Skip to main contentSkip to solution

If f(x)={ax−1ifx >1 2x+1ifx<1f(x) = \begin{cases} ax - 1 & {if } x \ > 1\\ \ 2x + 1 & {if } x < 1 \end{cases} is continuous at x=1x = 1, then aa equals

Solution

✅ Correct Option: 3

For a function to be continuous at x=1x = 1, the left-hand limit must equal the right-hand limit at that point.


When approaching x=1x = 1 from the left (where x<1x < 1), the function uses f(x)=2x+1f(x) = 2x + 1.

The left-hand limit at x=1x = 1:

lim⁡x→1−f(x)=2(1)+1\lim_{x \to 1^-} f(x) = 2(1) + 1

=3= 3


When approaching x=1x = 1 from the right (where x>1x > 1), the function uses f(x)=ax−1f(x) = ax - 1.

The right-hand limit at x=1x = 1:

lim⁡x→1+f(x)=a(1)−1\lim_{x \to 1^+} f(x) = a(1) - 1

=a−1= a - 1


For continuity at x=1x = 1:

lim⁡x→1−f(x)=lim⁡x→1+f(x)\lim_{x \to 1^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to 1^+} f(x)

3=a−13 = a - 1

a=4a = 4

Therefore, a=4a = 4.

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Left arrow: Previous question
  • Right arrow: Next question
  • S key: Jump to solution
  • Q key: Jump to question