m is a positive integer such that
f ( x ) = k = 1 ∑ ∞ ( 1 + x 4 ) k − 1 x m .
Given that f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0 , find the smallest possible value of m .
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Could you just tell me why did you write
If x = 0 , f ( 0 ) = 0 ?
I mean it is only mentioned that f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0 . Nothing has been said about the value at x = 0 .
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Because, when x=0 all the terms are 0. x m in the numerator.
Ur right.nothing is said about the value at x=0....but when x=5 I have the expression as x+x^5 and as we check in the left of zero we have negative value and at right it positive.....this should not be there as the function is continuous at x=0.. . I think that the answer is 4
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We can have a continuous function that is positive on one side and negative on the other. It is a necessary condition that the value at that point is 0.
Explicitly, here is the graph of this function when m = 5 .
I think the answer must be 'smallest integer value of m'.
What is wrong with m = 4? @Calvin Lin @Jin Young Hwang
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Same is my question. :(
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When m = 4 , is the function continuous at x = 0 ?
Hint: Notice that f ( 0 ) = 0 , as stated in the solution.
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If x = 0 , f ( x ) is a geometric series whose first term is x m , and common ratio 1 + x 4 1 < 1 . Therefore, f ( x ) = 1 − 1 + x 4 1 x m = x 4 x m ( 1 + x 4 ) = x m ( 1 + 1 / x 4 ) .
If x = 0 , f ( 0 ) = 0 .
∴ f ( x ) = { x m ( 1 + 1 / x 4 ) 0 i f x = 0 i f x = 0
Since f is continuous at x = 0 , x → 0 lim x m ( 1 + 1 / x 4 ) = 0 . If 1 ≤ m ≤ 3 , the limit doesn't exist. If m = 4 , the limit is 1. If m ≥ 5 , the limit is 0 and we get the answer.