Differentiability of weird function

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differentiability of two functions defined differently for rational and irrational inputs: f(x) = x (rational) and f(x) = 0 (irrational), and g(x) = x^2 (rational) and g(x) = 0 (irrational). It is established that both functions are continuous at 0 but discontinuous elsewhere. The limit definition of the derivative reveals that f is not differentiable at 0 due to the oscillation between 1 and 0, while g is differentiable at 0, yielding g'(0) = 0.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Knowledge of continuity and differentiability concepts
  • Familiarity with rational and irrational numbers
  • Proficiency in applying the definition of the derivative
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the definition of the derivative in depth
  • Explore the concept of continuity in piecewise functions
  • Learn about differentiability criteria for functions with discontinuities
  • Investigate examples of functions that are continuous but not differentiable
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians analyzing piecewise functions, and anyone interested in the nuances of differentiability in real analysis.

Ara macao
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Let f(x) = x if x rational and f(x) = 0 if x is irrational

Let g(x) = x^2 if x rational and g(x) = 0 if x is irrational.

Both functions are continuous at 0 and discontinuous at each x != 0.

How do I show that f is not differentiable at 0?
How should I show that g is differentiable at 0? Give g'(0) as well.

Thanks...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Use the definition: [tex]f'(0)= lim_{h->0}\frac{f(h)}{h}[/tex].
but [tex]\frac{f(h)}{h}[/tex] is 1 if x is rational, 0 if x is irrational. What does that tell you about the limit?

[tex]\frac{g(h)}{h}[/tex] is h is x is rational, 0 if x is irrational.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K