Chapter 2: Problem 79
Use the alternative form of the derivative to find the derivative at \(x=c\) (if it exists). \(h(x)=|x+5|, \quad c=-5\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The derivative of the function \(h(x)=|x+5|\) at the point \(x=c=-5\) does not exist.
Step by step solution
01
Find the function's expressions for left and right of x=c
The absolute value function \(|x+5|\) can be expressed differently for the two sides of the point \(x=c=-5\). For \(x<-5\), the function is \(h(x)=-x-5\), and for \(x>-5\), the function is \(h(x)=x+5\).
02
Compute the derivative for the left and right
For \(x<-5\) and for \(x>-5\), the derivative of \(h(x)\) can be computed using the general derivative rule \(h'(x) = \lim_{\Delta x \to 0} \frac{h(x + \Delta x) - h(x)}{\Delta x}\). Here, for \(x<-5\), we get \(h'_{left} = \lim_{\Delta x \to 0} \frac{-x-\Delta x-5-(-x-5)}{\Delta x} = -1\). Similarly, for \(x>-5\), we get \(h'_{right} = \lim_{\Delta x \to 0} \frac{x+\Delta x+5-(x+5)}{\Delta x} = 1\).
03
Check equality of the values at x=c
The derivative will exist at \(x=c=-5\) only if the derivative from the left and right are both the same at that point, that is, if \(h'_{left}(c)= h'_{right}(c)\). However, we have \(h'_{left} = -1\) and \(h'_{right} = 1\). These are not equal, implying that the derivative does not exist at \(x=c=-5\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Derivative
In calculus, the derivative of a function is a measure of how a function's output value changes as its input changes. You can think of the derivative as the slope of the tangent line to a curve at a given point. This idea helps to understand how quantities change and enables solving complex real-world problems.
To find the derivative, we analyze the function in respect to the change in its variables. The formal definition involves the limit of the difference quotient:
To find the derivative, we analyze the function in respect to the change in its variables. The formal definition involves the limit of the difference quotient:
- Derivatives describe rates of change.
- Symbolically, if \( y = f(x) \), then the derivative is \( f'(x) \).
- The derivative is foundational for applications in physics, economics, and beyond.
Absolute Value Function
The absolute value function is unique as it always provides the non-negative value of any number or expression. For example, the absolute value of both \( -5 \) and \( 5 \) is \( 5 \). This characteristic makes it very special and interesting to calculate its derivative.
Let's see how it is expressed mathematically:
Let's see how it is expressed mathematically:
- The absolute value function \( |x| \) is defined piecewise.
- For \( x \geq 0 \), \( |x| = x \).
- For \( x < 0 \), \( |x| = -x \).
Limit Process
The limit process is a fundamental concept in calculus, allowing us to understand the behavior of functions as input values approach a specific point. When finding the derivative, we use this process to measure the instantaneous rate of change at a point by considering what happens as we get infinitely close to that point.
The steps to achieve this are:
The steps to achieve this are:
- Apply the classic limit formula \( \lim_{\Delta x \to 0} \frac{f(x+\Delta x)-f(x)}{\Delta x} \).
- Assess whether the result converges to a single value from both directions.
- Recognize that if it doesn't, the function has no derivative at that point.
Existence of Derivative
The existence of a derivative at a certain point hinges on the agreement of the derivatives from both sides of that point. In simpler terms, a function has a derivative at a point if the rate of change does not jump or break, no matter the direction from which we approach that point.
Key factors include:
Key factors include:
- Checking if left-hand and right-hand limits match.
- No sharp corners or cusps at the point in question.
- In absolute terms, the left and right derivatives must equate.