Q.Find the values of $a$ and $b$ such that the function defined by $f(x) = \begin{cases} 5, & \text{if } x \leq 2 \\ ax+b, & \text{if } 2 < x < 10 \\ 21, & \text{if } x \geq 10 \end{cases}$ is a continuous function.

Showing the 12 most recent of 26 on this concept.

1. CBSE 2025Set 65/4/11 markMCQ
   Q.If $f(x) = \begin{cases} 3x - 2, & 0 < x \le 1 \\ 2x^2 + ax, & 1 < x < 2 \end{cases}$ is continuous for $x \in (0, 2)$, then $a$ is equal to : (A) $-4$ (B) $-\frac{7}{2}$ (C) $-2$ (D) $-1$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   For a piecewise function to be continuous across the boundary at $x = 1$, the left and right pieces must meet at the same value; equating $\lim_{x \to 1^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to 1^+} f(x)$ gives $a = -3$, but since that's not an option, we verify by checking $f(1) = \lim_{x \to 1^+} f(x)$, yielding $a = -1$.

   The heart of this problem is understanding what continuity means at the point where the definition of $f$ changes. A function is continuous at a point if there's no "jump" — the value you approach from the left, the value at the point itself, and the value you approach from the right must all agree.

   For $x \in (0, 2)$, the only potential trouble spot is $x = 1$, where the formula switches. Everywhere else within each piece, polynomial functions are automatically continuous.

   At $x = 1$, we need to check three things:

   • The left-hand limit as $x \to 1^-$ (using the first piece)
   • The value $f(1)$ itself
   • The right-hand limit as $x \to 1^+$ (using the second piece)

   Let me work through each carefully.

   1. Find the value at $x = 1$

   The domain specification says $0 < x \le 1$ for the first piece, so $x = 1$ belongs to the first formula:

   $f(1) = 3(1) - 2 = 1$

   2. Find the left-hand limit

   As $x$ approaches $1$ from the left (values slightly less than $1$), we use the first piece:

   $\lim_{x \to 1^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to 1^-} (3x - 2) = 3(1) - 2 = 1$

   3. Find the right-hand limit …

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2. CBSE 2025Set 65/1/11 markMCQ
   Q.Assertion (A) : $f(x) = \begin{cases} 3x-8, & x \le 5 \\ 2k, & x > 5 \end{cases}$ is continuous at $x=5$ for $k = \frac{5}{2}$. Reason (R) : A function $f$ is continuous at $x=a$ if $\lim_{x \to a^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to a^+} f(x) = f(a)$.

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   For continuity at $x=5$, the left-hand limit and right-hand limit must equal $f(5)$. Computing these gives $3(5)-8 = 7$ on the left and $2k$ on the right; setting them equal yields $k = \frac{7}{2}$, not $\frac{5}{2}$. So Assertion is false, Reason is true.

   The core idea here is the Continuity Condition — a function is continuous at a point if the function value and both one-sided limits agree. This isn't just a formula to plug into; it's a logical check that the graph has no jump, hole, or break at that point.

   For piecewise functions, the potential trouble spot is always the boundary where the definition changes. At $x=5$, the function switches from $3x-8$ (for $x \le 5$) to $2k$ (for $x > 5$). The value $f(5)$ is given by the first piece because of the "$\le$" sign: $f(5) = 3(5)-8 = 7$.

   Now, continuity demands that as we approach $5$ from either side, the outputs must both land on $7$.

   1. Left-hand limit ($x \to 5^-$): For $x$ just less than $5$, the function is $3x-8$. Since this is a polynomial, it's continuous everywhere, so the limit is simply the value at $x=5$:

      $\lim_{x \to 5^-} f(x) = 3(5)-8 = 7$.

   2. Right-hand limit ($x \to 5^+$): For $x$ just greater than $5$, the function is the constant $2k$. The limit of a constant is the constant itself:

      $\lim_{x \to 5^+} f(x) = 2k$.

   3. Continuity condition: We need

      $\lim_{x \to 5^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to 5^+} f(x) = f(5)$.

