# Thoughts on the derivative of a function

Homework Statement:
Prove that
##f(x) = \left \{ \begin{matrix} x^2 & \mbox{if }\;x\in \mathbb Q \\ 6(x-3)+9 & \mbox{if }\;x\in \mathbb R\setminus \mathbb Q\end{matrix}\right.##
has a derivative only at ##x=3##.
Relevant Equations:
Analysis, algebra, number sets
(a) ##f(x)## is continous only at ##x=3##:
1- If ##x\in\mathbb Q##, ##f(x)=9## at ##x=3##; around, there is ##\mathbb Q##
2- If ##x\in \mathbb R\setminus \mathbb Q##, this is the set of irrational numbers.

Intuitively, if ##x## was in ##\mathbb R##, ##x^2## and ##6(x-3)+9## would meet at ##x=3##; but, around ##x=3##, there are ##\mathbb Q## and ##\mathbb R\setminus Q##.
(b) If ##f:\mathbb R \to \mathbb R##, it's easy to prove that ##f(x)## has a derivative at 3: 6.

Greetings!

haruspex
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(a) ##f(x)## is continous only at ##x=3##:
Intuitively, if ##x## was in ##\mathbb R##, ##x^2## and ##6(x-3)+9## would meet at ##x=3##; but, around ##x=3##, there are ##\mathbb Q## and ##\mathbb R\setminus Q##.
(b) If ##f:\mathbb R \to \mathbb R##, it's easy to prove that ##f(x)## has a derivative at 3: 6.
Neither of those is a proof.
Start by quoting the definitions of continuity and differentiability.

joshmccraney, bhobba and mcastillo356
vela
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Can you explain why f isn't continuous for ##x \ne 3##?

docnet and mcastillo356
Can you explain why f isn't continuous for ##x \ne 3##?
If ##x\in \mathbb Q##, the graph of ##x^2## is a sequence of points; between those points, gaps.
If ##x\in \mathbb R\setminus\mathbb Q##, the same problem.
Neither of those is a proof.
Start by quoting the definitions of continuity and differentiability.
Continuity at an inner point
We say that a function ##f## is continous at an inner point ##c## of its domain if
$$\displaystyle\lim_{x \to {c}}{f(x)}=f(c)$$
For example, the domain of ##f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}## is the closed interval ##[-2,2]##, formed by the inner points of ##(-2,2)##, the -2 at left, and the 2 at the outer right.
Differentiability
The derivative of a funtion ##f## is another function ##f'## defined this way
$$f'(x)=\displaystyle\lim_{h \to{0}}{\dfrac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}}$$
at each point ##x## where the limit exists (it is a finite number). If ##f'(x)## exists, ##f## is differentiable at ##x##.
It's a translation from spanish . I guess the domain is a single point: 3. I'm I wrong?
Greetings!

PeroK
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If ##x\in \mathbb Q##, the graph of ##x^2## is a sequence of points; between those points, gaps.
If ##x\in \mathbb R\setminus\mathbb Q##, the same problem.

Continuity at an inner point
We say that a function ##f## is continous at an inner point ##c## of its domain if
$$\displaystyle\lim_{x \to {c}}{f(x)}=f(c)$$
For example, the domain of ##f(x)=\sqrt{4-x^2}## is the closed interval ##[-2,2]##, formed by the inner points of ##(-2,2)##, the -2 at left, and the 2 at the outer right.
Differentiability
The derivative of a funtion ##f## is another function ##f'## defined this way
$$f'(x)=\displaystyle\lim_{h \to{0}}{\dfrac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}}$$
at each point ##x## where the limit exists (it is a finite number). If ##f'(x)## exists, ##f## is differentiable at ##x##.
It's a translation from spanish . I guess the domain is a single point: 3. I'm I wrong?
Greetings!
It's not a question of being wrong. This is pure mathematics where you are expected to prove things formally.

It may be "obvious" that ##f## is continuous at ##x = 3## and discontinuous elsewhere, but you are being asked to prove that formally.

