Question

Consider the function f(x)=

x^2+a if x<0,
2x+a^2 if 0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 1,
3 if x>1

a. determine the value(s) of a that will make f(x) continuous at x=0

b. determine the value or values of a that will make f(x) continuous at x=1

Answer 1

I will be happy to critique your thinking.

Answer 2

For part a I took the limit as x tends to zero from the right of 2x+a^2. I put zero in for x and then said a=0 which would also make the limit as x approaches zero from the left of x^2+a 0 so the function would be continuous.

I don't know how to start part b because there is no variable for x>1

Answer 3

You are correct, part of 3 is missing.

Answer 4

Maybe the limit of x approaches 1 from the right of 3 = 3. And then set the limit of x approaches 1 from the left of 2x+a^2 = 3 and then solve for a and get 1.

Answer 5

I am not certain I would make that assumption on the problem. However, you could be right.

Answer 6

one more question.

if possible determine the value(s) of a that will make f(x) continuous on (negative infinity, infinity)

Answer 7

There is more than one value of a that will make the function continuous at x=0, since at x=0,
x^2+a =2x+a^2
or setting x=0,
a-a²=0
a(1-a)=0
giving
a=0 or a=1.

Now you can continue with the last part.