Derivative absolute value and also curve help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two calculus questions. The first question involves demonstrating that the function ƒ(x) = |x| is not differentiable at x = 0 using the definition of a derivative. The second question asks for the points on the curve defined by y = (x + 1)³(1 - 3x)² where the slope of the tangent line is horizontal.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of differentiability and the limits involved in proving that ƒ(x) = |x| is not differentiable at x = 0. Some suggest breaking the limit into two parts to show differing values from the left and right. In the second question, there is confusion about the exact nature of the points being sought, with some questioning if they are looking for extrema or points of inflection.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the approaches taken. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to explicitly use the definitions of limits in the proof for the first question. There is also acknowledgment of the correct idea in the limit evaluation, though concerns about notation have been raised.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential missing information in the second question, leading to uncertainty about what specific points are being sought. There is an emphasis on ensuring clarity in notation and definitions throughout the discussion.

MrRottenTreats
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Hey i have 2 questions here that i have finished and i have no answers to my solutions so i would like someone to check it over and see where i went wrong , I am not 100% sure on this stuff and need some help , thanks a lot !

Question 1: Using the definition of a derivative, show that ƒ (x) = |x| is not differentiable at x = 0.

My soluition: ( aside; √ = square root)

I know | u | = √u²

Let x = u

ƒ(x) = y = √u²
ƒ¹(x) = ½(2u) / √u² (du/dx)
= u / |u|
= x / |x|

Since subbing in x would make this undefined , x ≠ 0


Question #2: Find the points on the curve y=(x+1) ³(1-3x) ²

For horizontal dy/dx = 0

Dy/dx = 3(x+1) ²(1-3x) ² + 2(1-3x)(-3)(x+1) ³

Dy/dx = 3(x+1) ²(1-3x) ² + (-6)(1-3x)(x+1) ³
Dy/dx = 0
0 = 3(x+1) ²(1-3x) [ (1-3x) – 2(x+1) ]

Therefore
0 = (x+1) ²
X = -1

0 = (1-3x)
X = 1/3

0 = 1-3x-2x-2
0 = -5x -1
X = -1/5

Therefor the x-values of the points on the curve are -1 , 1/3 , and -1/5 (sub them into y=(x+1) ³(1-3x) ² to get corresponding y values)
 
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MrRottenTreats said:
Hey i have 2 questions here that i have finished and i have no answers to my solutions so i would like someone to check it over and see where i went wrong , I am not 100% sure on this stuff and need some help , thanks a lot !

Question 1: Using the definition of a derivative, show that ƒ (x) = |x| is not differentiable at x = 0.

My soluition: ( aside; √ = square root)

I know | u | = √u²

Let x = u

ƒ(x) = y = √u²
ƒ¹(x) = ½(2u) / √u² (du/dx)
= u / |u|
= x / |x|

Since subbing in x would make this undefined , x ≠ 0
what you have to show is that the limit from the left (as you approach x \rightarrow x^- ) gives a different value than the limit from the right. Just use your answer for the derivative an dit will be obvious that one limit gives +1 and the other gives -1.

Question #2: Find the points on the curve y=(x+1) ³(1-3x) ²

:confused: Are there some words missing in the question?? The points of inflexion? the extrema?
Looks like you are looking for the extrema.
For horizontal dy/dx = 0

Dy/dx = 3(x+1) ²(1-3x) ² + 2(1-3x)(-3)(x+1) ³

Dy/dx = 3(x+1) ²(1-3x) ² + (-6)(1-3x)(x+1) ³
Dy/dx = 0
0 = 3(x+1) ²(1-3x) [ (1-3x) – 2(x+1) ]

Therefore
0 = (x+1) ²
X = -1

0 = (1-3x)
X = 1/3

0 = 1-3x-2x-2
0 = -5x -1
X = -1/5

Therefor the x-values of the points on the curve are -1 , 1/3 , and -1/5 (sub them into y=(x+1) ³(1-3x) ² to get corresponding y values)
At a quick glance it seems right to me.
 
hey sry i forgot the second part

Question #2: Find the point on the curve y=(x+1) ³(1-3x) ² where the slope of the tagent line is horizontal

sorry about that
 
okay and for the first one you are saying that i should break it up into 2 parts

the first being:
lim x \rightarrow x^-

so i would get x/-x
=-1

and then:
lim x -> x
gettinng x/x
= 1

? is this what you are referring too?
 
Your original proof for #1 is good enough. However, the question asked you to do it by the definitions.

A function is differentiable at x=a IF AND ONLY IF

\lim_{x \to a}\frac{f(x)-f(a)}{x-a} exists.

In general, limits of a function g at x=a exist IF AND ONLY IF

\lim_{x \to a^-} g(x) = \lim_{x \to a^+}g(x).

These are your definitions. Be sure to use them in your proof. Explicitly. You seem to have the right idea, but you should elaborate on your thoughts (and notation).

For #2, what is the slope of a horizontal line? So, when could the slope of the tangent be the same as this number?
 
Last edited:
MrRottenTreats said:
okay and for the first one you are saying that i should break it up into 2 parts

the first being:
lim x \rightarrow x^-

so i would get x/-x
=-1

and then:
lim x -> x
gettinng x/x
= 1

? is this what you are referring too?

that's right.
 
What the hell is \lim x \to x^-?

Don't encourage such bad notation. He has the right idea, but hasn't put forth a good argument.

If you merely meant that his idea was right, disregard previous comment.

:)
 
Last edited:

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