Chapter 4: Problem 48
(a) Show that \(f(x)=x^{4 / 3}\) is differentiable at \(0,\) but not twice differentiable at 0 (b) Show that \(f(x)=x^{7 / 3}\) is twice differentiable at \(0,\) but not three times differentiable at 0 (c) Find an exponent \(k\) such that \(f(x)=x^{k}\) is \((n-1)\) times differentiable at \(0,\) but not \(n\) times differentiable at 0
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Find the first derivative
Check the second derivative for \(f(x) = x^{4/3}\)
Find the first and second derivatives for \(f(x) = x^{7/3}\)
Check the third derivative for \(f(x) = x^{7/3}\)
Generalize for exponent \(k\) to find \(f(x) = x^k\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Higher Order Derivatives
- The second derivative indicates the function's concavity, helping us understand how the graph curves.
- The third derivative, also known as the "jerk," gives insight into the rate of change of acceleration, which can be crucial in physics and engineering.
- Higher order derivatives continue this pattern, providing even deeper insights into the function's behavior.
Non-differentiability Points
- A common cause of non-differentiability is when the derivative at a point like \( x = 0 \) becomes infinite or undefined, as with \( f(x) = x^{4/3} \) and its second derivative.
- Each higher order derivative must also be checked for definition at the desired point, as seen with \( f(x) = x^{7/3} \), where the third derivative \( f'''(x) = \frac{28}{27}x^{-2/3} \) is undefined at zero.
- Recognizing non-differentiable points helps in understanding not just the geometry of functions, but also their applicability in real-world modeling, such as physics or financial markets.
Power Functions
- The derivatives of power functions follow a straightforward rule: the derivative of \( x^k \) is \( kx^{k-1} \).
- These functions reveal how differentiability changes with the exponent's value. For instance, \( f(x) = x^{4/3} \) is differentiable at zero but not twice, while \( f(x) = x^{7/3} \) is twice differentiable but fails the third derivative at zero.
- Understanding power functions is essential for solving various calculus problems, especially those involving limits and series expansions.
Calculus Problems
- Such exercises typically involve showing if functions like \( x^k \) are differentiable at certain points, and to what extent (first, second, or higher orders).
- They highlight the importance of identifying where and why a function may not be differentiable, enhancing comprehension and application of core calculus principles.
- By solving these problems, learners develop a better grasp of how calculus tools can be applied to analyze and model real scenarios.