      That gives $7 = 2k = 7$. The equation $2k = 7$ solves to $k = \frac{7}{2}$. …

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3. CBSE 2020Set 65/3/11 mark
   Q.Fill in the blank: The value of $\lambda$ so that the function $f$ defined by $f(x) = \begin{cases} \lambda x, & \text{if } x \leq \pi \\ \cos x, & \text{if } x > \pi \end{cases}$ is continuous at $x = \pi$ is __________.

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   For a function to be continuous at a point where its definition changes, the function value, the left-hand limit, and the right-hand limit must all be equal at that point. By equating these values at $x = \pi$, we find that $\lambda = -\frac{1}{\pi}$.

   When we talk about a function being continuous at a specific point, say $x=a$, we are essentially saying that there are no "breaks," "jumps," or "holes" in the graph of the function at that point. Imagine drawing the graph without lifting your pen.

   Mathematically, this intuitive idea translates into three precise conditions that must be met for a function $f(x)$ to be continuous at $x=a$:

   1. The function must be defined at $x=a$. That is, $f(a)$ must exist.
   2. The limit of the function as $x$ approaches $a$ must exist. This means the left-hand limit (LHL) and the right-hand limit (RHL) must be equal: $\lim_{x \to a^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to a^+} f(x)$.
   3. The value of the function at $x=a$ must be equal to the limit of the function as $x$ approaches $a$. That is, $f(a) = \lim_{x \to a} f(x)$.

   Combining these, the fundamental condition for continuity at $x=a$ is:

   $\lim_{x \to a^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to a^+} f(x) = f(a)$

   In this problem, our function $f(x)$ is defined piecewise, and we are interested in its continuity at the "junction" point $x = \pi$. For $f(x)$ to be continuous at $x = \pi$, all three parts of the continuity condition must hold true.

   Let's apply these conditions step-by-step.

   1. Identify the point and function definitions:

      The point of interest is $x = \pi$.

      The function is defined as:

      $f(x) = \begin{cases} \lambda x, & \text{if } x \leq \pi \\ \cos x, & \text{if } x > \pi \end{cases}$

   2. Calculate the function value at $x = \pi$:

      For $x = \pi$, we use the first part of the definition, $f(x) = \lambda x$, because $x \leq \pi$ includes $x = \pi$.

      $f(\pi) = \lambda (\pi) = \pi \lambda$

   3. Calculate the Left-Hand Limit (LHL) at $x = \pi$:

      The LHL considers values of $x$ approaching $\pi$ from the left side, meaning $x < \pi$. For these values, $x \leq \pi$, so we use $f(x) = \lambda x$.

      $\lim_{x \to \pi^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to \pi^-} (\lambda x)$

      Since $\lambda x$ is a polynomial function, the limit can be found by direct substitution.

      $\lim_{x \to \pi^-} (\lambda x) = \lambda (\pi) = \pi \lambda$

   4. Calculate the Right-Hand Limit (RHL) at $x = \pi$:

      The RHL considers values of $x$ approaching $\pi$ from the right side, meaning $x > \pi$. For these values, we use $f(x) = \cos x$. …

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4. CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 mark
   Q.The value of $k$ for which $f(x) = \begin{cases} \dfrac{x^2-1}{x-1} & x \neq 1 \\ k & x = 1 \end{cases}$ is continuous at $x = 1$ is ..............

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   For continuity at $x=1$, $k$ must equal $\lim_{x\to1}\dfrac{x^2-1}{x-1}$.

   For $x\neq1$: $\dfrac{x^2-1}{x-1}=\dfrac{(x-1)(x+1)}{x-1}=x+1$.

   So $\lim_{x\to1}f(x)=\lim_{x\to1}(x+1)=2$.

   …

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5. CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQ
   Q.If f(x) = {tan 5x / 4x, x ≠ 0; m² - 1, x = 0} is continuous at x = 0 (m > 0) then value of m is:

   (a) 9/4

   (b) 5/4

   (c) 25/16

   (d) 3/2

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Continuity at $x=0$ requires $\lim_{x\to0} f(x) = f(0)$; the standard limit $\lim_{x\to0}\frac{\tan kx}{x} = k$ gives the left/right value, which is then matched to $f(0)=m^2-1$.

   For continuity at $x=0$:

   $\lim_{x\to0} f(x) = f(0)$

   Compute the limit using $\lim_{\theta\to0}\dfrac{\tan\theta}{\theta}=1$: …

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6. CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 mark
   Q.Find the value of $k$, if the function defined by $f(x) = \begin{cases} kx^2, & \text{if } x \le 1 \\ 5, & \text{if } x > 1 \end{cases}$ is continuous at $x=1$.

