Problem 23 - APEX Calculus

Question

Give the intervals on which the given function is continuous. $$ f(x)=x^{2}-3 x+9 $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The function \( f(x) = x^{2}-3x+9 \) is continuous on \(( -\infty, +\infty )\).

Step 1: Identify the Function Type

The given function is \( f(x) = x^{2} - 3x + 9 \). This function is a quadratic polynomial.

Step 2: Recall Properties of Polynomial Functions

Polynomial functions are continuous everywhere on the set of real numbers \( \mathbb{R} \). There are no breaks, holes, or jumps in their graphs.

Step 3: Conclude on Continuity

Since \( f(x) \) is a polynomial, it is continuous for all \( x \in \mathbb{R} \). Thus, \( f(x) \) is continuous on the interval \(( -\infty, +\infty )\).

Key Concepts

Polynomial Functions

Polynomial functions, like the one given in the exercise, form a broad and foundational class of mathematical functions. These functions are expressed as sums of terms, each consisting of a constant multiplied by a variable raised to a non-negative integer power. For instance, the quadratic function provided, \( f(x) = x^{2} - 3x + 9 \), is a polynomial of degree 2 since the highest power of \( x \) is 2.
Polynomials can take many forms, such as linear, quadratic, cubic, and so on, corresponding to their degree:

• Linear Polynomials: Degree 1, e.g., \( f(x) = 2x + 3 \)
• Quadratic Polynomials: Degree 2, e.g., \( f(x) = x^2 - 3x + 9 \)
• Cubic Polynomials: Degree 3, e.g., \( f(x) = x^3 + 2x^2 - x + 1 \)

Polynomial functions are extremely versatile and describe a wide range of phenomena, making them highly useful in both theoretical and applied mathematics.

Continuous Functions

Understanding the continuity of functions is crucial in calculus and real analysis. A function is said to be continuous at a point if its limit at that point matches its actual value. This means that small changes in the input of the function result in small changes in the output, without any abrupt jumps, breaks, or holes in the graph.
For polynomial functions, such as our given function \( f(x) = x^{2} - 3x + 9 \), continuity is always assured. Polynomial functions are naturally smooth and unbroken over their entire domain, which is all real numbers \( \mathbb{R} \). This inherent continuity comes from the nature of polynomials, where the arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication maintain the property of continuity.
Thus, when asked to find the interval over which a polynomial function is continuous, we can confidently state that it is continuous everywhere on the real number line (from \( -\infty \) to \( +\infty \)).

Real Numbers

The set of real numbers, denoted as \( \mathbb{R} \), includes all the numbers that can be found on the number line. This set consists of both rational and irrational numbers, encompassing everything from whole numbers to decimals and fractions.
Real numbers are crucial in mathematics, as they provide a complete and continuous description of quantities. This set includes several subsets:

• Integers: Positive and negative whole numbers, including zero, e.g., \( -3, 0, 7 \)
• Rational Numbers: Numbers that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers, e.g., \( \frac{1}{2}, -4, 3.75 \)
• Irrational Numbers: Numbers that cannot be expressed as a simple fraction, e.g., \( \pi, \sqrt{2} \)

When discussing the continuity of functions, particularly polynomials, we consider the real numbers as the domain. Since polynomial functions are defined for all real numbers, we typically describe their continuity in relation to \( \mathbb{R} \). This fundamental understanding ensures that we comprehend the broad applicability and ease with which polynomial functions maintain their properties across the entirety of the real number line.