Questions about Derivatives and Continuity.

In summary, we discussed the example of a function with discontinuous derivative in the metric space C^1([0,1]) and questioned if there are other examples. We also explored the concept of continuity on disjoint sets and concluded that it is possible for a function to be continuous in that case.
  • #1
Bachelier
376
0
1. Is this the only example of a function ##f(x) \in C^1([0,1])## with discontinuous derivative

$$f(x) = \begin{cases}
x^2 sin(\frac{1}{x}) & \textrm{ if }x ≠ 0 \\
0 & \textrm{ if }x = 0 \\
\end{cases}$$

It seems this example is over-used. Do we have other examples besides this one in whatever metric space?2. Also, can a function from a disjoint set be continuous (under the usual metric)?

For instance

##H(x) \ : \ [-∞,-1] \cup [1,∞] → \mathbb{R}##

## \hspace{5 cm} x \mapsto |x| ##​
 
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  • #2
Take,

f(x)=-x2/2 , x<0

f(0)=0

f(x)=x2/2 , x>0

Then f'(x)=|x| .

Try also using the fact that every a.e. continuous function is Riemann-integrable and

the FThm of Calc.
 
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  • #3
Bachelier said:
2. Also, can a function from a disjoint set be continuous?

For instance

##H(x) \ : \ [-∞,-1] \cup [1,∞] → \mathbb{R}##

## \hspace{5 cm} x \mapsto |x| ##​

Yes; consider a basic open set (a,b) in ℝ . What is its inverse image under f? Check that its

open under the ( I assume you're using) subspace topology of the domain.

EDIT: Like Ivy wrote, the statement disjoint set may be imprecise. I think you mean either a disconnected set, or a set that is not a continuum.
 
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  • #4
What do you mean by as "disjoint" set? In topology one defines a function, from topological space A to topological space B, to be "continuous" if and only if the inverse image of an open set is open. That is, f:A-> B is continuous if and only if, for any open set X in B, f-1(X) is open in A.

One type of "disjoint" set might be one with the "discrete" topology in which every set is "open". If A has the discrete topology, the f:A-> B for any B is trivially continuous. On the other hand, f:B->A generally will NOT be continuous.
 
  • #5
Bachelier said:
1. Is this the only example of a function ##f(x) \in C^1([0,1])## with discontinuous derivative

$$f(x) = \begin{cases}
x^2 sin(\frac{1}{x}) & \textrm{ if }x ≠ 0 \\
0 & \textrm{ if }x = 0 \\
\end{cases}$$

It seems this example is over-used. Do we have other examples besides this one in whatever metric space?

I wish to remark that differentiation doesn't necessarily need to make sense in arbitrary metric spaces.

2. Also, can a function from a disjoint set be continuous?

For instance

##H(x) \ : \ [-∞,-1] \cup [1,∞] → \mathbb{R}##

## \hspace{5 cm} x \mapsto |x| ##​

That is continuous.
 
  • #6
HallsofIvy said:
What do you mean by as "disjoint" set? In topology one defines a function, from topological space A to topological space B, to be "continuous" if and only if the inverse image of an open set is open. That is, f:A-> B is continuous if and only if, for any open set X in B, f-1(X) is open in A.

One type of "disjoint" set might be one with the "discrete" topology in which every set is "open". If A has the discrete topology, the f:A-> B for any B is trivially continuous. On the other hand, f:B->A generally will NOT be continuous.

everything under the Euclidean metric
 

What are derivatives and why are they important?

Derivatives are mathematical tools used to measure the rate of change of a function at a specific point. They are important because they help us understand the behavior of functions and can be used to solve real-world problems in fields such as physics, economics, and engineering.

What is the difference between a derivative and a differential?

A derivative is a function that represents the instantaneous rate of change of another function at a given point, while a differential is an infinitesimal change in the value of a function. In other words, a derivative is the slope of a curve at a specific point, while a differential is a change in the value of that curve at that point.

How do you find the derivative of a function?

The derivative of a function can be found by using the rules of differentiation, which vary depending on the type of function. These rules include the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule. Alternatively, derivatives can also be found using numerical methods or by using software such as Wolfram Alpha.

What is continuity and why is it important?

Continuity is a property of a function where there are no abrupt jumps or breaks in the graph. It means that the limit of the function at a point is equal to the function value at that point. Continuity is important because it allows us to make accurate predictions and draw conclusions about the behavior of a function, and it is a necessary condition for a function to be differentiable.

What are the different types of discontinuities?

There are three types of discontinuities: removable, jump, and infinite. A removable discontinuity occurs when there is a hole in the graph, a jump discontinuity occurs when there is a sudden change in the graph, and an infinite discontinuity occurs when the function approaches positive or negative infinity at a specific point.

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