Removable Discontinuity: Definition, Example & Graph - StudySmarter

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Removable Discontinuity

A removable discontinuity is a point where a function does not exist, but if you move to this point from the left or right is the same.

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  • Fact Checked Content
  • Last Updated: 07.02.2023
  • Published at: 14.06.2022
  • 7 min reading time
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Calculus
    • Absolute Maxima and Minima
    • Absolute and Conditional Convergence
    • Accumulation Function
    • Accumulation Problems
    • Algebraic Functions
    • Alternating Series
    • Antiderivatives
    • Application of Derivatives
    • Application of Higher Order Derivatives
    • Application of Integrals in Biology and Social Sciences
    • Applications of Continuity
    • Applications of Double Integrals
    • Approximating Areas
    • Arc Length of a Curve
    • Area Between Two Curves
    • Arithmetic Series
    • Arithmetic of Complex Numbers
    • Average Rate of Change of Populations
    • Average Value Function
    • Average Value of a Function
    • Bifurcation Theory
    • Boundary Value Problems
    • Calculus Linear Approximation
    • Calculus Of Parametric Curves
    • Candidate Test
    • Change of Variables in Multiple Integrals
    • Combining Different Rules
    • Combining Differentiation Rules
    • Combining Functions
    • Complex Analysis
    • Concavity of a Function
    • Continuity
    • Continuity Equations
    • Continuity Over an Interval
    • Continuity and Indeterminate Forms
    • Convergence Tests
    • Cost and Revenue
    • Critical points
    • Curl and Divergence
    • Curve Sketching Techniques
    • Density and Center of Mass
    • Derivative Functions
    • Derivative Properties
    • Derivative as a Limit
    • Derivative of Exponential Function
    • Derivative of Inverse Function
    • Derivative of Logarithmic Functions
    • Derivative of Trigonometric Functions
    • Derivative of Vector Valued Function
    • Derivatives
    • Derivatives and Continuity
    • Derivatives and the Shape of a Graph
    • Derivatives of Exponential Functions
    • Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions
    • Derivatives of Logarithmic Functions
    • Derivatives of Polar Functions
    • Derivatives of Sec, Csc and Cot
    • Derivatives of Sin, Cos and Tan
    • Determining Volumes by Slicing
    • Difference Quotient
    • Differentiability
    • Differentials
    • Differentiation of Functions of Several Variables
    • Direction Fields
    • Disk Method
    • Divergence Test
    • Double Integral
    • Double Integrals Over General Regions
    • Double Integrals Over Rectangular Regions
    • Double Integrals in Polar Coordinates
    • Dynamical Systems
    • Eliminating The Parameter
    • Euler's Method
    • Evaluating a Definite Integral
    • Evaluation Theorem
    • Exact equations
    • Exponential Functions
    • Exponential Model
    • Extrema
    • Finding Limits
    • Finding Limits of Specific Functions
    • First Derivative Test
    • Function Transformations
    • Fundamental Theorem of Line Integrals
    • Galois Theory
    • General Solution of Differential Equation
    • Geometric Series
    • Gradient Descent
    • Graphing and Optimization
    • Green's Function
    • Green's Theorem
    • Growth Rate of Functions
    • Harmonic Functions
    • Higher Order Partial Derivatives
    • Higher-Order Derivatives
    • Hydrostatic Pressure
    • Hyperbolic Functions
    • Implicit Differentiation Tangent Line
    • Implicit Relations
    • Improper Integrals
    • Increasing and Decreasing Functions
    • Indefinite Integral
    • Indeterminate Forms
    • Indeterminate Forms of Limits
    • Initial Value Problem Differential Equations
    • Integral Equations
    • Integral Test
    • Integrals in Economics
    • Integrals of Exponential Functions
