Prove f(x) is differentiable at x=1 where f(x)=2x^2 x=<1, =4x-1 x>1

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the differentiability of the piecewise function f(x) defined as 2x² for x ≤ 1 and 4x - 1 for x > 1 at the point x = 1. Participants explore the concepts of differentiation and continuity in relation to this function.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that to prove differentiability, one must evaluate the limits of the derivative from both sides of x = 1.
  • Others emphasize the importance of checking continuity at x = 1 before determining differentiability.
  • A few participants express confusion regarding the concepts of differentiation and integration, with some mistakenly conflating the two.
  • One participant points out that a function cannot be differentiable if it is not continuous at the point in question.
  • There are multiple interpretations of the original question, leading to some misunderstandings about the requirements for proving differentiability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the approach to proving differentiability, with some focusing on limits and continuity while others express confusion about differentiation versus integration.

Contextual Notes

Some participants appear to lack clarity on the definitions and relationships between differentiation and integration, which may affect their contributions to the discussion.

sara_87
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prove f(x) is differentiable at x=1:
f(x)=2x^2 x(less than or equal to)1
4x-1 x>1
 
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do you mean:
d/dx:= d/dx(2x^2x) * d/dx(2x) ala function of a function?

i'm probably wrong.
 
no, i mean it's in piecewise form with the big curly brackets
 
You Mean Integration.

Argh, My Integration is Rusty.
its the opposite of Differentiation.

so 2x would be x^2
2x^2x ...i don't know, because its F(X)^G(X).

You need to hear from somebody else on this.
 
yeah i think i do need to hear from somebody else on this cos u didnt understand the question ;)
i have to prove that it is differentiable at x=1 it has nothing to do with integration.
thanks anyway
 
The derivative of a function at a point can be expressed as the limit of an expression. You should be able to get two limits; one for each branch of the function. If these are the same, then the function is differentiable at x=1.
 
It's amazing how complicated one can make a question when it is meant to be simple. (Not meant to the OP.)
 
cristo said:
The derivative of a function at a point can be expressed as the limit of an expression. You should be able to get two limits; one for each branch of the function. If these are the same, then the function is differentiable at x=1.

thanx v much i think i can do it now.
 
You might also want to check that it is continuous. For example,
[tex]f(x) = \left\{<br /> \begin{array}{rl}<br /> 0 & \text{ if } x \le 0 \\<br /> 1 & \text{ if } x > 0<br /> \end{array}[/tex]
will give you 0 for the derivative when approaching from the left or right to zero, though at x = 0 the function is not continuous at all.
 
Last edited:
  • #10
PhY said:
You Mean Integration.

Argh, My Integration is Rusty.
its the opposite of Differentiation.

so 2x would be x^2
2x^2x ...i don't know, because its F(X)^G(X).

You need to hear from somebody else on this.

No, he meant differentiation. Determine whether
[tex]f(x) = \left\{ \begin{array}{rl} 2x^2 & \text{ if } x \le 1 \\ 4x-1 & \text{ if } x > 1 \end{array}[/tex]
is differentiable at x= 1

Compuchip's suggestion is etremely good here: a function can't be differentiable if it is't continuous at the point! What is the limit of f as you approach 1 from the left? What is the limit as you approach from the right?
 
  • #11
PhY said:
Argh, My Integration is Rusty.
its the opposite of Differentiation.
Or more precisely, [tex]\frac{d}{dx}\int^x_a f(t) dt = f(x)[/tex] where a is a constant. "The Opposite of differentiation" is what people told me before I started integral calculus as well, and it screwed up my understanding a heap load.

2x^2x ...i don't know, because its F(X)^G(X).

You need to hear from somebody else on this.

Just in case you want to know, you let y=2x, and express the remaining integral in terms of the exponential and logarithmic functions.
 
  • #12
I still don't see why you would want to do integration.
It's a partwise defined function, all you need to do is show that the function and the derivative are continuous.
 

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