What is the one-sided limit of the derivative at x = 2 for the given function?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the one-sided limit of the derivative of a piecewise function at the point x = 2. Participants are exploring the left-hand and right-hand derivatives, with a focus on the calculations involved in determining these limits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the right-side derivative at x = 2 is 1/2 but expresses difficulty in finding the left-side derivative.
  • Another participant suggests that there is no difficulty and claims the left-hand limit is also 1/2, but does not provide a detailed explanation.
  • A further participant asks for clarification on the methods used to find the left-side derivative, inquiring whether the first principles or standard differentiation rules are being applied.
  • One participant provides a mathematical expression for the left-side limit and encourages others to complete the simplification to find the derivative value.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the left-side derivative, with one participant asserting it is 1/2 while another expresses uncertainty in reaching that conclusion. The discussion remains unresolved as participants explore different approaches.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not yet provided complete calculations for the left-side limit, and there are indications of missing steps in the differentiation process. The discussion is dependent on the correct application of differentiation techniques.

cbarker1
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Finding the one-sided derivatives for f, when c=2.f(x)={\begin{array}{cc}x/2+1,&\mbox{ if }
x< 2\\\sqrt{2x}, & \mbox{ if } x\geq 2\end{array}

Right-side derivative is 1/2. But I have trouble with the left-side.

Thank You

Cbarker1
 
Last edited:
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Cbarker1 said:
Finding the one-sided derivatives for f, when c=2.f(x)={\begin{array}{cc}x/2+1,&\mbox{ if }
x< 2\\\sqrt{2x}, & \mbox{ if } x\geq 2\end{array}

Right-side derivative is 1/2. But I have trouble with the left-side.

Thank You

Cbarker1

Try again, there is no difficulty. You should find the left hand limit is 1/2
 
Cbarker1 said:
Finding the one-sided derivatives for f, when c=2.f(x)={\begin{array}{cc}x/2+1,&\mbox{ if }
x< 2\\\sqrt{2x}, & \mbox{ if } x\geq 2\end{array}

Right-side derivative is 1/2. But I have trouble with the left-side.

Thank You

Cbarker1

Can you show us what you tried for the left side? Are you differentiating from first principles (the difference quotient limit) or using standard rules of differentiation?

Incidentally, if you wish to use $\LaTeX$ to write a piecewise function, use the begin/end environment as follows:

[noparsetex]$$f(x)=\begin{cases}\dfrac{x}{2}+1 & x<2 \\&\\ \sqrt{2x} & x\qe 2 \\\end{cases}$$[/noparsetex]

to get:

$$f(x)=\begin{cases}\dfrac{x}{2}+1 & x<2 \\&\\ \sqrt{2x} & x\ge 2 \\\end{cases}$$
 
First, let's approach $x=2$ from the left:

$$\lim_{x\to2^{-}}\left(f'(x)\right)$$

For $x<2$, we are given:

$$f(x)=\frac{x}{2}+1$$

Hence:

$$f'(x)\equiv\lim_{h\to0}\left(\frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{(x+h)-x}\right)=\lim_{h\to0}\left(\frac{\left(\dfrac{x+h}{2}+1\right)-\left(\dfrac{x}{2}+1\right)}{h}\right)$$

Can you complete the simplification to obtain the value of the derivative, and then using that, find the one-sided limit?

Then, do the same for the right-side. If you get stuck, post your progress, and we will help. :D
 

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