Questions: In the following exercises, find the value(s) of (k) that makes each function continuous over the given interval.
(f(x)=beginarrayll3 x+2, x<k 2 x-3, k leq x leq 8endarray)
In the following exercises, find the value(s) of (k) that makes each function continuous over the given interval.
(f(x)=beginarrayll3 x+2, x<k 2 x-3, k leq x leq 8endarray)
Solution
Solution Steps
To find the value of \( k \) that makes the function \( f(x) \) continuous over the given interval, we need to ensure that the left-hand limit and the right-hand limit at \( x = k \) are equal. This means solving for \( k \) such that \( 3k + 2 = 2k - 3 \).
Step 1: Define the Function and Interval
We are given the piecewise function:
\[
f(x) =
\begin{cases}
3x + 2, & \text{if } x < k \\
2x - 3, & \text{if } k \leq x \leq 8
\end{cases}
\]
We need to find the value of \( k \) that makes \( f(x) \) continuous over the given interval.
Step 2: Ensure Continuity at \( x = k \)
To ensure continuity at \( x = k \), the left-hand limit and the right-hand limit at \( x = k \) must be equal:
\[
\lim_{{x \to k^-}} f(x) = \lim_{{x \to k^+}} f(x)
\]
This translates to:
\[
3k + 2 = 2k - 3
\]
Step 3: Solve for \( k \)
Solving the equation \( 3k + 2 = 2k - 3 \):
\[
3k + 2 = 2k - 3
\]
Subtract \( 2k \) from both sides:
\[
k + 2 = -3
\]
Subtract 2 from both sides:
\[
k = -5
\]