Does this make sense, given your recent course material?

bhobba, docnet and mcastillo356
Office_Shredder
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What is ##\lim_{c\to x} f(c)## when we restrict to ##c\in \mathbb{Q}## (note, this says nothing about where x lives!) What is ##\lim_{c\to x} f(c)## when ##c\notin \mathbb{Q}##? What is required for ##\lim_{c\to x}f(c)## to exist when c can be any real number?

pbuk, docnet and mcastillo356
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For a formal proof, start with the ##\epsilon##, ##\delta## definition of continuity and show that the function is not continuous except at ##x=3##. Then, do you have a theorem that a function with a derivative at a point must be continuous at that point?

mcastillo356
haruspex
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I guess the domain is a single point: 3
No, the domain of a function is the set of points for which its value is defined. You are told the domain is ##\mathbb R##:
##f(x) = \left \{ \begin{matrix} x^2 & \mbox{if }\;x\in \mathbb Q \\ 6(x-3)+9 & \mbox{if }\;x\in \mathbb R\setminus \mathbb Q\end{matrix}\right.##
To show it is continuous at 3 you need to show that:
- for any ε>0 there exists δ > 0 s.t. if |x-3|<δ then |f(x)-f(3)|<ε.

You are also asked to show it is not continuous anywhere else.

bhobba, docnet and mcastillo356
To show it is continuous at 3 you need to show that:
- for any ε>0 there exists δ > 0 s.t. if |x-3|<δ then |f(x)-f(3)|<ε.

##|x^2-9|=|(x+3)(x-3)|=|x+3|\cdot|x-3|##
##x\in[2,4]\Rightarrow{|x+3|\leq 7}##
##|x^2-9|\leq 7\cdot |x-3|\leq7\cdot \dfrac{\epsilon}{7}=\epsilon##
##\delta=\dfrac{\epsilon}{7}##
##\lim_{x \to{3}}{x^2}=9=f(3)##

##|6(x-3)+9-9|=|6x-18|=6\cdot |x-3|##
##\delta=\dfrac{\epsilon}{6}##
##\lim_{x \to{3}}{(6(x-3)+9)}=9=f(3)##

Therefore, ##f## is continous at ##x=3##

For a formal proof, start with the ##\epsilon##, ##\delta## definition of continuity and show that the function is not continuous except at ##x=3##.

Sorry, any hint?

Does this make sense, given your recent course material?

WWGD
haruspex
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##|x^2-9|=|(x+3)(x-3)|=|x+3|\cdot|x-3|##
##x\in[2,4]\Rightarrow{|x+3|\leq 7}##
##|x^2-9|\leq 7\cdot |x-3|\leq7\cdot \dfrac{\epsilon}{7}=\epsilon##
##\delta=\dfrac{\epsilon}{7}##
##\lim_{x \to{3}}{x^2}=9=f(3)##

##|6(x-3)+9-9|=|6x-18|=6\cdot |x-3|##
##\delta=\dfrac{\epsilon}{6}##
##\lim_{x \to{3}}{(6(x-3)+9)}=9=f(3)##

Therefore, ##f## is continous at ##x=3##
I'm afraid you don't show any grasp of how continuity works.
Of course ##\lim_{x \to{3}}{x^2}=9=f(3)##, but you need to show ##\lim_{x \to{3}}f(x)=f(3)##.
I spelt out exactly the form of proof that is needed in post #8. It is called an ε-δ proof.
The task for you is to figure out an algorithm by which to select a value of δ for a given value of ε. Then show that if x is within δ of 3 then regardless of whether x is rational or irrational, f(x) is within ε of 9.
There are no shortcuts.

bhobba, docnet and mcastillo356
PeroK
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##|x^2-9|=|(x+3)(x-3)|=|x+3|\cdot|x-3|##
##x\in[2,4]\Rightarrow{|x+3|\leq 7}##
##|x^2-9|\leq 7\cdot |x-3|\leq7\cdot \dfrac{\epsilon}{7}=\epsilon##
##\delta=\dfrac{\epsilon}{7}##
##\lim_{x \to{3}}{x^2}=9=f(3)##

##|6(x-3)+9-9|=|6x-18|=6\cdot |x-3|##
##\delta=\dfrac{\epsilon}{6}##
##\lim_{x \to{3}}{(6(x-3)+9)}=9=f(3)##

Therefore, ##f## is continous at ##x=3##
This looks reasonable to me, but it's not what you were asked to prove. In fact, you may even be allowed to assume what you've proved here. I.e. for this question you may be allowed to assume that all polynomials of a real variable are continuous everywhere.

