Differentiability in an open and closed intervals

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The discussion centers on the concept of differentiability of functions in closed and open intervals, specifically questioning whether a function can be differentiable n times in a closed interval and (n+1) times in an open interval. An example provided is the function f(x) = x^(4/3), which is twice differentiable on the open interval (0,1) but only once at the endpoint x=0, raising questions about differentiability at endpoints. Participants clarify that the second derivative cannot be evaluated at x=0, as it is undefined there, which limits the differentiability in the closed interval [0,1]. The conversation emphasizes the nuances of differentiability at endpoints and the implications for open versus closed intervals. Understanding these concepts is crucial for applying Taylor's theorem and related mathematical principles.
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Is there an f(x) which is differentiable n times in a closed interval and (n+1) times in an open interval? I think I saw this in a paper related to Taylor's theorem (could be something else though). It didn't make sense to me, how can something be differentiable more in an interval that contains two less numbers? Is this something to do with the fact that a function might not be differentiable at the two end points of a closed interval because it does have the limit function coming from two sides? (a+0 and a-0) Sorry the post got long :)
 
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Start with something simpler: ##f(x) = x^{4/3}## restricted to ##[0,1]##. This function can be differentiated twice on ##(0,1)##, but only once at x=0. Can you now find a function which does something similar at both end points?
 
Umm... I don't really understand, isn't that function twice differentiable in the closed interval [0,1]?
 
bubblewrap said:
Umm... I don't really understand, isn't that function twice differentiable in the closed interval [0,1]?


What is its second derivative? And can you evaluate it in ##0##?
 
The second derivative of ##f(x)=x^4/3## is ##f(x)=4/9x^-2/3## right?
Oh is it because it can't be defined at ##x=0## that it's not differentiable at that point? Making it only twice differentiable in the open interval [0,1]?
 

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