Q.If a function defined by π(π₯) = { ππ₯ + 1, π₯ β€ π cos π₯ , π₯ > π is continuous at π₯ = π, then the value of π is
(A) π
(B) β1 π
(C) 0
(D) β2 π
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π Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution βConcept understanding β 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 β 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,
- xβalimβf(x) exists (left- and right-hand limits are equal),
- xβalimβf(x)=f(a).
Condition 1 says a is in the domain β the pen must have somewhere to land. Condition 2 says the curve approaches a single value from both sides β no jump. Condition 3 says that common approach value actually matches the function's value at a β no misplaced point.
Why All Three Are Needed
f(x)=xβ1x2β1β has limxβ1βf(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)=β©β¨β§βx+13x+1βx<2x=2x>2β
Here f(2)=3, both one-sided limits equal 3, and they match f(2) β 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 β 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 β¦
Concept: Continuity At A Point β A function is continuous at x=Ο if the left-hand limit, right-hand limit, and f(Ο) are all equal.
Step 1: For xβ€Ο, f(x)=kx+1, so
f(Ο)=kΟ+1 and limxβΟββf(x)=kΟ+1.
Step 2: For x>Ο, f(x)=cosx, so
limxβΟ+βf(x)=cosΟ=β1.
Step 3: Continuity at x=Ο requires β¦
For a function to be continuous at a point, the left-hand limit, right-hand limit, and the function's value at that point must all be equal. Here, equating the two one-sided limits at x=Ο gives k=βΟ2β, which corresponds to option (D).
The idea of continuity at a point is beautifully simple: a function is continuous at x=a if you can draw its graph through that point without lifting your pen. More formally, three things must match β the function's value at a, the limit as you approach from the left, and the limit as you approach from the right. If any one of these is different, there's a break, a jump, or a hole.
Here, the function is defined in two pieces, meeting at x=Ο. The left piece is kx+1 (a straight line), and the right piece is cosx (a wavy curve). For continuity at the seam, the line must exactly meet the curve at x=Ο.
Let's work through it step by step.
- Find the left-hand limit as xβΟβ. For xβ€Ο, the function is f(x)=kx+1. So as we approach Ο from values slightly less than Ο, we use this expression:
limxβΟββf(x)=limxβΟββ(kx+1)=kΟ+1.
- Find the right-hand limit as xβΟ+. For x>Ο, the function is f(x)=cosx. Approaching Ο from the right, we get:
limxβΟ+βf(x)=limxβΟ+βcosx=cosΟ.
And cosΟ=β1. So the right-hand limit is β1.
- Find the function's value at x=Ο. Since the definition says f(x)=kx+1 for xβ€Ο, the point x=Ο itself belongs to the left piece. So:
f(Ο)=kΟ+1.
- Apply the continuity condition. For continuity at x=Ο, we need: limxβΟββf(x)=limxβΟ+βf(x)=f(Ο). β¦
Method: Solving for an Unknown in a Piecewise Function Using the Continuity Condition
This method applies to any problem where a piecewise function has an unknown constant, and you're told the function is continuous at the point where the pieces meet β you then find the constant.
Steps
Step 1: Identify the pieces and the junction point
Write down which formula applies just left of the junction and which applies just right of it, and note carefully which side includes the equality (e.g. xβ€a vs. x<a) β that tells you which piece actually defines f(a).
Step 2: Compute the one-sided limits at the junction
For a piece built from standard continuous functions (polynomials, trig functions, exponentials), the one-sided limit equals direct substitution of the junction value into that piece:
limxβaββf(x)=(leftΒ pieceΒ evaluatedΒ atΒ a),limxβa+βf(x)=(rightΒ pieceΒ evaluatedΒ atΒ a).