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   A piecewise function is continuous at the junction point when the left-hand limit, right-hand limit, and the function value there all agree; equate them to solve for $k$.

   Given $f(x) = \begin{cases} kx^2, & x \le 1 \\ 5, & x > 1 \end{cases}$

   Left-hand limit at $x=1$:

   $\lim_{x\to1^-} f(x) = \lim_{x\to1^-} kx^2 = k(1)^2 = k$

   Right-hand limit at $x=1$:

   $\lim_{x\to1^+} f(x) = \lim_{x\to1^+} 5 = 5$

   …

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7. CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 markMCQ
   Q.For what value of $a$ is $f(x)=\begin{cases}(1+3x)^{\frac{1}{x}}, & \text{if } x\neq 0\\ a+e^{3}, & \text{if } x=0\end{cases}$ continuous at $x=0$?

   (i) 0

   (ii) -3

   (iii) 1

   (iv) 3

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Match $f(0)$ to $\lim_{x\to 0} f(x) = e^3$ to get $a = 0$.

   For $f$ to be continuous at $x=0$, we need $\displaystyle\lim_{x\to 0} f(x) = f(0)$.

   Finding the limit: Using the standard limit $\displaystyle\lim_{x\to 0}(1+kx)^{1/x}=e^{k}$ with $k=3$:

   $\lim_{x\to 0}(1+3x)^{1/x} = e^{3}$

   …

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8. CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 markMCQ
   Q.$f(x)=\begin{cases}2x-5 & \text{if } x\le 3 \\ 2k & \text{if } x>3\end{cases}$, is continuous at $x=3$, then value of $k$ will be -

   (a) $1$

   (b) $\dfrac{1}{6}$

   (c) $6$

   (d) $\dfrac{1}{2}$

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   For continuity at $x=3$, the left-hand value must equal the right-hand limit.

   At $x=3$ (using the first piece, since it applies for $x\le3$): $f(3)=2(3)-5=1$.

   Right-hand limit as $x\to3^+$: $\lim_{x\to3^+}2k=2k$.

   …

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9. CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 markMCQ
   Q.If f(x) = { sin 8x / 5x, x ≠ 0 ; m + 1, x = 0 } is continuous at x = 0 then value of m is:

   (a) 5/8

   (b) 8/5

   (c) 3/5

   (d) 5/3

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Continuity at $x=0$ requires $\displaystyle\lim_{x\to0} f(x) = f(0)$; evaluate the limit using $\lim_{\theta\to0}\frac{\sin\theta}{\theta}=1$.

   $\lim_{x\to0} \frac{\sin 8x}{5x} = \lim_{x\to0} \frac{8}{5}\cdot\frac{\sin 8x}{8x} = \frac85 \times 1 = \frac85.$

   …

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10. CBSE 2024Set 65/2/11 markMCQ
    Q.The number of points of discontinuity of $f(x) = \begin{cases} |x| + 3, & \text{if } x \le -3 \\ -2x, & \text{if } -3 < x < 3 \\ 6x + 2, & \text{if } x \ge 3 \end{cases}$ is: (A) $0$ (B) $1$ (C) $2$ (D) infinite

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    The function is defined piecewise with three linear/absolute-value pieces. The only potential breakpoints are at $x = -3$ and $x = 3$. Checking one-sided limits shows $x = -3$ is continuous but $x = 3$ is not, so the number of discontinuities is 1.

    The key idea: a piecewise function can only be discontinuous at the boundaries where the definition changes — here at $x = -3$ and $x = 3$. Everywhere else, each piece is a polynomial (or absolute value, which is continuous), so continuity is automatic. We just need to check whether the left-hand limit, right-hand limit, and function value match at those two points.

    Let's examine each boundary carefully.

    1. At $x = -3$

       The function is defined by:

       • For $x \le -3$: $f(x) = |x| + 3$. Since $x$ is negative here, $|x| = -x$, so $f(x) = -x + 3$.
       • For $-3 < x < 3$: $f(x) = -2x$.

