Solving for f(x)=|log x| in Function Question Homework Statement

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the function f(x) = |log x| and the evaluation of the truth of certain statements regarding its derivative at specific points. Participants are exploring the behavior of the function and its derivatives, particularly around x = 1 and x = 0.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conditions under which the derivative exists and the implications of approaching x = 1 from the left and right. There is also consideration of the definition of the function at x = 0 and the meaning of the notation used in the statements.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the nature of the derivatives and the limits involved, while others express confusion regarding the notation and the definitions used. The conversation is ongoing, with multiple interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty about the notation "1+" and its implications for the derivative, as well as the definition of the function at x = 0. Participants are questioning whether to evaluate the derivatives directly or through limits.

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Homework Statement



If f(x)=| log x | , then state whether the following are true or false :
a)y'(1+) =1/x
b)y'(1)=1
c)y'(0)= ∞ (infinity)


Homework Equations



|y| = y if y >=0
|y| = -y if y<0


The Attempt at a Solution



a)The first one is true because if x > 1, then y > 0 and | y | is y. So, y' = 1/x

b)If x=1, y=0 and so |y| = y . So y' =1/x = 1

c)If x=0, y is not defined ?

I am having trouble with b) and c) . I don't understand whether to check by putting values first (which would give all constant, and IMO is wrong) or later as I have done.
The answers are T,F,F

Any help is appreciated
 
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For part b, (I'm assuming y=f), y'(x) exists if y'(x+) = y'(x-) (this is for a particular x). So you need to show the derivative from the left = the derivative from the right (or show it doesn't)

Otherwise, for example, let y=|x|. y(0) = 0, so y'(0) = x' = 1. But this is clearly false.

For part c, I'm tempted to guess they want y'(x) as x->0 from above (otherwise you're absolutely correct). This is actually negative infinity (it cna be seen just by graphing y), so it's false either way.
 
f(x) said:

Homework Statement



If f(x)=| log x | , then state whether the following are true or false :
a)y'(1+) =1/x
b)y'(1)=1
c)y'(0)= ∞ (infinity)


Homework Equations



|y| = y if y >=0
|y| = -y if y<0


The Attempt at a Solution



a)The first one is true because if x > 1, then y > 0 and | y | is y. So, y' = 1/x

b)If x=1, y=0 and so |y| = y . So y' =1/x = 1

c)If x=0, y is not defined ?

I am having trouble with b) and c) . I don't understand whether to check by putting values first (which would give all constant, and IMO is wrong) or later as I have done.
The answers are T,F,F

Any help is appreciated
Office shredder made a good try but what you've written makes very little sense. For one thing you say that f(x)= |log x| but then never mention f again! Is y = f?

"y'(1+)= 1/x" What does "1+" mean? OfficeShreder interpreted it to mean the "right derivative" or "limit from the right" but if that were correct and you are asking for the derivative as you approach x= 1 from the right, then there would be no "x" in the derivative.

If x> 1 then f(x)= log x. What is the derivative of that? What is the limit of the derivative as x-> 1 from above? If x< 1, then f(x)= - log(x). What is the derivative of that? What is the limit of that as x-> -1 from below?

Yes, you are correct that f(0) is not defined and neither is f'(0). I personally don't like saying that something is infinity when it is not defined! However, here, I think you need to look at what happens to |log x| and its derivative for numbers like x= 0.0001, x= 0.00000001, etc.
 
Thx OfficeShredder and Halls for the help.

HallsofIvy said:
Office shredder made a good try but what you've written makes very little sense. For one thing you say that f(x)= |log x| but then never mention f again! Is y = f?

"y'(1+)= 1/x" What does "1+" mean?

sorry about the ambiguity but I can't help, I just copied all that's there in in the text. I rechecked but i see no corrections to make. I s'pose 1+ to mean Numbers greater than one. And about y being f, i think its true else the question doesn't make sense to me.

HallsofIvy said:
If x> 1 then f(x)= log x. What is the derivative of that? What is the limit of the derivative as x-> 1 from above? If x< 1, then f(x)= - log(x). What is the derivative of that? What is the limit of that as x-> -1 from below?
LHL is not equal to RHL, so is the function not differentiable at x=1?
 

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