Inverse of a function is not differentiable

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiability of the inverse of a function, specifically focusing on the function f(x) = sin(πx/2) and its inverse. Participants explore the conditions under which the inverse may not be differentiable, particularly at the endpoints of the interval [-1, 1].

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants examine the differentiability of the inverse function derived from f(x) = sin(πx/2) and question the behavior of its derivative at the boundaries of the interval. There are attempts to identify other functions that meet specific criteria, such as being one-to-one and having a derivative of zero.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and questioning assumptions about the differentiability of inverse functions. Some suggest alternative functions and explore their properties, while others express confusion and seek clarification on the requirements for differentiability.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering functions that map [-1, 1] onto [-1, 1] and are particularly focused on the implications of having a derivative of zero within the interval. There is an ongoing exploration of trigonometric and polynomial functions as potential candidates.

victoranderson
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Please see attached.

I am not sure whether my example of this function is correct.

f(x) = ##sin(\frac{\pi x}{2})##
obviously, f(x) is continuous on [-1,1] and differentiable on (-1,1)

Inverse of f(x) will be ##\frac{2 sin^{-1}x}{\pi} ##

and d/dx (inverse of f(x)) will be ##\frac{2}{π \sqrt{1-x^2}}##

So not differentiable in -1,1 ??
 

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That inverse function looks differentiable to me.
 
anyone can help and explain?
 
victoranderson said:
Please see attached.

I am not sure whether my example of this function is correct.

f(x) = ##sin(\frac{\pi x}{2})##
obviously, f(x) is continuous on [-1,1] and differentiable on (-1,1)

Inverse of f(x) will be ##\frac{2 sin^{-1}x}{\pi} ##

and d/dx (inverse of f(x)) will be ##\frac{2}{π \sqrt{1-x^2}}##

So not differentiable in -1,1 ??
Your problem as an image:
attachment.php?attachmentid=67141&d=1393706030.jpg


The inverse of the function you propose is differentiable on (-1,1). It's derivative does approach +∞ as x → -1 or +1 . ( Why does it approach ∞ at 1 & -1 ? -- What is it about f(x) that causes this?)

Can you think of a 1 to 1 function which maps [-1, 1] onto [-1, 1] but has a slope of zero somewhere on the interval (-1, 1) ?
 
SammyS said:
Your problem as an image:
attachment.php?attachmentid=67141&d=1393706030.jpg


The inverse of the function you propose is differentiable on (-1,1). It's derivative does approach +∞ as x → -1 or +1 . ( Why does it approach ∞ at 1 & -1 ? -- What is it about f(x) that causes this?)

Can you think of a 1 to 1 function which maps [-1, 1] onto [-1, 1] but has a slope of zero somewhere on the interval (-1, 1) ?

Thanks for your help

so I should think of a question which has two parts?

for example f(x)=##cos(\frac{\pi x}{2})## for x=/=0. and f(x)=1 for x=0
so the inverse of this kind of function is not differentiable, right?
 
You're overthinking this. The derivative of the inverse is 1/ the derivative of the function, so all you need is a function whose derivative is 0. In the middle, at x = 0, for example.
 
PeroK said:
You're overthinking this. The derivative of the inverse is 1/ the derivative of the function, so all you need is a function whose derivative is 0. In the middle, at x = 0, for example.
Yes, I have been thinking this part for 3 hours...

Is the function f(x)=cosx satisfy the requirements?

f'(x)=-sinx so at x=0, f'(x)=0

derivative of the inverse = 1/sin(arcosx), so x=1 or -1, the denominator is 0

correct?
 
cos(x) is not 1-1 on [-1, 1]

You need a function that is 1-1, has a derivative of 0 in the middle, which implies a point of inflection.
 
victoranderson said:
Yes, I have been thinking this part for 3 hours...

Is the function f(x)=cosx satisfy the requirements?

f'(x)=-sinx so at x=0, f'(x)=0

derivative of the inverse = 1/sin(arcosx), so x=1 or -1, the denominator is 0

correct?
Is there any reason for you to be using trig functions?
 
  • #10
PeroK said:
cos(x) is not 1-1 on [-1, 1]

You need a function that is 1-1, has a derivative of 0 in the middle, which implies a point of inflection.
i m almost crazy..may be i m an idiot
i cannot think of a equation which satisfy these conditions

1. 1 to 1
2. f:[-1,1] to [-1,1]
3. derivative is 0 in the middle
4. has an inverse

i now think of e^x - x
but this kind of equation seems i m overthinking
 
Last edited:
  • #11
SammyS said:
Is there any reason for you to be using trig functions?

In my opinion trig function is the easiest way to satisfy [-1,1] to [-1,1]
 
  • #12
victoranderson said:
In my opinion trig function is the easiest way to satisfy [-1,1] to [-1,1]

You can also do it with many other functions. How about a simple power?
 
  • #13
Dick said:
You can also do it with many other functions. How about a simple power?

finally, x^3 satisfy all conditions, right?

f(x)=x^3
f'(x)=3x^2
inverse of f(x) = x^(1/3)
derivative of the inverse = 1/3 * x^(-2/3) , so not differentiable at x=0
 
  • #14
victoranderson said:
finally, x^3 satisfy all conditions, right?

f(x)=x^3
f'(x)=3x^2
inverse of f(x) = x^(1/3)
derivative of the inverse = 1/3 * x^(-2/3) , so not differentiable at x=0

Sure, that's an easy example.
 
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