# Continuous Extension...?

• October 13th 2008, 04:38 PM
distill3dkarnage
Continuous Extension...?
Consider the function http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...e00628d1f1.png. How should f(x) be defined at http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...babbefcdc1.png to be continuous there? Give a formula for the continuous extension of f(x) that includes http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...f43ffa6de1.png in its domain.

F(x) = _____

I haven't the slightest idea how to approach this. Do I just edit the original function somehow? This whole idea of changing a function to suit your own needs seems a bit sketchy to me. I've always been skeptical about doing what you want to something mathematic to make it work for you, as I'm paranoid it violates some sort of math rule and can't "really" be done. Either way... any tips on how to start this thing?
• October 13th 2008, 04:46 PM
Krizalid
Put the function as follows:

$f(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{cl}\dfrac{x^2-2}{x^4-5x^2+6}&\text{if }x\ne\sqrt2\\\alpha&\text{if }x=\sqrt2.\end{array}\right.$

We require that $f(\sqrt2)=\lim_{x\to\sqrt2}\frac{x^2-2}{x^4-5x^2+6}$ to make that function continuous at $x=\sqrt2,$ hence, compute the limit and you'll get the value of $\alpha,$ and we're done.
• October 13th 2008, 05:01 PM
distill3dkarnage
Thanks. So the $

\alpha,
$
I'm looking for should be a constant? Because taking the limit of the original equation gives me -1. Am I supposed to do something else with that result? Because I'm under the impressions that the answer is supposed to be a formula...
• October 13th 2008, 05:47 PM
Krizalid
Yeah, $\alpha$ is such value, then by finding it you'll satisfy continuity conditions and make the function continuous at that point.
• October 13th 2008, 06:29 PM
distill3dkarnage
Well the assignment is online and it only accepts the correct answer. I tried submitting -1, but the program said it was wrong.

Is there something else that I need to do? I'm still semi-convinced that my final answer should be an equation/formula.

Ahhh. So it was may more simple than I thought.

All I had to do was factor the polynomials and cancel and type in the new function that I got.

But thanks for your help! :]