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Give an example of a function with both a removable and a non-removable discontinuity.

User Fishiwhj
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1 Answer

17 votes
17 votes

Answer:

(x+5)(x-3) / (x+5)(x+1)

Explanation:

A removeable discontinuity is always found in the denominator of a rational function and is one that can be reduced away with an identical term in the numerator. It is still, however, a problem because it causes the denominator to equal 0 if filled in with the necessary value of x. In my function above, the terms (x + 5) in the numerator and denominator can cancel each other out, leaving a hole in your graph at -5 since x doesn't exist at -5, but the x + 1 doesn't have anything to cancel out with, so this will present as a vertical asymptote in your graph at x = -1, a nonremoveable discontinuity.

User PawanS
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