Step 3: Apply the continuity condition
Continuity at a requires all three of f(a), the left-hand limit, and the right-hand limit to agree. Since the piece containing the equality already supplies f(a) and matches its own one-sided limit automatically, the real content of the condition is usually just: β¦
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Evaluating cosΟ incorrectly
Some students recall cos0=1 and mistakenly carry that value over, writing cosΟ=1 instead of cosΟ=β1. Why it's wrong: cosΟ is a distinct standard value (the angle Ο radians points in the opposite direction on the unit circle). Correct approach: memorize the standard values cos0=1,cos(Ο/2)=0,cosΟ=β1 precisely, or sketch the cosine curve to check the sign at Ο.
Mistake 2: Using the wrong piece to evaluate f(a) at the junction β¦
Showing the 12 most recent of 20 on this concept.
- CBSE 2026Set 65/3/11 markMCQQ.The value of k for which the function f(x)={x2sinx1β,k(x+1),βxξ =0x=0β is a continuous function, is: (A) 41β (B) 2 (C) 21β (D) 0
βΊReveal solutionSolution
For continuity at x=0, the limit of x2sinx1β as xβ0 must equal the function value k(0+1)=k. Since the limit is 0, we need k=0.
A function is continuous at a point when three conditions align: the function is defined there, the limit exists as we approach that point, and crucially, the limit equals the function's value at that point. This problem tests whether you can recognize that continuity at x=0 creates a bridge between two different expressions.
The function behaves as x2sinx1β everywhere except at zero, where it suddenly switches to k(x+1). At x=0, this second piece gives us f(0)=k(0+1)=k. For continuity, we need:
limxβ0βf(x)=f(0)
Since we approach zero from the region where xξ =0, the relevant limit is:
limxβ0βx2sinx1β=k
Let me find this limit.
-
Recognize the bounded oscillation
The sine function satisfies β1β€sinx1ββ€1 for all xξ =0, no matter how wildly x1β oscillates as xβ0.
-
Apply the squeeze theorem
Multiplying the inequality by x2 (which is always non-negative):
βx2β€x2sinx1ββ€x2
- Evaluate the bounding limits As xβ0:
limxβ0β(βx2)=0andlimxβ0βx2=0
- Conclude via the squeeze theorem β¦
-
- CBSE 20241 markMCQQ.The value of k, for which f(x)={3x+2Οβ3βcosx+sinxβ,k,βxξ =β3Οβx=β3Οββ is continuous at x=β3Οβ, is : (A) 32β (B) β32β (C) 23β (D) 6 βΌβΌβΌ
βΊReveal solutionSolution
Continuity requires k=limxββΟ/3βf(x). The quotient is a 00β form at x=β3Οβ, and the limit evaluates to 32β β option (A).
For f to be continuous at x=β3Οβ, we need
k=limxββΟ/3β3(x+3Οβ)3βcosx+sinxβ.
Simplify the numerator. Writing it as a single sine:
3βcosx+sinx=2(23ββcosx+21βsinx)=2sin(x+3Οβ). β¦
- CBSE 2023Set 65/1/11 markMCQQ.The value of k for which f(x)={3x+5,kx2,βxβ₯2x<2β is a continuous function, is : (A) β411β (B) 114β (C) 11 (D) 411β
βΊReveal solutionSolution
For a piecewise function to be continuous at the join point x=2, the left-hand limit and right-hand limit must equal the function value at x=2. Equating k(2)2 with 3(2)+5 gives 4k=11, so k=411β. The correct option is (D).
The Core Idea: Continuity at a Point
A function is continuous at a point if three things match perfectly β the value from the left, the value from the right, and the actual function value at that point. For a piecewise function like this one, the only place where things could break is at the boundary where the formula changes, which is x=2.
Think of it like two roads meeting at a junction. For a smooth ride, the elevation of the left road as you approach the junction must exactly match the elevation of the right road as you approach from the other side β and that elevation must also be the height of the junction itself. If they don't match, there's a jump, and the function is discontinuous.
Here, the left piece (x<2) uses kx2, and the right piece (xβ₯2) uses 3x+5. The function value at x=2 is given by the right piece (since xβ₯2 includes 2). So we need the left-hand limit to equal that value.
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Find the function value at x=2.
