On differentiability on endpoints of an open interval

In summary, limit of function is when there exists a limit of lim(x->p) s(x) for all x in domain E. Differentiability is when there exists a limit of lim(x->p) s(x) for all x in domain E.
  • #1
jwqwerty
43
0
Before asking a question I would first like to mention the definitions of limit of function and differentiality at x=p

1) Limit of function (f) at x=p
Let E be domain of f and p be a limit point of E. Let Y be the range of f.

If there exists q∈E such that for all ε>0 there exists δ>0 such that for all x∈E for which d(x,p)<δ implies d(f(x),q)<ε. Then we say that f(x)->q as x->p or lim(x->p) f(x)=q

2) Differentiable at x=p (a ≤ x ≤ b)
Let E=[a,b] be domain of f. Let Y be the range of f.

If there exists limit of lim(x->p) s(x) (s(x)=[f(x)-f(p)]/[x-p] , where a< x < b), then f is differentiable at x=p.

Sorry for the long definition! This is my question.

Let E=(a,b) be deomain of f. Let Y be the range of f. Isn't it differentiable at x=a?



As you can see in the picture, we can find a limit 'q' of all ε>0 there exists δ>0 such that for all x∈E for which d(x,p)<δ implies d(f(x),q)<ε. Thus lim(x->a) s(x)=q (by definition 1) )

Please do ask me if anything's unclear!
 

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  • #2
If we "Let E=(a,b) be domain of f" then f is not even defined at x= a or x= b so certainly not differentiable!
 
  • #3
HallsofIvy said:
If we "Let E=(a,b) be domain of f" then f is not even defined at x= a or x= b so certainly not differentiable!

but look how differentiability at x=p is defined : lim(x->p) s(x)
and this is why i have written definition of limit of function
because there is a close relationship between them

let's look at an example
f(x)=x^2 where domain(E) is E=(0,1) ∪ (1,2) and E⊂R (real number, metric space)
because 1∉E, does this mean lim(x->1) f(x) does not exist?
In fact it does exist, which is 1!
 
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  • #4
In your first post, you defined s(x)= (f(x)- f(p))/(x- p). If f(p) is not defined, then neither is s(x) for any x.
 
  • #5
HallsofIvy said:
In your first post, you defined s(x)= (f(x)- f(p))/(x- p). If f(p) is not defined, then neither is s(x) for any x.

i still don't get it
by my example, like you said at x=1 it is not defined but there is still a limit value lim(x->1)f(x)
likewise, at x=a it is not defined but there can be a limit value, which is lim(x->a)s(x)
 
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  • #6
Having a limit value at a point does not mean it is defined at that point. Your difference quotient would be
[tex]
\dfrac{f(x) - f(1)}{x-1}
[/tex]

If [itex] f(1) [/itex] is not defined, this quotient is not defined.
 
  • #7
statdad said:
Having a limit value at a point does not mean it is defined at that point. Your difference quotient would be
[tex]
\dfrac{f(x) - f(1)}{x-1}
[/tex]

If [itex] f(1) [/itex] is not defined, this quotient is not defined.

E=(0,1) union (1,2)
f is a function from E to R
s is a function from E to R

f(x)=x^2
s(x)=[f(x)-f(1)]/[x-1]

hmm then why is there a difference between existence of limit between these two even though f(x) or s(x) is not defined at x=1?
lim(x->1) f(x)=1 (exists)
lim(x->1) s(x) ? (doesn't exist?)
 
  • #8
The limit for s does not exist because f(1) is not defined, so there is no number to use in that spot in the numerator.
It is true that your f does not have to be defined at x=1 to have a limit there, because the limit depends only on values of x that are 'close to, but not equal to' 1.
Your fraction doesn't have that property: it requires a value be known for f(1): since f is not defined there it doesn't have a value, so s is not defined.
You can't confuse a limit value with a function value, which is what you're doing.
 
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  • #9
statdad said:
The limit for s does not exist because f(1) is not defined, so there is no number to use in that spot in the numerator.
It is true that your f does not have to be defined at x=1 to have a limit there, because the limit depends only on values of x that are 'close to, but not equal to' 1.
Your fraction doesn't have that property: it requires a value be known for f(1): since f is not defined there it doesn't have a value, so s is not defined.
You can't confuse a limit value with a function value, which is what you're doing.

thanks a bunch :)
 

Related to On differentiability on endpoints of an open interval

1. What is the concept of "differentiability" in mathematics?

Differentiability is a mathematical concept that describes the smoothness or the rate of change of a function. A differentiable function is one that has a well-defined derivative (slope) at every point in its domain.

2. Why is it important to study differentiability on the endpoints of an open interval?

Studying differentiability on the endpoints of an open interval allows us to better understand the behavior of a function at these critical points. It also helps us determine the continuity of a function and identify any potential discontinuities.

3. How does differentiability on the endpoints of an open interval differ from that on a closed interval?

On a closed interval, the endpoints are included in the domain of the function, so the concept of differentiability is well-defined. However, on an open interval, the endpoints are not included in the domain, so we have to use a slightly different approach to determine differentiability at these points.

4. What are some common examples of functions that are not differentiable on the endpoints of an open interval?

Some common examples include absolute value functions, piecewise-defined functions, and functions with vertical asymptotes at the endpoints of the open interval. These functions typically have sharp corners or discontinuities at the endpoints, making it impossible to define a derivative at these points.

5. How does the concept of differentiability on the endpoints of an open interval relate to real-world applications?

In real-world applications, we often encounter functions that are not differentiable at certain points, such as in physics, economics, and engineering. By studying differentiability on the endpoints of an open interval, we can better understand the behavior of these functions and make more accurate predictions and models.

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