On differentiability on endpoints of an open interval

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of differentiability at the endpoints of an open interval, specifically questioning whether a function can be considered differentiable at points where it is not defined. Participants explore definitions of limits and differentiability, using examples to illustrate their points.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines the limit of a function and differentiability at a point, questioning if a function can be differentiable at an endpoint of an open interval.
  • Another participant argues that if the domain is an open interval, the function is not defined at the endpoints, thus cannot be differentiable there.
  • A participant attempts to illustrate their point with the example of a function defined on two intervals, questioning if the limit exists at a point where the function is not defined.
  • Several participants emphasize that the difference quotient for differentiability requires the function to be defined at the point in question, challenging the initial claim about limits and differentiability.
  • There is a discussion about the distinction between the existence of a limit and the definition of a function at a specific point, with some participants asserting that limits can exist even if the function is not defined at that point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus. There are competing views on whether a function can be differentiable at points where it is not defined, and the relationship between limits and function values remains contested.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the implications of limits existing at points where functions are not defined, and there are unresolved questions regarding the definitions and relationships between limits and differentiability.

jwqwerty
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Before asking a question I would first like to mention the definitions of limit of function and differentiality at x=p

1) Limit of function (f) at x=p
Let E be domain of f and p be a limit point of E. Let Y be the range of f.

If there exists q∈E such that for all ε>0 there exists δ>0 such that for all x∈E for which d(x,p)<δ implies d(f(x),q)<ε. Then we say that f(x)->q as x->p or lim(x->p) f(x)=q

2) Differentiable at x=p (a ≤ x ≤ b)
Let E=[a,b] be domain of f. Let Y be the range of f.

If there exists limit of lim(x->p) s(x) (s(x)=[f(x)-f(p)]/[x-p] , where a< x < b), then f is differentiable at x=p.

Sorry for the long definition! This is my question.

Let E=(a,b) be deomain of f. Let Y be the range of f. Isn't it differentiable at x=a?



As you can see in the picture, we can find a limit 'q' of all ε>0 there exists δ>0 such that for all x∈E for which d(x,p)<δ implies d(f(x),q)<ε. Thus lim(x->a) s(x)=q (by definition 1) )

Please do ask me if anything's unclear!
 

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If we "Let E=(a,b) be domain of f" then f is not even defined at x= a or x= b so certainly not differentiable!
 
HallsofIvy said:
If we "Let E=(a,b) be domain of f" then f is not even defined at x= a or x= b so certainly not differentiable!

but look how differentiability at x=p is defined : lim(x->p) s(x)
and this is why i have written definition of limit of function
because there is a close relationship between them

let's look at an example
f(x)=x^2 where domain(E) is E=(0,1) ∪ (1,2) and E⊂R (real number, metric space)
because 1∉E, does this mean lim(x->1) f(x) does not exist?
In fact it does exist, which is 1!
 
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In your first post, you defined s(x)= (f(x)- f(p))/(x- p). If f(p) is not defined, then neither is s(x) for any x.
 
HallsofIvy said:
In your first post, you defined s(x)= (f(x)- f(p))/(x- p). If f(p) is not defined, then neither is s(x) for any x.

i still don't get it
by my example, like you said at x=1 it is not defined but there is still a limit value lim(x->1)f(x)
likewise, at x=a it is not defined but there can be a limit value, which is lim(x->a)s(x)
 
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Having a limit value at a point does not mean it is defined at that point. Your difference quotient would be
<br /> \dfrac{f(x) - f(1)}{x-1}<br />

If f(1) is not defined, this quotient is not defined.
 
statdad said:
Having a limit value at a point does not mean it is defined at that point. Your difference quotient would be
<br /> \dfrac{f(x) - f(1)}{x-1}<br />

If f(1) is not defined, this quotient is not defined.

E=(0,1) union (1,2)
f is a function from E to R
s is a function from E to R

f(x)=x^2
s(x)=[f(x)-f(1)]/[x-1]

hmm then why is there a difference between existence of limit between these two even though f(x) or s(x) is not defined at x=1?
lim(x->1) f(x)=1 (exists)
lim(x->1) s(x) ? (doesn't exist?)
 
The limit for s does not exist because f(1) is not defined, so there is no number to use in that spot in the numerator.
It is true that your f does not have to be defined at x=1 to have a limit there, because the limit depends only on values of x that are 'close to, but not equal to' 1.
Your fraction doesn't have that property: it requires a value be known for f(1): since f is not defined there it doesn't have a value, so s is not defined.
You can't confuse a limit value with a function value, which is what you're doing.
 
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statdad said:
The limit for s does not exist because f(1) is not defined, so there is no number to use in that spot in the numerator.
It is true that your f does not have to be defined at x=1 to have a limit there, because the limit depends only on values of x that are 'close to, but not equal to' 1.
Your fraction doesn't have that property: it requires a value be known for f(1): since f is not defined there it doesn't have a value, so s is not defined.
You can't confuse a limit value with a function value, which is what you're doing.

thanks a bunch :)
 

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