# Homework Help: Is f(x) differentiable at x=1?

1. Jul 6, 2010

### cyt91

Given
http://www.mathhelpforum.com/math-help/vlatex/pics/105_fde5ac6b051b4fac473487c7b4afa9e5.png [Broken]

Is f(x) differentiable at x=1?

I know that we have to prove
http://www.mathhelpforum.com/math-help/vlatex/pics/65_6fae3c52eaa96aaafdf2c225a900ea48.png [Broken]

exist/does not exist at x=1. But how do I begin? It's a piece-wise function.

Thanks for your help.

Last edited by a moderator: May 4, 2017
2. Jul 6, 2010

### vela

Staff Emeritus
Start by finding out the reasons that limit might not exist. This is a common type of problem, so you should find examples in your textbook.

3. Jul 6, 2010

### hunt_mat

The idea is one sided limits. You can compute the derivatives of f for x>1, and x<=1, for the derivative f' to exist, f' must be continuous there. So you've reduced the problem to continuity.

4. Jul 6, 2010

### HallsofIvy

To add to hunt mat's response, while a derivative function is not necessarily continuous, it is continuous where ever it is defined. That is why taking the left and right side limits of the derivative works- if they are the same, the function is differentiable and the joint value is the derivative at that point.

What is the derivative of $x^2$? What is its value at x= 1? What is the derivative of (x+ 1)/2? what is its value at x= 1?