Is this function differentiable at c=1?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter cbarker1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derivative
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The function f(x) defined as f(x) = x for x ≤ 1 and f(x) = x² for x > 1 is not differentiable at c = 1. The left-hand limit as x approaches 1 is 1, while the right-hand limit is 2, indicating a discontinuity in the derivative. Consequently, since the limits are not equal, the function fails to meet the criteria for differentiability at that point. Understanding these limits is crucial for analyzing piecewise functions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of piecewise functions
  • Knowledge of limits and continuity
  • Familiarity with the definition of differentiability
  • Basic calculus concepts, including derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of one-sided limits in calculus
  • Learn about continuity and differentiability criteria
  • Explore piecewise function analysis techniques
  • Investigate the implications of discontinuities on derivatives
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, educators teaching mathematical analysis, and anyone interested in understanding the differentiability of piecewise functions.

cbarker1
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
345
Reaction score
23
f'(x) is equal to the limit of x approaches to c of the (f(x)-f(c))/(x-c), and c=1.

f(x)=\begin{array}{cc}x,&\mbox{ if }
x\leq 1\\x^2, & \mbox{ if } x>1\end{array}The function is a piece wise function.Thanks

CBarker1
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You need to investigate two one-sided limits. Can you state these two limits?
 
Cbarker1 said:
f'(x) is equal to the limit of x approaches to c of the (f(x)-f(c))/(x-c), and c=1.

f(x)=\begin{array}{cc}x,&\mbox{ if }
x\leq 1\\x^2, & \mbox{ if } x>1\end{array}The function is a piece wise function.Thanks

CBarker1

The function is not differentiable at 1 because the limit from the left is 1 but the limit from the right is 2.
 
Fermat said:
The function is not differentiable at 1 because the limit from the left is 1 but the limit from the right is 2.

(Wait) I was actually hoping the OP could state the two one-sided limits and then discover these values on their own. (Nod)
 
I have worked out the problem. I see the limits are not equal to each other. Thank you.
 
For future reference:

A function is continuous at a point if the function is defined at that point, and also the left hand and right hand limits are both equal to that function value.

A function is differentiable at a point if the function is continuous at that point, and also if the derivative is continuous at that point.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K