    • Integrals of Motion
    • Integrating Even and Odd Functions
    • Integration Formula
    • Integration Tables
    • Integration Techniques
    • Integration Using Long Division
    • Integration Using Tables
    • Integration fundamentals
    • Integration of Logarithmic Functions
    • Integration of Vector Valued Functions
    • Integration using Inverse Trigonometric Functions
    • Intermediate Value Theorem
    • Inverse Trigonometric Functions
    • Jump Discontinuity
    • Lagrange Error Bound
    • Lagrange Multiplier
    • Laplace Transform
    • Lebesgue Integration
    • Limit Applications
    • Limit Laws
    • Limit of Vector Valued Function
    • Limit of a Sequence
    • Limits
    • Limits and Continuity
    • Limits at Infinity
    • Limits at Infinity and Asymptotes
    • Limits of a Function
    • Line Integrals
    • Linear Approximations and Differentials
    • Linear Differential Equation
    • Linear Functions
    • Logarithmic Differentiation
    • Logarithmic Functions
    • Logistic Differential Equation
    • Logistic Model
    • Maclaurin Series
    • Manipulating Functions
    • Matrix Theory
    • Maxima and Minima
    • Maxima and Minima Problems
    • Mean Value Theorem for Integrals
    • Measure Theory
    • Michaelis Menten Equation
    • Models for Population Growth
    • Motion Along A Line
    • Motion In Space
    • Multiple Integrals
    • Multivariable Calculus
    • Natural Logarithmic Function
    • Net Change Theorem
    • Newton's Method
    • Non Differentiable Functions
    • Nonhomogeneous Differential Equation
    • Nonlinear Differential Equations
    • Numerical Linear Algebra
    • One-Sided Limits
    • Optimization Problems
    • Optimization Problems in Economics
    • Optimization Theory
    • Ordinary Differential Equations
    • P Series
    • PDE Solutions
    • Parametric Surface Area
    • Parametric derivatives
    • Partial Derivatives
    • Particle Model Motion
    • Particular Solutions to Differential Equations
    • Piecewise Defined Function
    • Polar Coordinates
    • Polar Coordinates Functions
    • Polar Curves
    • Population Change
    • Power Series
    • Probability Theory
    • Properties of Definite Integrals
    • Radius of Convergence
    • Ratio Test
    • Real Analysis
    • Related Rates
    • Removable Discontinuity
    • Revenue as Average Rate of Change
    • Riemann Integral
    • Riemann Sum
    • Rolle's Theorem
    • Root Test
    • Second Derivative Test
    • Separable Equations
    • Separable differential equations
    • Separation of Variables
    • Simpson's Rule
    • Slope Fields
    • Solid of Revolution
    • Solutions to Differential Equations
    • Solving Inequalities using Continuity Properties
    • Spectral Theory
    • Stochastic Differential Equations
    • Surface Area Integral
    • Surface Area of Revolution
    • Surface Integrals
    • Surplus
    • Symmetry of Functions
    • Tangent Lines
    • Tangent Plane
    • Tangent Planes and Linear Approximations
    • Taylor Polynomials
    • Taylor Series
    • Techniques of Integration
    • The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
    • The Limit Does Not Exist
    • The Mean Value Theorem
    • The Power Rule
    • The Squeeze Theorem
    • The Trapezoidal Rule
    • Theorems of Continuity
    • Topology
    • Trigonometric Substitution
    • Triple Integral
    • Triple Integral Spherical Coordinates
    • Triple Integrals in Cylindrical Coordinates
    • Types of Discontinuity
    • Using Slope Fields to Graph Solutions
    • Variational Methods
    • Vector Valued Function
    • Vectors In Space
    • Vectors in Calculus
    • Velocity as Average Rate of Change
    • Vertical Asymptote
    • Volume Integrals
    • Volume by disks
    • Volume by shells
    • Washer Method
  • Decision Maths
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Geometry
  • Logic and Functions
  • Mechanics Maths
