The number of points of discontinuity of the function $f(x)=\left[\frac{x^2}{2}\right]-[\sqrt{x}], x \in[0,4]$, where $[\cdot]$ denotes the greatest integer function, is ________.
Answer (integer)
8
Solution
<p>To determine the points of discontinuity of the function $ f(x) = \left[\frac{x^2}{2}\right] - [\sqrt{x}] $, where $[\cdot]$ denotes the greatest integer function, we need to identify possible values of $ x $ where discontinuities might occur within the interval $[0,4]$.</p>
<h3>Discontinuity Analysis</h3>
<p><p><strong>For the term $\left[\frac{x^2}{2}\right]$:</strong> </p>
<p>The probable values of $ x $ that could cause discontinuities are the roots or specific values where the integer part changes between consecutive integers. The transitions happen when: </p>
<p>$ \begin{aligned} & = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 \\ & \implies x = \sqrt{2}, 2, \sqrt{6}, 2\sqrt{2}, \sqrt{10}, 2\sqrt{3}, \sqrt{14}, 4 \end{aligned} $</p></p>
<p><p><strong>For the term $[\sqrt{x}]$:</strong> </p>
<p>The values of $ x $ where $[\sqrt{x}]$ changes are straightforward. They occur at:</p>
<p>$ x = 1, 2 $</p></p>
<h3>Discontinuity Check</h3>
<p>By evaluating $ f(x) $ at all these potential points, we find the function is indeed discontinuous at:</p>
<p>$ x = 1, \sqrt{2}, 2, \sqrt{6}, 2\sqrt{2}, \sqrt{10}, 2\sqrt{3}, \sqrt{14} $</p>
<p>Thus, the function $ f(x) $ has 8 discontinuities on the interval $[0,4]$.</p>
About this question
Subject: Mathematics · Chapter: Limits, Continuity and Differentiability · Topic: Limits and Standard Results
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