In any case, whether you assume this or prove it first, the specific aspect of this question is a function that is defined as two different polynomials, one on the rationals and one on the irrationals.

To show the discontinuity, I would think of sequences of rationals and irrationals converging to an arbitrary point ##a##.

docnet and mcastillo356
haruspex
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##|x^2-9|=|(x+3)(x-3)|=|x+3|\cdot|x-3|##
##x\in[2,4]\Rightarrow{|x+3|\leq 7}##
##|x^2-9|\leq 7\cdot |x-3|\leq7\cdot \dfrac{\epsilon}{7}=\epsilon##
##\delta=\dfrac{\epsilon}{7}##
##\lim_{x \to{3}}{x^2}=9=f(3)##

##|6(x-3)+9-9|=|6x-18|=6\cdot |x-3|##
##\delta=\dfrac{\epsilon}{6}##
##\lim_{x \to{3}}{(6(x-3)+9)}=9=f(3)##

Therefore, ##f## is continous at ##x=3##
Ah.. reading through the above again I see what you were trying to say. What you meant was,
Given ε > 0, choose x ∈ (3-ε/7, 3+ε/7)∩(2,4).
if x rational then |f(x)-9|=|x2-9| ... etc. ... < ε.
If x irrational then |f(x)-9|=|6(x-3)| ... etc. ... < ε.

bhobba and mcastillo356
Well, the truth is that trying to make sense of my erratic steps, now I guess I've taken a first restriction for ##\delta##: ##x \in{[2,4]}##, and then a second one: ##|x-3|\leq \dfrac{\epsilon}{7}##. Now it's enough to choose ##\delta\leq \dfrac{\epsilon}{7}##. This implies that for any ##\epsilon>0##, we take ##\delta=\mbox{min}\left(3,\dfrac{\epsilon}{7}\right)##.
And I think there is another mistake: there are two ##\delta##: to ensure this piecewise (is piecewise a right word?) function is continous at ##x=3##, we must choose the shortest one.
This looks reasonable to me, but it's not what you were asked to prove. In fact, you may even be allowed to assume what you've proved here. I.e. for this question you may be allowed to assume that all polynomials of a real variable are continuous everywhere.
Let's assume it for a while.
In any case, whether you assume this or prove it first, the specific aspect of this question is a function that is defined as two different polynomials, one on the rationals and one on the irrationals.

To show the discontinuity, I would think of sequences of rationals and irrationals converging to an arbitrary point ##a##.
Is it possible to prove the discontinuity with my background?(Basic knowledge of limits, continuity, and differentiation)
Thanks!

Office_Shredder
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I think you should think about post #6 that I put up earlier. It lets you prove continuity/discontinuity much easier for every point (and is more educational for how to think about things like this in the future)

mcastillo356
PeroK
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Is it possible to prove the discontinuity with my background?(Basic knowledge of limits, continuity, and differentiation)
Thanks!
Yes, it's just a little awkward, that's all. Let's call the two polynomial functions p(x) and q(x).

To prove continuity at x=3, as you say, you should have two deltas covering the rational and irrational cases.

To prove the discontinuity at other points, a: if a is rational, you can consider a sequence of irrational points converging to a. And vice versa. Then use the fact that p(a)≠q(a), which means that |p(a)−q(a)|=b>0. Then use the convergence of the sequence to p(a) or q(a). You're effectively using the fact that a sequence cannot converge to two separate limits.

For differentiability at x=3, you can use the same idea of using the differentiability of each polynomial and the two deltas approach again.

That would be my strategy.

mcastillo356
WWGD
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Yet another perspective, hoping to help.
If your point ##x_0## is in ##\mathbb Q##, your function takes the value ##x_0^2##. Now, there will be points##x_i## in ##\mathbb R-\mathbb Q## that are indefinitely close to ##x_0## ( Why?). In the latter, the function will take values ##6x_i-9##. For any ##\epsilon>0## , there will be points ##x_i## satisfying ##|x_0-x_i|< \delta ## which must also satisfy ##|f(x_0)-f(x_i)| < \epsilon##, because of continuity.

