Find A and B so that F(x) is a Differentiable Function

In summary, the given problem was to find the values of a and b that make f a differentiable function, where f(x) is a piecewise function. After attempting to solve the equations and eliminating A and B, it was concluded that the problem may be impossible. However, it was later discovered that there was a typo in the given function, which was corrected to be f(x): Ax^2 - Bx - 2, X ≤ 1 and Alnx + B, X > 1. By solving for A and B again, the values were found to be A = -2 and B = -2.
  • #1
Jakey214
4
1

Homework Statement


Find the values of a and b that make f a differentiable function.

Note: F(x) is a piecewise function

f(x):
Ax^2 - Bx, X ≤ 1
Alnx + B, X > 1

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Made the two equations equal each other.
Ax^2 - Bx = Alnx + B
Inserting x=1 gives,
A - B = B, which is also A - 2B = 0, which also means A = 2B

Deriving the equation,
2Ax - B = A/X
Inserting x=1 here gives,
2A - B = A, which is also A - B = 0, which also means A = B

By then I'm stumped here.
I try to eliminate either A and B with,
A - B = 0
A - 2B = 0
In the end, both A and B would have to equal zero, both of which doesn't work.

If I have A = 2B then,
F'(x): A - B = 0 ⇒ 2B - B = 0 ⇒ B = 0
As said before, B = 0 would not be the right answer, as far as I know at least.

If A = B, then
F(x): A - 2B = 0 ⇒ B - 2B = 0 ⇒ B = 0
Once Again, B equaling zero would not work.

Right now, I'm convinced this problem is virtually impossible.
 
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  • #2
Are you sure you copied the problem down correctly?
 
  • #3
PetSounds said:
Are you sure you copied the problem down correctly?
Yep, that's exactly what it says.
 
  • #4
Jakey214 said:
Yep, that's exactly what it says.
Then I'm stumped too. Perhaps someone else will have a solution.
 
  • #6
So what is wrong with ##f(x) \equiv 0##? That's a perfectly good differentiable function.
 
  • #7
UPDATE:

My Math Teacher just said it was a typo, where he forgot to add a negative two, so that the piecewise function would be:

f(x):
Ax^2 - Bx - 2, X ≤ 1
Alnx + B, X > 1

Now solving it, I got A = -2 and B = -2.
 
  • Like
Likes cristo

1. What is a differentiable function?

A differentiable function is a function that has a well-defined derivative at every point in its domain. This means that the function is smooth and continuous, and its graph has no sharp corners or breaks.

2. How do I find A and B to make a function differentiable?

In order to make a function differentiable, you must ensure that the function is continuous and has a defined derivative at every point. To find A and B, you can use various techniques such as the limit definition of a derivative, the power rule, or the quotient rule.

3. Can any function be made differentiable by finding A and B?

No, not all functions can be made differentiable by simply finding A and B. Some functions, such as step functions or functions with sharp corners, are not continuous and therefore cannot have a well-defined derivative at every point.

4. Why is it important to make a function differentiable?

Making a function differentiable is important because it allows us to use calculus to analyze the behavior of the function. This includes finding critical points, determining rates of change, and solving optimization problems.

5. Are there any limitations to finding A and B to make a function differentiable?

There are some limitations to finding A and B to make a function differentiable. The function must be continuous and have a defined derivative at every point, and there may be restrictions on the values of A and B depending on the type of function and its domain.

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