Find the Values for which the function is continuous

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the values of k, L, m, and n for the piecewise function g(x) to ensure it is continuous and differentiable at all points. The function is defined as 2x² - n for x < -2, mx + L for -2 ≤ x < 2, and kx² + 1 for x ≥ 2. The user derived two equations: 2m - n + 8 - L = 0 and 2m - 4k + L = 0, but struggled to find a solution for the four variables with only two equations. The importance of ensuring differentiability at the transition points x = -2 and x = 2 was also highlighted.

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  • Study methods for solving systems of equations with multiple variables
  • Explore the concept of differentiability and its implications for piecewise functions
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mazz1801
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Homework Statement



Determine the values of k,L,m and n such that the following function g(x) is continuous and differentiable at all points

Homework Equations



2x2-n if x<-2
mx+L if -2≤x<2
kx2+1 if x≥2


The Attempt at a Solution



So I know that for the function to be continuous the limit as x→c of f(x) must equal f(c)
And I am trying to make this function continuous for all values of k,L,m and n.

so I done the following
2x2-n = mx+L for x=-2
mx+L = kx2+1 for x= 2

and I simplified them to the following.
2m-n+5=0
2m-4k+L=0


From here I don't know what to do... I'm pretty sure that I am correct up to here but could someone just please tell me what to do now...
I don't know how to solve for 4 variables with only 2 equations
 
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just differentiate and then equate them to find.four eqn four unknown
 
mazz1801 said:

Homework Statement



Determine the values of k,L,m and n such that the following function g(x) is continuous and differentiable at all points

Homework Equations



2x2-n if x<-2
mx+L if -2≤x<2
kx2+1 if x≥2
You should know that all polynomials are both continuous and differentiable for all x so that only points in question are x= -2 and x= 2

The Attempt at a Solution



So I know that for the function to be continuous the limit as x→c of f(x) must equal f(c)
And I am trying to make this function continuous for all values of k,L,m and n.

so I done the following
2x2-n = mx+L for x=-2
mx+L = kx2+1 for x= 2

and I simplified them to the following.
2m-n+5=0
What happened to the "L"? At x= -2, the first equation becomes
2(-2)2- n= m(-2)+ L which simplifies to 8- n= -2m+ L or 2m- n+ 8- L= 0.

2m-4k+L=0
And here, what happened to the "1"? At x= 2, the second equation becomes m(2)+ L= k(4)+ 1 or 2m- 4+ L- 1= 0

From here I don't know what to do... I'm pretty sure that I am correct up to here but could someone just please tell me what to do now...
I don't know how to solve for 4 variables with only 2 equations
You have not yet said any thing about being "differentiable".

(Note, the derivative of a function is NOT necessarily differentiable but it does satisfy the "intermediate value property" so IF the limit from each side exist, then they must be equal.)
 

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