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Pure Maths
  • Statistics
  • Theoretical and Mathematical Physics
Contents
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Calculus
    • Absolute Maxima and Minima
    • Absolute and Conditional Convergence
    • Accumulation Function
    • Accumulation Problems
    • Algebraic Functions
    • Alternating Series
    • Antiderivatives
    • Application of Derivatives
    • Application of Higher Order Derivatives
    • Application of Integrals in Biology and Social Sciences
    • Applications of Continuity
    • Applications of Double Integrals
    • Approximating Areas
    • Arc Length of a Curve
    • Area Between Two Curves
    • Arithmetic Series
    • Arithmetic of Complex Numbers
    • Average Rate of Change of Populations
    • Average Value Function
    • Average Value of a Function
    • Bifurcation Theory
    • Boundary Value Problems
    • Calculus Linear Approximation
    • Calculus Of Parametric Curves
    • Candidate Test
    • Change of Variables in Multiple Integrals
    • Combining Different Rules
    • Combining Differentiation Rules
    • Combining Functions
    • Complex Analysis
    • Concavity of a Function
    • Continuity
    • Continuity Equations
    • Continuity Over an Interval
    • Continuity and Indeterminate Forms
    • Convergence Tests
    • Cost and Revenue
    • Critical points
    • Curl and Divergence
    • Curve Sketching Techniques
    • Density and Center of Mass
    • Derivative Functions
    • Derivative Properties
    • Derivative as a Limit
    • Derivative of Exponential Function
    • Derivative of Inverse Function
    • Derivative of Logarithmic Functions
    • Derivative of Trigonometric Functions
    • Derivative of Vector Valued Function
    • Derivatives
    • Derivatives and Continuity
    • Derivatives and the Shape of a Graph
    • Derivatives of Exponential Functions
    • Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions
    • Derivatives of Logarithmic Functions
    • Derivatives of Polar Functions
    • Derivatives of Sec, Csc and Cot
    • Derivatives of Sin, Cos and Tan
    • Determining Volumes by Slicing
    • Difference Quotient
    • Differentiability
    • Differentials
    • Differentiation of Functions of Several Variables
    • Direction Fields
    • Disk Method
    • Divergence Test
    • Double Integral
    • Double Integrals Over General Regions
    • Double Integrals Over Rectangular Regions
    • Double Integrals in Polar Coordinates
    • Dynamical Systems
    • Eliminating The Parameter
    • Euler's Method
    • Evaluating a Definite Integral
    • Evaluation Theorem
    • Exact equations
    • Exponential Functions
    • Exponential Model
    • Extrema
    • Finding Limits
    • Finding Limits of Specific Functions
    • First Derivative Test
    • Function Transformations
    • Fundamental Theorem of Line Integrals
    • Galois Theory
    • General Solution of Differential Equation
    • Geometric Series
    • Gradient Descent
    • Graphing and Optimization
    • Green's Function
    • Green's Theorem
    • Growth Rate of Functions
    • Harmonic Functions
    • Higher Order Partial Derivatives
    • Higher-Order Derivatives
    • Hydrostatic Pressure
    • Hyperbolic Functions
    • Implicit Differentiation Tangent Line
    • Implicit Relations
    • Improper Integrals
    • Increasing and Decreasing Functions
    • Indefinite Integral
    • Indeterminate Forms
    • Indeterminate Forms of Limits
    • Initial Value Problem Differential Equations
    • Integral Equations
    • Integral Test
    • Integrals in Economics
    • Integrals of Exponential Functions
    • Integrals of Motion
    • Integrating Even and Odd Functions
    • Integration Formula
    • Integration Tables
    • Integration Techniques
    • Integration Using Long Division
    • Integration Using Tables
    • Integration fundamentals
    • Integration of Logarithmic Functions
    • Integration of Vector Valued Functions