Since x=2 falls in the case xβ₯2, we use f(x)=3x+5.
f(2)=3(2)+5=6+5=11
2. Find the left-hand limit as xβ2β.
For x<2, the function is f(x)=kx2. As x approaches 2 from the left, we simply substitute x=2 into this expression (since kx2 is a polynomial and polynomials are continuous everywhere).
limxβ2ββf(x)=limxβ2ββkx2=k(2)2=4k
3. Find the right-hand limit as xβ2+.
For x>2, the function is f(x)=3x+5. Again, this is a polynomial, so the limit is just the value at x=2.
limxβ2+βf(x)=limxβ2+β(3x+5)=3(2)+5=11
4. Apply the continuity condition.
For f to be continuous at x=2, we need:
limxβ2ββf(x)=limxβ2+βf(x)=f(2) β¦
- CBSE 2025Set 65/4/11 markMCQQ.The function f defined by f(x)={x,5,βifΒ xβ€1ifΒ x>1β is not continuous at : (A) x=0 (B) x=1 (C) x=2 (D) x=5
βΊReveal solutionSolution
The function has a jump at x=1 because the left-hand limit (1) and the right-hand limit (5) do not match, so it is discontinuous only at x=1. The correct option is (B).
Continuity at a point means three things must hold: the function is defined there, the limit exists there, and the limit equals the function value. For a piecewise function, the only place where things can go wrong is at the boundary between the pieces β here, at x=1. Everywhere else, the function is just a simple rule (either x or the constant 5), so it's automatically continuous.
Letβs check each candidate point.
-
At x=0
For xβ€1, the rule is f(x)=x. Since 0β€1, we have f(0)=0.
The left-hand limit: limxβ0ββf(x)=limxβ0ββx=0.
The right-hand limit: limxβ0+βf(x)=limxβ0+βx=0 (because near 0, x is still β€1).
So the limit exists and equals 0, which matches f(0). Continuous here.
-
At x=1 β the critical boundary
- Left-hand limit: as x approaches 1 from below, xβ€1, so f(x)=x. Hence
limxβ1ββf(x)=limxβ1ββx=1.
- Right-hand limit: as x approaches 1 from above, x>1, so f(x)=5. Hence
limxβ1+βf(x)=5.
- The left and right limits are different (1ξ =5), so the two-sided limit does not exist.
- The function value is f(1)=1 (since 1β€1). β¦
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- CBSE 2024Set 65/1/11 markMCQQ.For the function f(x)={x2+3,1,βxξ =0x=0β, which of the following statements is true? (A) f(x) is continuous and differentiable for all xβR. (B) f(x) is continuous for all xβR. (C) f(x) is continuous and differentiable for all xβRβ{0}. (D) f(x) is discontinuous at infinite points.
βΊReveal solutionSolution
The function is a parabola with a hole at x=0 and a single isolated point at (0,1). Because the limit as xβ0 is 3, not 1, the function is discontinuous at x=0 β but it is continuous and differentiable everywhere else. The correct option is (C).
The key to this problem is understanding what continuity and differentiability mean at a point, and then checking the one point where the definition changes.
Continuity at a point x=a requires three things to match: the function value f(a), the left-hand limit limxβaββf(x), and the right-hand limit limxβa+βf(x). If any one of these differs, the function is discontinuous there.
Differentiability at a point requires continuity first β and then the left and right derivatives must also be equal. So if a function is discontinuous at a point, it cannot be differentiable there.
Here, the function is defined by two pieces: for every x except 0, it behaves like x2+3 (a smooth parabola shifted up by 3). At x=0 alone, it jumps to the value 1. That single point is the only place where anything unusual can happen.
Letβs check systematically.
- Check continuity at x=0 For xξ =0, f(x)=x2+3. As x approaches 0 from either side, x2 approaches 0, so
limxβ0βf(x)=02+3=3.
But f(0)=1. Since 3ξ =1, the limit does not equal the function value.
Watch outA common mistake is to think that because the formula x2+3 is continuous everywhere, the whole function is continuous. But the definition at x=0 overrides that β the function is piecewise-defined, and the value at the breakpoint must match the limit.
