Is the function F(x) = x^2*cos(pi/x) differentiable at x=0?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rishavutkarsh
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Limits
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiability of the function F(x) defined as F(x) = x^2*cos(pi/x) for x ≠ 0 and F(0) = 0. Participants are exploring whether this function is differentiable at x = 0, particularly focusing on the implications of the limit definitions of derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the definition of the derivative as a limit to determine differentiability at x = 0. There are attempts to reconcile the behavior of the function as x approaches 0 with the derivative defined elsewhere. Some express confusion about the relationship between the derivative at points other than 0 and the limit at 0.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the definition of differentiability and exploring the limits involved. Some have noted that while the limit of the derivative does not exist, the limit defining the derivative at x = 0 does exist, leading to a nuanced understanding of the function's differentiability.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the absolute value of cos(pi/x) and the implications of excluding x = 0 from certain derivative calculations. Participants are navigating the complexities of limits and continuity in the context of differentiability.

Rishavutkarsh
Messages
70
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


F(x)=
x^2*{Cos(Pi/x)} when x!=0 (Not equal to)[/B]
0 when x=0
Is the function differentiable at x=0 ??

P.S.- Cos(pi/x) is under mod (Absolute value)

2. Homework Equations - Basic limit formulas.

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to differentiate it wrt to x but I am getting the function to be non differentiable
However with first principle differentiation I get it as differentiable. Where am I going wrong? Any help appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I am confused as to what you want to show. To show "f is differentiable at x= 0" you want to show that \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{f(h)- f(0)}{h} exits. That is not necessarily dependent on the derivative of f for x not 0.
 
you should just try to find the derivative at x=0 by applying the definition of derivative as a limit of a ratio. So you basically looking if the limit \lim\limits_{x \to 0}xcos(\pi/x) exists.

I think what confuses you is that the derivative which in the interval (-\infty,0)+(0,\infty) is equal to2xcos(\pi/x)+sin(\pi/x) cannot be defined for x=0, but that's the point we ve excluded 0 in order to be able to do these calculations for the derivative wrt x. For x=0 you just have to follow the definition of derivative as a limit of the ratio.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Rishavutkarsh
Rishavutkarsh said:

Homework Statement


F(x)=
x^2*{Cos(Pi/x)} when x!=0 (Not equal to)[/B]
0 when x=0
Is the function differentiable at x=0 ??

P.S.- Cos(pi/x) is under mod (Absolute value)

2. Homework Equations - Basic limit formulas.

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to differentiate it wrt to x but I am getting the function to be non differentiable
However with first principle differentiation I get it as differentiable. Where am I going wrong? Any help appreciated.

The limit <br /> \lim_{x \to 0} f&#039;(x) does not exist. However the limit <br /> f&#039;(0) = \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{f(x)}{x} does exist. Thus f is differentiable at 0 but f&#039; is not continuous at 0.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Rishavutkarsh
Delta² said:
you should just try to find the derivative at x=0 by applying the definition of derivative as a limit of a ratio. So you basically looking if the limit \lim\limits_{x \to 0}xcos(\pi/x) exists.

I think what confuses you is that the derivative which in the interval (-\infty,0)+(0,\infty) is equal to2xcos(\pi/x)+sin(\pi/x) cannot be defined for x=0, but that's the point we ve excluded 0 in order to be able to do these calculations for the derivative wrt x. For x=0 you just have to follow the definition of derivative as a limit of the ratio.

That was the exact point of confusion, I think I got it now though thanks.

pasmith said:
The limit <br /> \lim_{x \to 0} f&#039;(x) does not exist. However the limit <br /> f&#039;(0) = \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{f(x)}{x} does exist. Thus f is differentiable at 0 but f&#039; is not continuous at 0.

This was the exact thing I needed to know, thanks.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K