Piecewise Differentiable Equation?

In summary, K and M are constants and the function h(x) is given by kx^2 + 1 for 0<x<2 and mx - 3 for 2<x<5. To find the values of k and m, we must set the two parts of the function equal to each other and substitute x=2. This gives us two conditions to solve for k and m: h is continuous and differentiable at x=2. Using the definitions of h and the given conditions, we can write out two equations with two unknowns to solve for k and m.
  • #1
bman123
5
0

Homework Statement


K and M are constants. If h is differentiable at x=2, what are the values of k and m.
h(x)= kx^2 + 1, 0<x<2
mx - 3, 2<x<5

All of the "<" signs are "less than or equal to"

Homework Equations

Not sure



The Attempt at a Solution

I tried setting the two parts of the function equal to each other and substituting 2 for x, but it doesn't work. Not sure what to do. ANy help would be greatly appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I think you're on the right track. Saying h is differentiable at x=2 actually gives you 2 conditions:

h is continuous, so [itex] \lim_{x \to 2^-} h(x) = \lim_{x \to 2^+} h(x)[/itex]

h is differentiable, so [itex]\lim_{x \to 2^-} h'(x) = \lim_{x \to 2^+} h'(x)[/itex]

Write out what each of these means using the definition of h, which should give you 2 equations with 2 unknowns.
 

What is a piecewise differentiable equation?

A piecewise differentiable equation is a mathematical equation that is made up of multiple differentiable functions that are defined on different intervals. This means that the equation can be broken down into different parts, each of which has a distinct rule or formula for determining the value of the function.

How is a piecewise differentiable equation different from a regular differentiable equation?

A regular differentiable equation is a single equation that is differentiable over its entire domain. A piecewise differentiable equation, on the other hand, is made up of multiple equations that are differentiable on different intervals. This allows for more flexibility in the behavior of the function.

What is the significance of using a piecewise differentiable equation?

Piecewise differentiable equations are useful for modeling real-world situations where the behavior of a function may change abruptly or have different rules in different scenarios. They are also helpful in simplifying complex functions by breaking them down into more manageable parts.

How is a piecewise differentiable equation evaluated?

To evaluate a piecewise differentiable equation, you must determine which interval the input value falls within and then use the corresponding function to determine the output value. It is important to pay attention to any discontinuities or points of non-differentiability in the equation.

What are some common applications of piecewise differentiable equations?

Piecewise differentiable equations are commonly used in fields such as physics, economics, and engineering to model real-world phenomena such as population growth, changes in demand, and physical systems with varying behavior. They are also used in computer science and data analysis to represent complex algorithms and data sets.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
280
Replies
12
Views
378
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
941
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
0
Views
163
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
232
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
534
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
815
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
278
Back
Top