Understanding Differentiability of f at x = 0

In summary, the paragraph explains that even if a function is differentiable everywhere, its derivative can still be discontinuous. However, the graph of the derivative cannot have a "hole" discontinuity. The first function provided in the conversation would make the function differentiable at x = 0, while the second function is not defined at x = 0. The derivative of a function cannot have a "jump" discontinuity and must have the intermediate value property.
  • #1
Miike012
1,009
0
The paragraph says, " Even if the function f is an everywhere differentiable function, it is still possible for f ' to be discountinuous. However, the graph of f ' can never exhibit a discountinuity of ..." picture is in paint document...

What type of discountinuity is that? a hole discountinuity?

second Question: Is my understanding correct? This is my explanation why f is not differentiable at some x value.

Given
f ' (x) =
x , x>0
x^2 x<0
7 , x = 0.

Therefore, the graph of the differnetiable function should have a similar discontinuity as the one shown in the paint document. (Determining the limit)
lim f ' (x) as x → 0- = lim f ' (x) as x → 0+ = 0 however because lim Δx → 0 [ f(0 + Δx) - f(0) ]/Δx is equal to f ' (0) = 7 ≠ 0, therefore the function f non differentiable at x = 0 because inorder for f to be diff at 0, f'(0) must equal 0

Is my understanding why f is not differentiable at x = 0 correct?

Next, If I wanted to make f differentiable at x could I do this by defining one of two functions...

f ' (x) =
x , x>0
x^2 x<0
0 , x = 0.

OR
f ' (x) =
x , x>0
x^2 x<0

Would this work to make f diff at x = 0?
 

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  • #2
The answer to your last question is yes for the first function. The second function is not defined in 0.
 
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  • #3
While the derivative of a function is not necessarily continuous, it must have the "intermediate value propert"- if f'(x0)= a and f'(x1)= then, between x0 and x1, f' must take on all values between a and b. From that, it follows that a derivative cannot have a "jump" discontinuity (the left and right limits exist but are different).
 

1. What is the definition of differentiability at x = 0?

Differentiability at x = 0 means that the function f has a well-defined derivative at the point x = 0. This means that the function is smooth and continuous at this point, and the slope of the tangent line at x = 0 exists and is finite.

2. How do you determine if a function is differentiable at x = 0?

To determine if a function is differentiable at x = 0, you can use the definition of differentiability or the limit definition of a derivative. If the limit of the difference quotient exists as x approaches 0, then the function is differentiable at x = 0.

3. What is the significance of differentiability at x = 0?

Differentiability at x = 0 is significant because it indicates that the function is smooth and continuous at this point. This means that the function is well-behaved and can be approximated by a linear function at x = 0, making it easier to analyze and solve problems involving the function.

4. Can a function be continuous but not differentiable at x = 0?

Yes, a function can be continuous but not differentiable at x = 0. This means that the function is smooth and continuous at this point, but the slope of the tangent line at x = 0 does not exist or is infinite. An example of this is the absolute value function, which is continuous but not differentiable at x = 0.

5. How does the differentiability of a function at x = 0 affect its overall differentiability?

The differentiability of a function at x = 0 does not necessarily affect its overall differentiability. A function can be differentiable at x = 0 but not differentiable at other points, and vice versa. However, if a function is differentiable at all points, then it is considered to be overall differentiable.

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