Consider the function f (x) = StartLayout Enlarged left-brace first row negative 4 x squared, x less-than-or-equal-to negative 1 second row negative 3 Superscript negative x Baseline minus 1, x greater-than negative 1 EndLayout. Which statement explains the continuity of the function at x = –1?

Because Limit as x approaches negative 1 f(x) = 4 and f(–1) = 4, it follows that Limit as x approaches negative 1 f(x) = f(–1). Therefore, the function is continuous at x = –1.
Because Limit as x approaches negative 1 f(x) = –4 and f(–1) = –4, it follows that Limit as x approaches negative 1 f(x)= f(–1). Therefore, the function is continuous at x = –1.
Because Limit as x approaches negative 1 f(x) = 4 and f(–1) = –4, it follows that Limit as x approaches negative 1 f(x) ≠ f(–1). Therefore, the function is not continuous at x = –1.
Because Limit as x approaches negative 1 f(x) = –4 and f(–1) = 4, it follows that Limit as x approaches negative 1 f(x) ≠ f(–1). Therefore, the function is not continuous at x = –1.