Hence f is discontinuous at x=0.
-
Check continuity for xξ =0
For any aξ =0, near a the function is simply f(x)=x2+3, which is a polynomial. Polynomials are continuous everywhere. So f is continuous at every xξ =0.
-
Check differentiability at x=0 β¦
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Prove that the function f(x) = 5x - 3 is continuous at x = -3.
βΊReveal solutionSolution
A function f is continuous at x=a if xβalimβf(x)=f(a); check this directly for the linear function f(x)=5xβ3 at a=β3.
Concept: f is continuous at x=a when: (i) f(a) is defined, (ii) xβalimβf(x) exists, and (iii) the two are equal.
Working:
f(β3)=5(β3)β3=β15β3=β18
limxββ3βf(x)=limxββ3β(5xβ3)=5(β3)β3=β18
β¦
- CBSE 2025Set IX1 markQ.Prove that the function f(x)=β£xβ£, is continuous at x=0.
βΊReveal solutionSolution
Left limit, right limit and the value all equal 0, so β£xβ£ is continuous at 0.
Concept. f is continuous at x=a iff xβaβlimβf(x)=xβa+limβf(x)=f(a).
Here f(x)=β£xβ£={βx,x,βx<0xβ₯0β
- Left-hand limit: xβ0βlimβf(x)=xβ0βlimβ(βx)=0.
- Right-hand limit: xβ0+limβf(x)=xβ0+limβx=0. β¦
- CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.The function f(x)=β£xβ£ββ£x+1β£ is:(a) continuous at x=0 as well as at x=β1(b) continuous at x=β1 but not at x=0(c) discontinuous at x=0 as well as at x=β1(d) continuous at x=0 but not at x=β1
βΊReveal solutionSolution
β£xβ£ and β£x+1β£ are each continuous everywhere, and the difference of two continuous functions is continuous.
g(x)=β£xβ£ is continuous on all of R, and h(x)=β£x+1β£ (a shifted absolute value) is also continuous on all of R. Since f(x)=g(x)βh(x) is a difference of two functions continuous eve β¦
- CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Check the continuity of the function f given by f(x)=2x+3 at x=1. OR Find the value of k, so that the function f(x)={kx2,3,βifΒ xβ€2ifΒ x>2β is continuous at x=2.
βΊReveal solutionSolution
A function is continuous at a point when its limit there equals its value; check both.
Here f(x)=2x+3 (a polynomial), and we test x=1.
Value: f(1)=2(1)+3=5.
Limit: xβ1limβ(2x+3)=2(1)+3=5.
Since xβ1limβf(x)=5=f(1), the function is continuous at x=1.
β¦
- CBSE 2024Set EX1 markQ.Show that the function f(x)={x+21βifΒ xξ =0ifΒ x=0β is not continuous at x=0.
βΊReveal solutionSolution
The limit as xβ0 is 2 (from x+2), but the defined value is f(0)=1. Limit ξ = value, so f is discontinuous at 0.
Concept. f is continuous at x=0 iff xβ0limβf(x)=f(0).
Limit. For xξ =0, f(x)=x+2, so
limxβ0βf(x)=limxβ0β(x+2)=0+2=2.
Value. By definition f(0)=1.
β¦
- CBSE 2024Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Examine the continuity of the function f(x)=5xβ3 at x=5.
βΊReveal solutionSolution
Check that the limit at x=5 equals the function value there.
Given f(x)=5xβ3.
Function value: f(5)=5(5)β3=25β3=22.
Limit: xβ5limβf(x)=xβ5limβ(5xβ3)=5(5)β3=22.
Since
limxβ5βf(x)=22=f(5), β¦
- CBSE 2024Set ANNUAL1 markQ.When is a function f(x) said to be continuous at x=c ?
βΊReveal solutionSolution
Standard definition: left-hand limit = right-hand limit = function value at that point.
A function f(x) is said to be continuous at x=c if:
limxβcββf(x)=limxβc+βf(x)=f(c) β¦
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