SammyS and mcastillo356
haruspex
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I think you should think about post #6 that I put up earlier. It lets you prove continuity/discontinuity much easier for every point (and is more educational for how to think about things like this in the future)
While that works, it might not be quite obvious that only considering sequences within ##\mathbb{Q}## and sequences entirely outside ##\mathbb{Q}## is enough. Seems like a lemma is needed to show that covers sequences that are arbitrary mixes.

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Office_Shredder
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While that works, it might not be quite obvious that only considering sequences within
##\mathbb{Q}## and sequences entirely outside ##\mathbb{Q}## is enough. Seems like a lemma is needed to show that covers sequences that are arbitrary mixes.

I agree, but it's pretty straightforward and it saves having to do an epsilon delta proof for every time you see this type of problem.

Yes, it's just a little awkward, that's all. Let's call the two polynomial functions p(x) and q(x).

To prove continuity at x=3, as you say, you should have two deltas covering the rational and irrational cases.

To prove the discontinuity at other points, a: if a is rational, you can consider a sequence of irrational points converging to a. And vice versa. Then use the fact that p(a)≠q(a), which means that |p(a)−q(a)|=b>0. Then use the convergence of the sequence to p(a) or q(a). You're effectively using the fact that a sequence cannot converge to two separate limits.

For differentiability at x=3, you can use the same idea of using the differentiability of each polynomial and the two deltas approach again.

That would be my strategy.

Well, let's start proving discontinuity at other points:

##\left\{x_n=\left(1+\dfrac{1}{n}\right)^n\right\}_{n=0}^{\infty}=e##

##\left\{x_n=\dfrac{e}{n}\right\}_{n=0}^{\infty}=0##

##p(e)=6(e-3)+9=6e-9##
##q(0)=0##

Well, is this a good start?

PeroK
No, it is not. Let's forget it

PeroK
PeroK
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Well, let's start proving discontinuity at other points:

##\left\{x_n=\left(1+\dfrac{1}{n}\right)^n\right\}_{n=0}^{\infty}=e##

##\left\{x_n=\dfrac{e}{n}\right\}_{n=0}^{\infty}=0##

##p(e)=6(e-3)+9=6e-9##
##q(0)=0##

Well, is this a good start?
What is that?! It's an original approach at least.

The obvious way to start is to let ##a \ne 3## and, first, let ##a## be rational, so that ##f(a) = a^2##

Now, if we take a sequence of irrational points, ##x_n##, that converges to ##a##, then we have ##f(x_n) = 6x_n - 9##. Can you make progress from there?

mcastillo356
haruspex
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Well, let's start proving discontinuity at other points:
This part is where it is easier to see how to use the approach in post #6.
For a≠3, consider a sequence of rationals converging to a and a sequence of irrationals converging to a.

mcastillo356
Hi, PF, what about if I link this thread at the spanish maths forum "Rincón Matemático"?. I've realized my lack of background, and my gaps in English. To accomplish them I would also appreciate very much your help. I know it's unusual, it's just an idea to keep on moving, the next step to give a try, from my point of view. RM is ready. What is your opinion?.
Greetings!

As someone pointed out. Maybe an argument using sequences instead of epsilon/delta argument would be easier, and a bit more intuitive.

A good start, it acquaint yourself with the definition of continuity using epsilon/delta and the one using sequences. There is another formulation using neighborhoods, but I believe, its less intuitive than the others for beginning students.

After practicing them a bit, you could prove that they are all equivalent.

My suggestion is to practice on two easier problems. Ie., showing that a function is continuous and showing that a function is discontinuous. Then return to this one. It is apparent that you lack an understanding of continuity and differentiation. So trying to work this problem out at this stage may be wasted time...

mcastillo356
Hi,PF

What is ##\lim_{c\to x} f(c)## when we restrict to ##c\in \mathbb{Q}## (note, this says nothing about where x lives!) What is ##\lim_{c\to x} f(c)## when ##c\notin \mathbb{Q}##? What is required for ##\lim_{c\to x}f(c)## to exist when c can be any real number?

I've been at the spanish forum, RM: we've came to the conclusion that some background on sequences and topology is needed to face the question, and I have none of them.
My decision is to give a last chance: the quote above. Is there an easier answer to the statement of the thread, based on an undergraduate's skills and lacks?.
I've also translated and wrote down the quote, but RM leads me again to topology.
My question: can you give me some more hints on Office_Shredder's quote?.