Calc 1 question? Can you set these two equations equal to each other?

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In summary, the values of k that make the function f(x) continuous everywhere are when k=-2 or k=2. This is because when x=2, the two expressions are equal and the function is continuous. Therefore, for the function to be continuous everywhere, k must satisfy the condition of either being -2 or 2.
  • #1
JessicaJ283782
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Find the value(s) of k such that f(x) is continuous everywhere:

x^2-7 if x <= 2 and 4x^3-3kx+2 if x>2

Can you set the two equations equal to each other if only one of them has k in it?
 
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  • #2
JessicaJ283782 said:
Find the value(s) of k such that f(x) is continuous everywhere:

x^2-7 if x <= 2 and 4x^3-3kx+2 if x>2

Can you set the two equations equal to each other if only one of them has k in it?

Show what you have done so far.
 
  • #3
JessicaJ283782 said:
Find the value(s) of k such that f(x) is continuous everywhere:

x^2-7 if x <= 2 and 4x^3-3kx+2 if x>2

Can you set the two equations equal to each other if only one of them has k in it?
You can't set two equations equal, but you can set two expressions equal.

The only place where this function could possibly be not continuous is at x = 2. What are the values of the two expressions when x = 2? What conditions must you place on k so that your function is continuous at x = 2?
 
  • #4
JessicaJ283782 said:
Find the value(s) of k such that f(x) is continuous everywhere:

x^2-7 if x <= 2 and 4x^3-3kx+2 if x>2

Can you set the two equations equal to each other if only one of them has k in it?

You seem to not understand the question. Setting "equations equal to each other" is a meaningless concept. Quantities can be set equal to each other but not equations. Saying that equations are equivalent would be a meaningful statement but that doesn't have anything to do with the question being asked.

The question is really quite simple to answer, so as Ray said, you need to show what you have tried so far so that we can see where your misunderstanding lies.

EDIT: OK, I see Mark decided to basically solve it for you.
 

Related to Calc 1 question? Can you set these two equations equal to each other?

1. Can you explain the concept of setting two equations equal to each other in Calc 1?

Setting two equations equal to each other is a fundamental concept in Calculus 1. It allows us to find the intersection points between two graphs or to solve for variables in a system of equations. In order to set two equations equal to each other, we need to make sure that both equations are in the same form (e.g. both in standard form or both in slope-intercept form) and then equate the corresponding terms on each side.

2. Why is it important to set equations equal to each other in Calc 1?

Setting equations equal to each other allows us to solve for unknown variables or determine the points where two graphs intersect. This is important because it helps us analyze and understand the relationships between different mathematical functions and their solutions.

3. What are some common mistakes when setting equations equal to each other in Calc 1?

One common mistake is forgetting to make sure that both equations are in the same form before setting them equal to each other. Another mistake is incorrectly equating terms on each side, leading to an incorrect solution. It's important to double-check your work and make sure all steps are done correctly when setting equations equal to each other.

4. Can you give an example of setting two equations equal to each other in Calc 1?

Sure! Let's say we have the equations y = 2x + 3 and y = -3x + 5. To find the point of intersection between these two lines, we can set them equal to each other: 2x + 3 = -3x + 5. Then, we can solve for x: 5x = 2. Dividing both sides by 5, we get x = 2/5. Plugging this back into either equation, we find that the y-coordinate is 7/5. Therefore, the point of intersection is (2/5, 7/5).

5. How does setting equations equal to each other relate to other concepts in Calc 1?

Setting equations equal to each other is closely related to solving equations, finding intersections, and understanding the behavior of functions in Calculus 1. It is also a fundamental concept that is needed for more advanced topics in Calculus, such as optimization and curve sketching.

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