Calculus 8th Edition

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

Chapter 14 - Partial Derivatives - 14.2 Limits and Continuity - 14.2 Exercises - Page 951: 45

Answer

$f(x)=|x|$ is continuous on $R^n$.

Work Step by Step

Let us consider $|x-a|^2=(x-a) \cdot (x-a)$ ...(1) Need to use the definition of limit and continuity when $f$ is continuous. which states that for a smaller value $\alpha \gt 0$, there must exist $\beta \gt 0$(a smaller value than $\alpha$ ) such as: $|x-a| \lt \beta$ and $|f(x)-f(a)| \lt \alpha$ From equation (1), we have $||x||-||a|| \lt |x-a|$ and $||x||-||a|| \lt |x-a| \lt \alpha $ Thus, $||x||-||a|| \lt \alpha $ or, $\alpha =\beta$ Therefore, $\lim\limits_{x \to a}f(x)=f(a)$ This shows that $f(x)=|x|$ is continuous on $R^n$.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.