Is this function differentiable at c=1?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiability of a piecewise function at the point c=1. Participants explore the necessary conditions for differentiability, including the evaluation of one-sided limits and continuity.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants state that the derivative at c=1 can be evaluated using the limit definition of the derivative.
  • One participant suggests investigating the two one-sided limits to determine differentiability.
  • Another participant claims that the function is not differentiable at 1 because the left-hand limit is 1 and the right-hand limit is 2.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of the one-sided limits and encourages the original poster to discover these values independently.
  • One participant confirms that they have worked out the problem and acknowledges that the limits are not equal.
  • Another participant provides definitions regarding continuity and differentiability, noting that differentiability requires continuity and the continuity of the derivative at that point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the differentiability of the function at c=1, with some asserting it is not differentiable due to unequal limits, while others focus on the process of determining these limits.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the need for one-sided limits and continuity in the discussion, but the specific assumptions or definitions used by participants are not fully explored.

cbarker1
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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
 
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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.
 

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