Limits, Continuity & Differentiability
Continuity and limit existence
Grade 12
Question:
<p>Let \(f(x) = \begin{cases} \left[1 + \ln(c^2 + c + 1)\tan^2(x-1)\right]^{\frac{1}{(\ln x)^2}}, & x \neq 1 \\ 3c, & x = 1 \end{cases}\) where \(c \in R\). If \(\lim_{x \to 1} f(x)\) exists but \(f(x)\) is discontinuous at \(x = 1\), then \(c\) can take the value:</p>
<p>1</p>
<p>2</p>
<p>3</p>
<p>4</p>
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: For the limit to exist but function to be discontinuous at x=1, we need lim(x→1) f(x) to exist and be finite, but not equal f(1)=3c. The limit has the indeterminate form 1^∞, requiring the exponent and base to satisfy specific conditions simultaneously.
<p><strong>Step 1: Identify the form as x→1</strong></p><p>As x→1: tan²(x-1)→0, so the base [1 + ln(c²+c+1)tan²(x-1)]→1</p><p>The exponent 1/(ln x)² → ∞ as x→1</p><p>This gives the indeterminate form 1^∞</p><p><strong>Step 2: Apply standard limit technique</strong></p><p>For lim(x→a) [1 + g(x)]^(1/h(x)) = 1^∞ to exist and be finite: lim(x→a) g(x)/h(x) must exist.</p><p>Here: lim(x→1) [ln(c²+c+1)tan²(x-1)] · (ln x)² = lim(x→1) ln(c²+c+1) · tan²(x-1) · (ln x)²</p><p><strong>Step 3: Evaluate using Taylor series</strong></p><p>As x→1: tan(x-1) ≈ (x-1), so tan²(x-1) ≈ (x-1)²</p><p>Also: ln x = ln(1+(x-1)) ≈ (x-1), so (ln x)² ≈ (x-1)²</p><p>Thus: ln(c²+c+1) · (x-1)² · (x-1)² → 0 if c²+c+1 > 0 (always true)</p><p><strong>Step 4: Conclude for discontinuity</strong></p><p>The limit = e^0 = 1</p><p>For discontinuity: f(1) = 3c ≠ 1</p><p>Therefore: 3c ≠ 1, so c ≠ 1/3</p><p>Also need c²+c+1 > 0 (always satisfied)</p><p>∴ Answer: A (c can be any real value except c = 1/3)</p>
Correct Answer: A