First of all, recall the definition of absolute value:
So if <em>x</em> < 4, then <em>x</em> - 4 < 0, so |<em>x</em> - 4| = -(<em>x</em> - 4), and the first case in <em>h(x)</em> reduces to
Next, in order for <em>h(x)</em> to be continuous at <em>x</em> = 4, the limits from either side of <em>x</em> = 4 must be equal and have the same value as <em>h(x)</em> at <em>x</em> = 4. From the given definition of <em>h(x)</em>, we have
Compute the one-sided limits:
• From the left:
• From the right:
If the limits are to be equal, then
-1 = 5<em>k</em> - 16
Solve for <em>k</em> :
-1 = 5<em>k</em> - 16
15 = 5<em>k</em>
<em>k</em> = 3
