evaluates to an indeterminate 00 form at that point — typically resolved with a substitution that reduces it to the standard limit limt→0tsint=1.
Steps
Step 1: Confirm the indeterminate form
Plug the target point directly into the "elsewhere" piece's numerator and denominator; if both go to 0, direct substitution fails and a limit technique is needed (never invent a method outside the syllabus — this chapter's tools are substitution tricks and standard limits, not derivative-based shortcuts).
Step 2: Choose a substitution that centers the limit at 0
Let t measure the distance from x to the target point (e.g. t=a−x), so that t→0 as x→a. Rewrite every trig term in the numerator/denominator in terms of t, using standard co-function identities (like cos(π/2−t)=sint).
Step 3: Simplify until the standard limit form appears
limt→0tsint=1 …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Trying to evaluate the 00 limit by direct substitution without a technique
Why it's wrong: plugging x=π/2 directly into π−2xkcosx gives 00, which is indeterminate — it does NOT mean the limit is zero, one, or undefined; more work is required. Correct approach: use a substitution (like t=π/2−x) to convert the expression into a recognizable standard-limit form before evaluating.
Mistake 2: Getting the substitution's trig identity wrong (mixing up cos(π/2−t) and sin(π/2−t))
Why it's wrong: the co-function identities cos(π/2−t)=sint and sin(π/2−t)=cost are easy to swap under pressure, and swapping them changes which standard limit applies and flips the whole answer. Correct approach: verify the identity by checking a specific value (e.g. at t=0, cos(π/2)=0=sin0 ✓) before trusting it in the general substitution. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 32 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.If f(x)=⎩⎨⎧(π−x)22+cosx−1,k,x=πx=π is continuous at x=π, then k= (A) 1 (B) 21 (C) 2 (D) 41
›Reveal solutionSolution
Continuity at x=π requires k to equal the limit of the given expression as x→π; using a small-angle substitution, that limit is 41.
Concept and Intuition
For f to be continuous at x=π, we need k=x→πlim(π−x)22+cosx−1. Substituting x=π−h (so h→0 as x→π) converts the trig limit into a small-h approximation problem, where standard expansions (cosh≈1−h2/2, 1+t≈1+t/2) make the limit easy to evaluate.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let x=π−h, so as x→π, h→0, and π−x=h.
- cosx=cos(π−h)=−cosh.
- So 2+cosx=2−cosh. Using cosh≈1−2h2 for small h: 2−cosh≈2−1+2h2=1+2h2.
- 2+cosx≈1+2h2≈1+4h2 (using 1+t≈1+t/2 with t=h2/2).
- So 2+cosx−1≈4h2.
- The denominator is (π−x)2=h2. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.If f(x) defined by f(x)=⎩⎨⎧4x−π1−tanx,k,x=4π,x∈[0,2π]x=4π is continuous in [0,2π], then k= (A) −1 (B) −21 (C) 21 (D) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substituting x=π/4+h and using the tangent subtraction identity, the limit of
4x−π1−tanx as x→π/4 works out to −21, which is the required
value of k.
Concept and Intuition
For continuity at x=π/4, we need k=limx→π/4f(x). Since the expression is 0/0
at x=π/4, shifting variables via x=π/4+h (so h→0) turns tanx into
tan(π/4+h), which has a clean expansion using the tangent-addition formula.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let x=4π+h, so h→0 as x→π/4.
- tan(4π+h)=1−tanh1+tanh.
- 1−tanx=1−1−tanh1+tanh=1−tanh(1−tanh)−(1+tanh)=1−tanh−2tanh
- 4x−π=4(4π+h)−π=4h.
- So
f(x)=4h(1−tanh)−2tanh
- As h→0, tanh∼h, so …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-19-FN1 markMCQQ.f(x)=⎩⎨⎧2−1+cosx72x−9x−8x+1,klog2log3,x=0x=0 Find the value of 'k' for which the function f is continuous. (A) 2 (B) 24 (C) 183 (D) 242
›Reveal solutionSolution
Factoring the numerator as (9x−1)(8x−1) and expanding the denominator via 1+cosx=2cos2(x/2) gives the limit 242ln2ln3, so k=242.
Concept and Intuition
Both numerator and denominator vanish as x→0 — a 0/0 form best handled by recognizing the standard small-x approximations ax−1≈xloga and 1−cosθ≈θ2/2, rather than repeated L'Hôpital. Spotting that 72=9×8 lets the numerator factor neatly, turning a messy expression into a clean product of two standard limits.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Since 72=9×8: 72x−9x−8x+1=9x8x−9x−8x+1=(9x−1)(8x−1).
- As x→0: 9x−1∼xln9, 8x−1∼xln8, so numerator ∼x2ln9ln8.
- 1+cosx=2cos2(x/2), so 1+cosx=2cos(x/2) (for small x).
- Denominator =2−2cos(x/2)=2(1−cos2x)∼2⋅2(x/2)2=82x2.
