Discuss the continuity of the function ff given by f(x)=∣x∣f(x)=|x| at x=0x=0.

Answer: The function f(x)=∣x∣f(x)=|x| is continuous at x=0x=0.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Define the absolute value function

The absolute value function, f(x)=∣x∣f(x) = |x|, can be defined piecewise. For non-negative values of xx, f(x)f(x) is simply xx. For negative values of xx, f(x)f(x) is −x-x, which makes the output positive.

Step 2: Check the function value at x=0x=0

To check for continuity at x=0x=0, we first need to find the value of the function at this point. Substituting x=0x=0 into the function, we get f(0)=∣0∣f(0) = |0|, which is 00.

Step 3: Calculate the left-hand limit

Now, we calculate the left-hand limit as xx approaches 00. Since xx is approaching 00 from the left side, x<0x < 0, so we use the definition f(x)=−xf(x) = -x. Substituting x=0x=0 into −x-x gives us 00.

Step 4: Calculate the right-hand limit

Next, we calculate the right-hand limit as xx approaches 00. Since xx is approaching 00 from the right side, x≥0x \ge 0, so we use the definition f(x)=xf(x) = x. Substituting x=0x=0 into xx gives us 00.

Step 5: Compare limits and function value

For a function to be continuous at a point, the left-hand limit, the right-hand limit, and the function value at that point must all be equal. In this case, all three values are 00.

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