Problem:
Determine for what value(s) of a is the function
continuous.
Visualization:
Use the following LiveMath Notebook to change the value of a. Recall
that the method that most programs use to draw the graphs of functions is
by connecting pairs of consecutive points with straight lines. In the graph
below, we see a vertical line at x = 3; this vertical line
is not a part of the graph but results from this method of drawing graphs.
Thus, the limit of the function f as x approaches 3 does not
exit. (Why?)
Therefore, to make the function f continuous, we need to choose a
so that the two pieces of the graph are connected or joined together. In other
words, there must be no vertical line segment at x = 3.
View an animation to see how this can be
done.