- Limit =2x2/8x2ln9ln8=28ln9ln8. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-06-FN1 markMCQQ.If f(x)=log(1+π2−4πx+4x2)(1−sinx) is continuous at x=π/2, then f(π/2)= (A) 41 (B) 81 (C) 161 (D) 321
›Reveal solutionSolution
Recognising 1+π2−4πx+4x2 as 1+(2x−π)2 turns this into a small-angle limit; the continuity value is 1/8.
Concept and Intuition
For f to be continuous at x=π/2, f(π/2) must equal limx→π/2f(x). The denominator's quadratic in x is a perfect "sum-of-squares" shift once you notice π2−4πx+4x2=(2x−π)2, turning this into a standard small-t limit using 1−cost≈t2/2 and log(1+u)≈u.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Rewrite the denominator: 1+π2−4πx+4x2=1+(2x−π)2.
- Let t=x−π/2, so x→π/2⟺t→0, and 2x−π=2t.
- Numerator: 1−sinx=1−sin(π/2+t)=1−cost. For small t, 1−cost≈2t2.
- Denominator: log(1+(2t)2)=log(1+4t2)≈4t2 for small t (since log(1+u)≈u). …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.If f:R→R defined by f(x)=⎩⎨⎧xsinx−sin2x,x3/2x2+x−x,x<0x>0 is continuous on R, then f(0)= (A) 1/2 (B) 3/2 (C) 1 (D) −1
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests continuity of a piecewise function at the junction point using standard small-x approximations; both one-sided limits equal 1/2.
Concept and Intuition
A piecewise function is continuous at a boundary point only if the left-hand limit, right-hand limit, and the defined value at that point all agree. Here f(0) isn't given directly by either branch (both blow up as 0/0), so we must compute the limits from each side and set f(0) equal to their common value.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Left-hand limit (x→0−):
limx→0−xsinx−sin(x/2)
Use the small-angle expansion sint=t−6t3+⋯:
sinx−sin2x=(x−6x3)−(2x−48x3)+⋯=2x+O(x3)
Dividing by x: the limit is 21.
- Right-hand limit (x→0+):
limx→0+x3/2x2+x−x=limx→0+x3/2x(x+1−1)=limx→0+xx+1−1
Using 1+x≈1+2x−8x2+⋯:
xx+1−1≈xx/2=21 …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.Let f(x)=⎩⎨⎧0,2−x,2,21−x,2−3,x=0for 0<x<1for x=1for 1<x<2for x≥2 then which of the following is true (A) f is right continuous at x=0 (B) f is left continuous at x=1 (C) f is right continuous at x=1 (D) f is continuous at x=2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Compute the left-hand limit, right-hand limit, and function value at each candidate point and compare; only at x=2 do all three coincide.
Concept and Intuition
A function is continuous at a point if the left-hand limit, right-hand limit, and the function's value there all agree. "Right continuous" only needs the right-hand limit to equal the function value; "left continuous" only needs the left-hand limit to match.
Step-by-Step Solution
- At x=0: f(0)=0. Right-hand limit: limx→0+(2−x)=2. Since 2=0, f is not right continuous at 0 — (A) is false.
- At x=1: f(1)=2. Left-hand limit: limx→1−(2−x)=1. Since 1=2, not left continuous — (B) is false. Right-hand limit: limx→1+(21−x)=−21. Since −21=2, not right continuous either — (C) is false. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.f(x)=⎩⎨⎧x+1(2x2−ax+1)−(ax2+3bx+2),k,if x=−1if x=−1 is a real valued function. If a,b,k∈R and f is continuous on R then k= (A) −31 (B) 6 (C) a−2 (D) a−3
›Reveal solutionSolution
Continuity at the removable-type point requires the numerator to vanish there (fixing b) and then simplifying the quotient to evaluate k as a limit. The answer is k=a−3.
Concept and Intuition
A rational expression x+1N(x) can only have a finite limit as x→−1 if N(−1)=0 (otherwise the limit is ±∞ and no choice of k can make f continuous there). So the first job is to use that vanishing condition to pin down any free constant, then simplify by cancelling the common factor.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Numerator: (2x2−ax+1)−(ax2+3bx+2)=(2−a)x2−(a+3b)x−1.
- At x=−1: (2−a)(1)+(a+3b)−1=1+3b. For the limit (hence continuity) to exist finitely, this must be 0: b=−31.
- With b=−1/3, numerator becomes (2−a)x2−(a−1)x−1.
- Factor out (x+1): writing (2−a)x2−(a−1)x−1=(x+1)[(2−a)x−1] (verified by expansion, matching all coefficients). …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-23-AN1 markMCQQ.If a real valued function f(x)=⎩⎨⎧(1+sinx)cosecx,a,ae2/x+be3/xe2/x+e3/x,−π/2<x<0x=00<x<π/2 is continuous at x = 0, then ab= (A) e (B) e2 (C) 1 (D) −1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The left-hand limit is the classical 1∞ form giving e, fixing a=e;
the right-hand limit needs dividing by the dominant exponential to fix b.