       Compute the left-hand limit (as $x \to -3^-$):

       $f(x) = -x + 3$, so $\lim_{x \to -3^-} f(x) = -(-3) + 3 = 3 + 3 = 6$.

       Compute the right-hand limit (as $x \to -3^+$):

       $f(x) = -2x$, so $\lim_{x \to -3^+} f(x) = -2(-3) = 6$.

       The function value at $x = -3$ comes from the first piece: $f(-3) = |-3| + 3 = 3 + 3 = 6$.

       All three are equal to 6. So $f$ is continuous at $x = -3$.

    2. At $x = 3$

       The function is defined by:

       • For $-3 < x < 3$: $f(x) = -2x$.
       • For $x \ge 3$: $f(x) = 6x + 2$.

       Left-hand limit: $\lim_{x \to 3^-} f(x) = -2(3) = -6$.

       Right-hand limit: $\lim_{x \to 3^+} f(x) = 6(3) + 2 = 18 + 2 = 20$.

       The function value at $x = 3$ comes from the third piece: $f(3) = 6(3) + 2 = 20$. …

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11. CBSE 2024Set 65/3/11 markMCQ
    Q.A function $f(x) = |\,1 - x + |x|\,|$ is: (A) discontinuous at $x = 1$ only (B) discontinuous at $x = 0$ only (C) discontinuous at $x = 0,\ 1$ (D) continuous everywhere

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    The function $f(x) = |\,1 - x + |x|\,|$ simplifies to a piecewise constant function that is continuous at all points, including $x=0$ and $x=1$. The correct option is (D) continuous everywhere.

    The key to this problem is to first remove the absolute value signs by breaking the domain into intervals where the expressions inside them are non-negative or negative. The function involves two absolute values: one around $|x|$ and an outer absolute value around the whole expression. We handle them from the inside out.

    The inner absolute value $|x|$ changes behaviour at $x=0$. So we first consider $x < 0$ and $x \ge 0$. Then, after simplifying the expression $1 - x + |x|$, we apply the outer absolute value, which may introduce another break point where the inner expression changes sign. Let's find that point.

    1. Case $x < 0$: Here $|x| = -x$. Then

    $1 - x + |x| = 1 - x - x = 1 - 2x.$

    For $x < 0$, $1 - 2x > 1$ (since $-2x > 0$), so it is always positive. Hence the outer absolute value does nothing:

    $f(x) = |1 - 2x| = 1 - 2x \quad \text{for } x < 0.$

    2. Case $x \ge 0$: Here $|x| = x$. Then

    $1 - x + |x| = 1 - x + x = 1.$

    So for all $x \ge 0$, the inner expression is the constant $1$, which is positive. Thus

    $f(x) = |1| = 1 \quad \text{for } x \ge 0.$

    Now we have a clean piecewise definition:

    $f(x) = \begin{cases} 1 - 2x, & x < 0, \\ 1, & x \ge 0. \end{cases}$

    Tip

    The outer absolute value turned out to be redundant for $x \ge 0$ because the inner expression simplified to $1$. For $x < 0$, the inner expression $1-2x$ is always positive, so the outer absolute value also does nothing. So $f(x)$ is actually a simple piecewise linear function with no absolute value complications.

    3. Check continuity at $x = 0$:

       • Left-hand limit: $\lim_{x \to 0^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to 0^-} (1 - 2x) = 1$.
       • Right-hand limit: $\lim_{x \to 0^+} f(x) = 1$.
       • Function value: $f(0) = 1$. All three match, so $f$ is continuous at $x=0$.

    4. Check continuity at $x = 1$: …

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12. CBSE 2024Set ANNUAL1 mark
    Q.If $f(x) = \begin{cases} \dfrac{1-\cos x}{x^2}, & x \neq 0 \\ \lambda, & x = 0 \end{cases}$ is continuous at $x=0$, then write the value of $\lambda$.

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Continuity at $x=0$ requires $\lambda = \lim_{x\to 0}\dfrac{1-\cos x}{x^2}$, which evaluates to $\dfrac{1}{2}$.

    For $f$ to be continuous at $x=0$, we need $\lambda = \displaystyle\lim_{x\to 0}\dfrac{1-\cos x}{x^2}$.

    Using $1-\cos x = 2\sin^2(x/2)$: …

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