Continuous and differentiable functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of continuous and differentiable functions, specifically focusing on the implications of left and right continuity and their relationship to left and right derivatives. Participants explore definitions and logical reasoning related to these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that if a function can be differentiated, it must be continuous, and questions whether a lack of left or right continuity implies the absence of left or right derivatives.
  • Another participant agrees with the logic presented, referencing the limit definition of the derivative to support the claim that discontinuity on one side prevents the existence of a derivative on that side.
  • Several participants request definitions for "left continuous" and "left derivative," indicating a need for clarity on these terms.
  • A participant provides definitions for left continuity and left derivative, suggesting that left continuity means the limit from the left equals the function value, and left derivative is defined using a limit expression.
  • One participant suggests using arguments similar to those for two-sided limits to support the discussion.
  • A participant notes that left and right differentiability are considered forms of semi-differentiability, which is a weaker condition than full differentiability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the concepts of left and right derivatives, and while some agree on the logic regarding continuity and differentiability, there is no consensus on the definitions or implications of these terms.

Contextual Notes

Definitions of left and right continuity and derivatives are not universally understood among participants, leading to potential misunderstandings. The discussion also highlights the distinction between semi-differentiability and full differentiability, which remains unresolved.

member 587159
"If a function can be differentiated, it is a continuous function"

By contraposition: "If a function is not continuous, it cannot be differentiated"

Here comes the question: Is the following statement true?

"If a function is not right(left) continuous in a certain point a, then the function has no right(left) derivative in that point"

Thanks in advance
 
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I have never heard of a right or left derivative, but I suppose the logic is right.
Think of the limit form definition of the derivative. If you look at:
##\lim_{x\to a^+}\frac{f(x)-f(a)}{x-a}## as the definition of a right derivative at a, then clearly if there is a dicontinuity on the right side of a there can be no derivative.
 
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Please define the term "left continuous" and "left derivative".
 
micromass said:
Please define the term "left continuous" and "left derivative".

I translated this freely to English. I supposed it was clear when I used "left continuous and left derivative" ,

left continuous; lim x>a- f(x) = f(a)
left derivative; lim x>a- (f(x) - f(a))/(x-a)
Those are the definitions I know for functions R -> R
 
just use the same argument as for 2 sided limits.
 
RUber said:
I have never heard of a right or left derivative, but I suppose the logic is right.
micromass said:
Please define the term "left continuous" and "left derivative".

Technically, left and right differentiability refer to semi-differentiability, which is weaker than normal differentiability.
 

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