Continuity forces both, and ab=1.
Concept and Intuition
A piecewise function is continuous at a point only if the left-hand limit,
right-hand limit, and the function's value there all agree. Here the left
piece is a 1∞ indeterminate form (standard trick: exponentiate and use
log(1+u)∼u), and the right piece is a ratio of two exponentials growing at
different rates as x→0+ (since 1/x→+∞), so the faster-growing
exponential e3/x dominates and everything else becomes negligible after
dividing through by it.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Left limit: L=limx→0−(1+sinx)cosecx. Take logs: logL=limcosecx⋅log(1+sinx)=limsinxsinx(1+O(sinx))→1. So L=e. Continuity requires f(0)=a=L=e.
- Right limit: R=limx→0+ae2/x+be3/xe2/x+e3/x. Divide numerator and denominator by e3/x: R=limx→0+ae−1/x+be−1/x+1. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.If f(x)=x2cos4x−1, x=0 and f(0)=2 is a real valued function, then (A) x→0limf(x) does not exist (B) x→0limf(x)=1 (C) f is not continuous at x = 0 (D) f is continuous at x = 0
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests factoring cos4x−1 and using the standard limit xsinx→1; the limit exists and equals −2, but f(0)=2, so f fails continuity at 0.
Concept and Intuition
cos4x−1 factors as a difference of squares twice: cos4x−1=(cos2x−1)(cos2x+1)=−sin2x(cos2x+1). This lets us isolate the familiar (xsinx)2→1 building block.
Step-by-Step Solution
- cos4x−1=(cos2x−1)(cos2x+1)=−sin2x(cos2x+1).
- f(x)=x2−sin2x(cos2x+1)=−(xsinx)2(cos2x+1).
- As x→0: (xsinx)2→1 and cos2x+1→2.
- So x→0limf(x)=−1×2=−2 — this limit exists (rules out (A)) and is not 1 (rules out (B)). …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.If f(x)=⎩⎨⎧(2+5x22+3x2)x28+3,k,for x=0for x=0 is a continuous function at x=0, then k= (A) e−2 (B) e−4 (C) e−8 (D) e−16
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests the standard 1∞ exponential limit technique. Taking logs and expanding to first order in x2 gives k=e−8.
Concept and Intuition
Expressions of the form (base →1)power→∞ are evaluated by writing L=elim(power)⋅log(base) and expanding log(1+u)≈u for the small quantity u= base−1. The constant added to the exponent (here +3) never survives, since it multiplies a term that itself →0.
Step-by-Step Solution
- For continuity at x=0: k=limx→0(2+5x22+3x2)8/x2+3.
- Let L denote this limit. Then logL=limx→0(x28+3)log(2+5x22+3x2).
- Write the base as 1+u where u=2+5x22+3x2−1=2+5x2−2x2≈−x2 for small x (to leading order).
- log(1+u)≈u≈−x2 for small x. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-16-AN1 markMCQQ.If a function defined by f(x)=sinxlog(1+x)(3x−1)2, x=0, is continuous at x=0, then f(0)= (A) 2log3 (B) log32 (C) 2+log3 (D) (log3)2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Standard small-x equivalents give f(x)→(ln3)2 as x→0, so f(0)=(log3)2.
Concept and Intuition
For continuity at x=0, f(0) must equal limx→0f(x). Use the standard limits limx→0xax−1=lna, limx→0xsinx=1, limx→0xlog(1+x)=1.
Step-by-Step Solution
- (3x−1)2=x2(x3x−1)2→x2(ln3)2 as x→0.
- sinxlog(1+x)=x⋅xsinx⋅x⋅xlog(1+x)=x2⋅xsinx⋅xlog(1+x)→x2 as x→0.
- So f(x)=sinxlog(1+x)(3x−1)2→x2x2(ln3)2=(ln3)2. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.If a function f defined by f(x)=⎩⎨⎧x21−cos4x,a,16+x−4x,x<0x=0x>0 is continuous at x=0, then a= (A) 8 (B) 4 (C) 3 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Both one-sided limits at x=0 evaluate to 8 (via 1−cosθ=2sin2(θ/2) on the left, and rationalizing on the right), so a=8.
Concept and Intuition
For f to be continuous at 0, the left-hand limit, right-hand limit, and f(0)=a must all agree. The left piece is a classic 0/0 trig limit solved via the half-angle identity for 1−cosθ; the right piece is a classic surd limit solved by rationalizing the denominator.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Left limit: 1−cos4x=2sin2(2x), so x21−cos4x=x22sin2(2x)=8(2xsin2x)2.
- As x→0−, 2xsin2x→1, so this limit →8(1)2=8.
- Right limit: let t=x (so t→0+ as x→0+): 16+x−4x=16+t−4t.
- Rationalize: multiply by 16+t+416+t+4: (16+t)−16t(16+t+4)=tt(16+t+4)=16+t+4. …
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