Chapter 2: Problem 16
True or False: If a function is continuous at a number, then it is differentiable at that number.
Short Answer
Expert verified
False. Continuity does not imply differentiability.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Continuity
A function is continuous at a number, say \( x = a \), if the limit of the function as \( x \) approaches \( a \) is equal to the value of the function at \( a \). Formally, a function \( f \) is continuous at \( x = a \) if \( \lim_{x \to a} f(x) = f(a) \). This means there are no breaks, jumps, or holes at \( a \).
02
Understanding Differentiability
A function is differentiable at a point \( x = a \) if the derivative \( f'(a) \) exists at that point. This requires that the function is smooth and not just continuous; it implies the function has a well-defined tangent at that point without any sharp corners or cusps.
03
Relationship Between Continuity and Differentiability
While differentiability implies continuity (if a function is differentiable at \( a \), then it must be continuous at \( a \)), the converse is not always true. Continuity does not guarantee differentiability. A classic counterexample is the absolute value function \( f(x) = |x| \), which is continuous at \( x = 0 \), but not differentiable there.
04
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the statement "If a function is continuous at a number, then it is differentiable at that number" is false. There exist functions which are continuous at a point but not differentiable at the same point.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Differentiability
Knowing if a function is differentiable at a point is a key aspect of calculus. Differentiability at a point means the function has a well-defined derivative at that specific location. In simpler terms, the function should be 'smooth' at that point. No sharp turns or corners. Think of the slope of a curve; differentiability ensures the slope (or rate of change) exists.
- A function is differentiable at a number, say \( x = a \), if \( f'(a) \) exists.
- This implies the function needs to be continuous at \( a \), but more importantly, it can't have any abrupt changes.
- If a function isn't smooth, it means it could have sharp edges, like the vertex of the absolute value function \( f(x) = |x| \).
Continuity
Continuity is one of the foundational concepts in calculus, describing a function that is unbroken or uninterrupted at a certain point. If a function is continuous at \( x = a \), it means the graph of the function travels smoothly through \( a \) without any breaks or jumps.
- For continuity at a specific point \( x = a \), three conditions must be true:
- First, \( f(a) \) must be defined. The function needs to have a real output at \( a \).
- Second, \( \lim_{x \to a} f(x) \) must exist. As \( x \) approaches \( a \), \( f(x) \) approaches the same limit.
- Finally, \( \lim_{x \to a} f(x) = f(a) \). The limit as \( x \) approaches \( a \) should match the function's actual value at \( a \).
Limits
Limits are essential to understanding both continuity and differentiability. A limit refers to the value that a function approaches as the input approaches some value. They are key to solving calculus problems related to continuity and differentiability.
- The notation \( \lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L \) means that as \( x \) approaches \( a \), the function \( f(x) \) gets closer to \( L \).
- Limits help determine the behavior of functions near points of interest, especially where the function might not be explicitly defined.
- If the right-hand and left-hand limits at a point converge to the same number, the limit at that point exists.