    • Integration using Inverse Trigonometric Functions
    • Intermediate Value Theorem
    • Inverse Trigonometric Functions
    • Jump Discontinuity
    • Lagrange Error Bound
    • Lagrange Multiplier
    • Laplace Transform
    • Lebesgue Integration
    • Limit Applications
    • Limit Laws
    • Limit of Vector Valued Function
    • Limit of a Sequence
    • Limits
    • Limits and Continuity
    • Limits at Infinity
    • Limits at Infinity and Asymptotes
    • Limits of a Function
    • Line Integrals
    • Linear Approximations and Differentials
    • Linear Differential Equation
    • Linear Functions
    • Logarithmic Differentiation
    • Logarithmic Functions
    • Logistic Differential Equation
    • Logistic Model
    • Maclaurin Series
    • Manipulating Functions
    • Matrix Theory
    • Maxima and Minima
    • Maxima and Minima Problems
    • Mean Value Theorem for Integrals
    • Measure Theory
    • Michaelis Menten Equation
    • Models for Population Growth
    • Motion Along A Line
    • Motion In Space
    • Multiple Integrals
    • Multivariable Calculus
    • Natural Logarithmic Function
    • Net Change Theorem
    • Newton's Method
    • Non Differentiable Functions
    • Nonhomogeneous Differential Equation
    • Nonlinear Differential Equations
    • Numerical Linear Algebra
    • One-Sided Limits
    • Optimization Problems
    • Optimization Problems in Economics
    • Optimization Theory
    • Ordinary Differential Equations
    • P Series
    • PDE Solutions
    • Parametric Surface Area
    • Parametric derivatives
    • Partial Derivatives
    • Particle Model Motion
    • Particular Solutions to Differential Equations
    • Piecewise Defined Function
    • Polar Coordinates
    • Polar Coordinates Functions
    • Polar Curves
    • Population Change
    • Power Series
    • Probability Theory
    • Properties of Definite Integrals
    • Radius of Convergence
    • Ratio Test
    • Real Analysis
    • Related Rates
    • Removable Discontinuity
    • Revenue as Average Rate of Change
    • Riemann Integral
    • Riemann Sum
    • Rolle's Theorem
    • Root Test
    • Second Derivative Test
    • Separable Equations
    • Separable differential equations
    • Separation of Variables
    • Simpson's Rule
    • Slope Fields
    • Solid of Revolution
    • Solutions to Differential Equations
    • Solving Inequalities using Continuity Properties
    • Spectral Theory
    • Stochastic Differential Equations
    • Surface Area Integral
    • Surface Area of Revolution
    • Surface Integrals
    • Surplus
    • Symmetry of Functions
    • Tangent Lines
    • Tangent Plane
    • Tangent Planes and Linear Approximations
    • Taylor Polynomials
    • Taylor Series
    • Techniques of Integration
    • The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
    • The Limit Does Not Exist
    • The Mean Value Theorem
    • The Power Rule
    • The Squeeze Theorem
    • The Trapezoidal Rule
    • Theorems of Continuity
    • Topology
    • Trigonometric Substitution
    • Triple Integral
    • Triple Integral Spherical Coordinates
    • Triple Integrals in Cylindrical Coordinates
    • Types of Discontinuity
    • Using Slope Fields to Graph Solutions
    • Variational Methods
    • Vector Valued Function
    • Vectors In Space
    • Vectors in Calculus
    • Velocity as Average Rate of Change
    • Vertical Asymptote
    • Volume Integrals
    • Volume by disks
    • Volume by shells
    • Washer Method
  • Decision Maths
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Geometry
  • Logic and Functions
  • Mechanics Maths
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Pure Maths
  • Statistics
  • Theoretical and Mathematical Physics
Contents
  • Fact Checked Content
  • Last Updated: 07.02.2023
  • 7 min reading time
  • Content creation process designed by Lily Hulatt Avatar Lily Hulatt
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Jump to a key chapter

