Limits, Continuity & Differentiability
Discontinuity of Combined Floor Function
nta_pyq_2024_apr
Grade 12
Question:
Let $[t]$ denote the greatest integer less than or equal to $t$. Let $f:[0,\infty)\to\mathbb{R}$ be a function defined by $f(x)=\left[\dfrac{x}{2}+3\right]-[\sqrt{x}]$. Let $S$ be the set of all points in the interval $[0,8]$ at which $f$ is not continuous. Then $\sum_{a\in S}a$ is equal to ________.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: $[x/2+3]$ is discontinuous at $x=2,4,6,8$. $[\sqrt{x}]$ is discontinuous at $x=1,4$. $f(x)$ is discontinuous where either component has a jump that doesn't cancel: at $x=1,2,6,8$.
Discontinuities at $x=1,2,6,8$. Sum $=17$.
Correct Answer: 17