How to Find a and b for a Derivative at 1?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the values of "a" and "b" for a piecewise function defined as f(x) = √(2 - x²) for -√2 ≤ x ≤ 1 and f(x) = x² + ax + b for x > 1, such that the function has a derivative at x = 1. Participants are exploring the conditions for continuity and differentiability at this point.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants discuss the continuity condition a + b = 0 and the need to equate the lateral limits of the derivative at x = 1. Others express confusion about computing derivatives and seek clarification on the approach to take.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some suggesting methods to find relationships between "a" and "b". There is a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the derivatives involved, and some have provided specific derivative calculations while others are still seeking guidance.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of clarity on how to compute the derivatives correctly, and some participants question the necessity of using basic derivative formulas in this context. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with the concepts involved.

Nguyen Thanh Nam
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Ok, they tell me tofind a and b so that the function:
f(x)= *Root(2-x^2) if -root(2)<=x<=1
*x^2 + ax + b if x>1
has derivative at 1
I got that the condition for this graph to be continuous at 1 is a+b=0
And I moved to check out the derivative stuff:
When x->1+, the derivative is 0
But when 1->1-, igot stuck:
lim (x->1-) of [f(x)-f(1)]/(x-1) = lim (x->1-) of (x^2+ax+b-1)/(x-1). So how should I move on?
 
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Equate the lateral limits for the derivative and get another relation between "a" and "b".
Then use the 2 equations found to determine "a" and "b".

Daniel.
 
Nguyen Thanh Nam said:
Ok, they tell me tofind a and b so that the function:
f(x)= *Root(2-x^2) if -root(2)<=x<=1
*x^2 + ax + b if x>1
has derivative at 1
I got that the condition for this graph to be continuous at 1 is a+b=0
And I moved to check out the derivative stuff:
When x->1+, the derivative is 0
But when 1->1-, igot stuck:
lim (x->1-) of [f(x)-f(1)]/(x-1) = lim (x->1-) of (x^2+ax+b-1)/(x-1). So how should I move on?

How did u compute those derivatives??Post your work.My advice from the previous post remains valid as soon as u dig those derivatives rightly.

Daniel.
 
OK.
We'll check when x>1:
lim (x->1+) of [f(x)-f(1)]/(x-1) = lim (x->1+) of [x^2+ax+b-1]/(x-1)] (from the function at my first post, I got that when x>1, f(x)=x^2+ax+b)
 
Come on, anybody help me out!
 
Last edited:
Do you really need to use the basic formula for a derivative? You should know, by the time you are doing a problem like this, that the derivative of x2+ax+b is
2x+ b.
That tells you that the derivative, as you approach 1 from the right, is 2+ b, not 0.

The derivative of [itex]\sqrt{2- x^2}= (2- x^2)^{\frac{1}{2}}[/itex] is [itex]\frac{1}{2}(2-x^2)^{-\frac{1}{2}}(-2x)[/itex] which is -1 at x= 1. That is, the derivative, as you approach from the left is -1. In order that f be differentiable at x= 1, you must have 2+ b= -1.
 
Yup, my class is at that lession, tis is an apllication. So, I didn't really understand you.:-) But I'll try to read it more.
 

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