In the Continuity article, we learned three criteria needed for a function to be continuous. Recall that all three of these criteria must be met for continuity at a point. Let's consider the third criterion for a minute "the limit as x approaches a point must be equal to the function value at that point". What if, say, this is not met (but the limit still exists)? What would that look like? We call it a removable discontinuity (also known as a hole)! Let's take a further look.

Removable Point of Discontinuity

Let's go back to the scenario in the introduction. What happens if the limit exists, but isn't equal to the function value? Recall, that by saying the limit exists what you actually are saying is that it is a number, not infinity.

If a function \(f(x)\) is not continuous at \(x=p\), and

\[lim_{x \rightarrow p} f(x)\]

exists, then we say the function has a removable discontinuity at \(x=p\).

Here, we define \(x=p\) as a removable point of discontinuity.

Ok, that's great, but what does a removable discontinuity look like? Consider the image below.

Removable discontinuity example graph StudySmarterFig. 1. Example of a function with a removable discontinuity at \(x = p\).

In this image, the graph has a removable discontinuity (aka. a hole) in it and the function value at \(x=p\) is \(4\) instead of the \(2\) you would need it to be if you wanted the function to be continuous. If instead that hole were filled in with the point above it, and the point floating there removed, the function would become continuous at \(x=p\). This is called a removable discontinuity.

Removable Discontinuity Example

Let's take a look at a few functions and determine if they have removable discontinuities.

Removable Discontinuity Graph

Does the function \(f(x)=\dfrac{x^2-9}{x-3}\) have a removable discontinuity at \(x=3\) ?

Answer:

First, notice that the function isn't defined at \(x=3\), so it isn't continuous there. If the function is continuous at \(x=3\), then it certainly doesn't have a removable discontinuity there! So now you need to check the limit:

\[lim_{x \rightarrow 3} f(x)\]

Since the limit of the function does exist, the discontinuity at \(x=3\) is a removable discontinuity. Graphing the function gives:

Fig, 1. This function has a hole at \(x=3\) because the limit exists, however, \(f(3)\) does not exist.

Removable discontinuity example graph StudySmarterFig. 2. Example of a function with a removable discontinuity at \(x = 3\).

So you can see there is a hole in the graph.

Non-removable Discontinuities

If some discontinuities can be removed, what does it mean to be non-removable? Looking at the definition of a removable discontinuity, the part that can go wrong is the limit not existing. Non-removable discontinuities refer to two other main types of discontinues; jump discontinuities and infinite/asymptotic discontinuities. You can learn more about them in Jump Discontinuity and Continuity Over an Interval.

Non-removable Discontinuity Graph

Looking at the graph of the piecewise-defined function below, does it have a removable or non-removable point of discontinuity at \(x=0\)? If it is non-removable, is it an infinite discontinuity?

Removable discontinuity example infinite discontinuity StudySmarter

Fig. 3. Function with a non-removable discontinuity.

Answer:

From looking at the graph you can see that

\[lim_{x \rightarrow 0^-}f(x)=3\]

and that

\[lim_{x \rightarrow 0^+}f(x)=\infty\]

which means the function is not continuous at \(x=0\). In fact, it has a vertical asymptote at \(x=0\). Since those two limits aren't the same number, the function has a non-removable discontinuity at \(x=0\). Since one of those limits is infinite, you know it has an infinite discontinuity at \(x=0\).

Deciding if the function has a removable or non-removable point of discontinuity

Removable Discontinuity Limit

How can you tell if the discontinuity of a function is removable or non-removable? Just look at the limit!

  • If the limit from the left at \(p\) and the right at \(p\) are the same number, but that isn't the value of the function at \(p\) or the function doesn't have a value at \(p\), then there is a removable discontinuity.

  • If the limit from the left at \(p\), or the limit from the right at \(p\), is infinite, then there is a non-removable point of discontinuity, and it is called an infinite discontinuity.

What kind of discontinuity, if any, does the function in the graph have at \(p\)?

Removable discontinuity example graph StudySmarter

Fig. 4. This function has a removable discontinuity at \(x=p\) because the limit is defined, however,\( f(p)\) does not exist.

Answer:

You can see looking at the graph that the function isn't even defined at \(p\). However the limit from the left at \(p\) and the limit from the right at \(p\) are the same, so the function has a removable point of discontinuity at \(p\). Intuitively, it has a removable discontinuity because if you just filled in the hole in the graph, the function would be continuous at \(p\). In other words, removing the discontinuity means changing just one point on the graph.

What kind of discontinuity, if any, does the function in the graph have at \(p\)?

