How Do You Handle a Discontinuous Derivative in Calculus?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Arnoldjavs3
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derivative
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on handling discontinuous derivatives in calculus, specifically for the function g(x) = x²sin(1/x). The derivative is calculated as g'(x) = -cos(1/x) + sin(1/x)(2x). Participants emphasize the need to demonstrate that the limit of g'(x) as x approaches 0 does not exist, while also calculating g'(0) using the limit definition of the derivative. Clarification is provided that "differentiating" is the correct term rather than "deriving."

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus concepts, particularly derivatives and limits.
  • Familiarity with the limit definition of a derivative.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their properties.
  • Experience with evaluating limits involving trigonometric expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the limit definition of the derivative in detail.
  • Learn how to analyze the existence of limits for functions with discontinuities.
  • Explore examples of differentiating functions with oscillatory behavior, such as x²sin(1/x).
  • Investigate the implications of discontinuous derivatives in real-world applications.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those dealing with advanced topics in derivatives and limits, as well as mathematicians interested in the behavior of functions with discontinuous derivatives.

Arnoldjavs3
Messages
191
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement



http://prntscr.com/czcn8h

Homework Equations


n/a

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that if you derive x^2sin(1/x)
you get
-cos(1/x) + sin(1/x)(2x).
But what do I do from here? If I use the limit definition, i'll end up getting something like h(sin(1/h)) after evaluating. I still don't understand how the limit definition will show that this exists.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Arnoldjavs3 said:

Homework Statement



http://prntscr.com/czcn8h

Homework Equations


n/a

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that if you derive x^2sin(1/x)
you get
-cos(1/x) + sin(1/x)(2x).
But what do I do from here? If I use the limit definition, i'll end up getting something like h(sin(1/h)) after evaluating. I still don't understand how the limit definition will show that this exists.
Please show us what you did in using the definition of the derivative.

BTW, you don't "derive" x^2 sin(1/x) -- you differentiate it. If you start from a quadratic equation, you can use completing the square to derive the quadratic formula.
 
You need to do two things

First show that ##\lim_{x\to 0}g'(x)## does not exist. That should be easy using the derivative you have calculated above.

Second, try to calculate ##g'(0)## which is defined as
$$\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{g(h)-g(0)}{h}$$
If that limit exists then you are finished.

The reference to the 'limit definition' in the question is a bit confusing as there are two different limits involved in this question. They are referring to the definition of the derivative as a limit (the second formula I wrote above), not to the limit of ##g'(x)## as ##x\to 0##
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K