Describe intervals on which 3-2x-x2, x-3/x2-9 are continuous

[kmiller8054]

The directions are as follows: Describe the intervals on which the function is continuous. I am at a lose on how to even beging these. I have to have this class to graduate and have never had Calculus.

NUMBER 1
f(x)=3-2x-x2

NUMBER 2
f(x)=x-3/x²-9

 

[stapel]

I have to have this class to graduate and have never had Calculus.

I'm not aware of any curriculum or program in which one "has" calculus before taking calculus...? So, I'm sorry, but I don't understand your statement above...?

The posted question is a fairly typical calculus question; continuity and limits are covered at the beginning of calculus. You can answer this exercise with what you've learned in your current calculus course, or, easier still, refer back to what you learned in algebra: Graph the functions, and look at the pictures. Note any x-values, if any, at which the function is "broken" into "pieces".

Eliz.

 

[kmiller8054]

I meant I haven't had any Calculus in high school. College is my first attempt at Calculus

 

[stapel]

I meant I haven't had any Calculus in high school. College is my first attempt at Calculus

Okay; so you're in a calculus course. Use what they've taught you in this class. Or else fall back on what you know from algebra. You don't need any material that they haven't yet given you. Just apply the tools you have at hand!

Eliz.

 

[skeeter]

The directions are as follows: Describe the intervals on which the function is continuous. I am at a lose on how to even beging these. I have to have this class to graduate and have never had Calculus.

NUMBER 1
f(x)=3-2x-x[sup:36lu6zge]2[/sup:36lu6zge]

all polynomial functions are well-behaved and continuous throughout their domain.

NUMBER 2
f(x)=x-3/x²-9

f(x) = (x-3)/[(x-3)(x+3)]

f(x) has a point discontinuity (a removeable discontinuity ... also called a "hole") at x = 3, and has a vertical asymptote (a non-removable discontinuity) at x = -3.
so ... f(x) is continuous at all real values except x = 3 and x = -3.