Removable discontinuity example graph StudySmarter

Fig. 5. This function is defined everywhere.

Unlike in the previous example, you can see looking at the graph that the function is defined at \(p\). However the limit from the left at \(p\) and the limit from the right at \(p\) are the same, so the function has a removable point of discontinuity at \(p\). Intuitively, it has a removable discontinuity because if you just changed the function so that rather than having it filled in the hole, the function would be continuous at \(p\).

Looking at the graph of the piecewise-defined function below, does it have a removable, non-removable discontinuity, or neither of the two?

Removable Discontinuity graph non-removable jump StudySmarter

Fig. 6. Graph of a function with a discontinuity at \(x=2\), StudySmarter Original.

Answer:

This function is clearly not continuous at \(2\) because the limit from the left at \(2\) is not the same as the limit from the right at \(2\). In fact

\[lim_{x \rightarrow 2^-}f(x)=4\]

and

\[lim_{x \rightarrow 2^+}f(x)=1\] .

So we know that

  • the limit from the left at \(2\) and the limit from the right of \(2\) don't have the same value
  • the limit from the left isn't infinite, and the limit from the right isn't infinite at \(2\) either,

Therefore, this function has a non-removable discontinuity at \(2\), however, it is not an infinite discontinuity.

In the example above, the function has a jump discontinuity at \(x=2\). For more information on when this happens, see Jump Discontinuity

Looking at the graph below, does the function have a removable or non-removable point of discontinuity at \(x=2\)?

Removable Discontinuity infinite type graph StudySmarter

Fig. 7. Graph of a function with a discontinuity at \(x = 2\).

Answer:

This function has a vertical asymptote at \(x=2\). In fact

\[lim_{x \rightarrow 2^-}f(x)= -\infty\]

and

\[lim_{x \rightarrow 2^+}f(x)= \infty\]

So this function has a non-removable point of discontinuity. It is called an infinite discontinuity because one of the limits is infinite.

Removable Discontinuity - Key takeaways

  • If a function is not continuous at a point, we say "it has a point of discontinuity at this point".
  • If a function is not continuous at a point, then we say the function has a removable discontinuity at this point if the limit at this point exists.
  • If the function has a removable discontinuity at a point, then is called a removable point of discontinuity (or a hole).

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  • Geometry
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  • Pure Maths
  • Decision Maths
  • Logic and Functions
  • Discrete Mathematics
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  • Applied Mathematics

Related topics to Calculus

  • Derivative of Exponential Function
  • Implicit Differentiation Tangent Line
  • Symmetry of Functions
  • Maxima and Minima Problems
  • Growth Rate of Functions
  • Ratio Test
  • Natural Logarithmic Function
  • Continuity
  • The Power Rule
  • Integrating Even and Odd Functions
  • Hyperbolic Functions
  • Theorems of Continuity
  • Integrals of Exponential Functions
  • Integrals of Motion
  • Accumulation Problems
  • Implicit Relations
  • Integration Using Long Division
  • Integration of Logarithmic Functions
  • Maxima and Minima
  • Separable Equations
  • Separation of Variables
  • Washer Method
  • Derivatives of Sin, Cos and Tan
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Frequently Asked Questions about Removable Discontinuity

What is the difference between removable and nonremovable discontinuity?

For a discontinuity at x=p to be removable the limit from the left and the limit from the right at x=p have to be the same number. If one of them (or both) is infinite, then the discontinuity is non-removable.

What is a removable discontinuity?

A removable discontinuity happens when a function is not continuous at x = p, but the limit from the left and the limit from the right at x = p exist and have the same value.

How to find a removable discontinuity

Look for a place in the function where the limit from the left and right are the same number but that isn't the same as the function value there.

Which functions have removable discontinuities?

There are lots of functions with removable discontinuities. Just look for a hole in the graph.

How do you know if a discontinuity is removable?

If the limit of the function f(x) exists at x=p. but isn't equal to f(p), then you know it has a removable discontinuity.

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