Calculus 8th Edition

Published by Cengage
ISBN 10: 1285740629
ISBN 13: 978-1-28574-062-1

Chapter 1 - Functions and Limits - 1.8 Continuity - 1.8 Exercises - Page 92: 23

Answer

Define $f(2) = 3$.

Work Step by Step

$f(x)=\dfrac{x^2-x-2}{x-2}$ We can not directly evaluate the function when $x=2$ because the denominator would be zero and division by zero is undefined. Let's make a function that is identical to f(x) everywhere except at $x=2$ We can factor the numerator and then cancel. $f(x)=\dfrac{x^2-x-2}{x-2} = \dfrac{(x-2)(x+1)}{(x-2)}$ $f(x)=x+1$ for $x\ne2$ $f(2)=2+1 = 3$ If we graph $f(2)=3$ the hole at $x=2$ is filled. *Previous answer* The graph of $f(x)$ has a removable discontinuity at $x=2$, so give the function a value at that point. Choosing $f(2) = 3$ fills in the hole in the graph. (Graphing the function will make this choice more apparent. )
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