Derivative of inverse function?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiability of a piecewise function defined on the real numbers. The function is composed of three segments: a linear function for values less than 1, a quadratic function for values between 1 and 9, and a square root function for values greater than 9. Participants are exploring the conditions under which the inverse of this function is differentiable.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiability of the function at specific points, particularly at the boundaries where the function's definition changes. Questions are raised about the existence of other points of non-differentiability within the domain. There is also exploration of how to determine where the inverse function is differentiable based on the original function's properties.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the nature of differentiability and the behavior of the function at critical points. Some participants offer clarifications on the technical reasons for non-differentiability at specific points, while others seek to understand the broader implications for the inverse function.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that polynomials and square root functions are differentiable within their respective intervals, suggesting that issues arise primarily at the transition points of the piecewise function. There is a focus on the definitions and conditions under which the inverse function exists and is differentiable.

thirteenheath
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Consider the function f: R-->R where F(x)=

x, if x<1
x², if 1<x<9 (read x <or equal to 1 and x< or equal to 9)
27*sqrt(x), if x>9

I know that f is not differentiable at x=1 and x=9 because the derivative at each one of these points don't exist once the lateral limits don't coincide.(Is that right?)

Then, I know that f is differentiable at R-(1)-(9).
The inverse function exists where f exists and is continuous.The function is continuous in R and exists when x>0, right?So the inverse function exists when x belongs to R and is positive.

Now I need to know where the inverse function is differentiable.It will be differentiable where f is differentiable but when f ' (f⁻1(x)) is not 0?Considering that the inverse function is a mirror of the original function it will be continuous where f is continuous.Also it will exists where f exists and f ' (f⁻1(x)) is not 0.I don't know how to determine the points where the inverse function is differentiable and calculate the derivative of the inverse funtion at these points.I mean, I know how to calculate the derivative of the inverse function but I don't know where (which points) since I'm told to " calculate de derivative of the inverse function at the points where the inverse function is differentiable.


Also, why I only calculate the derivative of the function at the points 1 and 9 to determine the points where the function is differentiable?What assures me that there isn't another point that belongs to the domain where the function is not differentiable?
 
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thirteenheath said:
Consider the function f: R-->R where F(x)=

x, if x<1
x², if 1<x<9 (read x <or equal to 1 and x< or equal to 9)
27*sqrt(x), if x>9

I know that f is not differentiable at x=1 and x=9 because the derivative at each one of these points don't exist once the lateral limits don't coincide.(Is that right?)

The derivative at x = 1 of f(x) = x is 1; and the derivative of f(x) = x2 at x = 1 is 2. If you think of the tangent line traveling up the graph of this function, it has slope 1 all the way up to x = 1, then the slope suddenly becomes 2. That's the mental picture.

Mathematically, when you try to form the difference quotient to find the derivative of your function, the left-sided limit will be 1; and the right-sided limit (of the difference quotient) will be 2.

Since the left and right limits both exist but are not equal, by definition the limit of the difference quotient does not exist.

That's the reason f is not differentiable at x = 1.

Your intuition is correct but it's helpful to understand the precise technical reason why f isn't differentiable at x = 1. It's because the difference quotient has left- and right-sided limits that aren't equal to each other.
 
thirteenheath said:
Consider the function f: R-->R where F(x)=

x, if x<1
x², if 1<x<9 (read x <or equal to 1 and x< or equal to 9)
27*sqrt(x), if x>9

...

Also, why I only calculate the derivative of the function at the points 1 and 9 to determine the points where the function is differentiable?What assures me that there isn't another point that belongs to the domain where the function is not differentiable?

Because you know polynomials and ##\sqrt x## are differentiable on those intervals. It is only where the formula changes you potentially have problems.
 
thirteenheath said:
Consider the function f: R-->R where F(x)=

x, if x<1
x², if 1<x<9 (read x <or equal to 1 and x< or equal to 9)
27*sqrt(x), if x>9

<= is widely used for "less than or equal"
Similar for >=.

As an alternative, click Go Advanced, and a menu of symbols will appear, including ≤, ≥, and others.
 

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