CONTINUOUS, PIECEWISE,

EVEN AND ODD

FUNCTIONS
Presented by
MRS DJANKOU PRISCILLE

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 Importance
 In basic calculus, continuity of a function is a necessary condition
for differentiation and a sufficient condition for integration.

 Continuous functions are the secret concepts behind digital

recording, including CDs and DVDs.

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 Learning Outcomes
 Definition of a continuous function with examples
 Definition of a piecewise function with examples
 Definition of periodic functions with examples
 Even and odd function
Assessment Criteria
 The continuity of a function is assessed using the sketch of the
graph of the function and the definition of the concept.
 Functions are called periodic or aperiodic using the sketch of its
graph and the definition of the concept.

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 Introduction
Continuous Functions
 Definition: A continuous function is a function whose graph is a
single, unbroken curve. Consequently, it is possible to sketch the
graph without lifting your pen from the paper. A function is said to
be discontinuous if is not continuous.

 Examples of continuous functions

𝑓 𝑥 = cos 𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥

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 Examples of discontinuous functions
𝑥+5
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+2

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 Notes: Some functions are discontinuous on some intervals but are
continuous on some restricted intervals.
 Examples: 𝑓 𝑥 = tan 𝑥 is discontinuous on the interval 0,2𝜋 but
−𝜋 𝜋
continuous on the interval 2 , 2 .

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Piecewise-continuous functions
 Definition: Functions which are continuous “in pieces” are called
piecewise-continuous functions.
𝑥 + 4 ,𝑥 < 0
 Example: 𝑓 𝑥 = ቐ𝑥 2 , 0 < 𝑥 < 5
7, 𝑥 ≥5
 Explanation of the jump at x=0 and x=5

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 Exercise
 Plot the piecewise function
Periodic Functions
 Definition: A function which repeats itself at regular intervals is
called a periodic function.
 A function which is not periodic is called a non periodic or
aperiodic function.

 Terms associated with Periodic Functions

 Cycle: One complete waveform

 Period(T) The minimum possible length of one cycle.
1
 Frequency(f): Number of cycles in one second(𝑓 = 𝑇)

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 Amplitude: The amplitude is the maximum distance from the
equilibrium.

 Not all periodic functions have an amplitude! Just think of the tan
function!
 𝑓 𝑥 + 𝑎 = 𝑓 𝑥 implies f is a function with period 𝑎

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 Examples.

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 Even and Odd Functions
 Even Functions
 Definition: An even function is a function whose equation satisfies the following property:
𝑓 −𝑥 = 𝑓(𝑥).
Note: Such functions have graphs which are symmetrical about the y-axis.
Example
 Prove that 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 + 2 is an even function.
 Proof:
 𝑓 −𝑥 = (−𝑥)2 +2
 = 𝑥2 + 2
 = 𝑓(𝑥)
 Since 𝑓 −𝑥 = 𝑓(𝑥), 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 + 2 is even function

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Some graphs of even functions indicating symmetry about the y-axis

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 Odd Functions
 Definition: An odd function is a function whose equation satisfies the following property:
𝑓 −𝑥 = −𝑓(𝑥).
 Note: Such functions have graphs which are symmetrical about the origin.
Example
 Prove that 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 is an odd function.
 Proof:
 𝑓 −𝑥 = (−𝑥)3 +2(−𝑥)
 = −𝑥 3 − 2𝑥
 = −𝑓(𝑥)
 Since 𝑓 −𝑥 = −𝑓(𝑥), 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 is odd function.

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 Some graphs of odd functions indicating symmetry about the origin

 Note: Some functions are neither even nor odd. Alternatively, they satisfy none of the
above-mentioned properties

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 Exercise
 Check if sinhx or coshx is even or odd or neither using their definition.
 Verify algebraically whether 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑥 + 4 − 1 is even, odd, or neither.
 Verify algebraically whether f 𝑥 = 𝑥 sin 𝑥 is even, odd, or neither.
 Solution:
 Solution
 Summary
We have learnt the following:
 Hyperbolic functions
 Definition of a continuous function with examples
 Definition of a piecewise function with examples
 Definition of periodic functions with examples
 Even and Odd Functions

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 References
TMA105C: Functions – Basics © Tshwane University of Technology: EL
Voges

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