Chapter 2: Problem 51
Describe the \(x\) -values at which the function is differentiable. Explain your reasoning. $$ y=|x+3| $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function \( y = |x + 3| \) is differentiable for all values of \( x \) except \( x = -3 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the kink point
Set the expression \( x + 3 \) inside the absolute value equal to zero. Solve for \( x \) to get the critical point where the function is not differentiable. So, \( x + 3 = 0 \) leads to \( x = -3 \).
02
Range of Differentiability
For a function to be differentiable, it must be continuous and have a single valued and non-vertical tangent line at every point in its domain. The absolute value function fails to meet this criterion at \( x = -3 \) because it has a kink at \( x = -3 \). So, the function is differentiable for all \( x\) values except \( x = -3 \).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Kink Point
A kink point is a specific location on a graph where the graph changes direction suddenly, creating a sharp corner. At these points, the slope of the tangent cannot be defined because the left-hand derivative and the right-hand derivative are not the same. For the function given in our exercise, \( y = |x + 3| \), a kink point occurs at \( x = -3 \).
- The kink is created because the expression inside the absolute value \( x + 3 \) switches from positive to negative or vice versa at this point.
- At this juncture, the slope is discontinuous, meaning the function cannot have a single defined tangent line.
- This characteristic is crucial because it affects the function's differentiability.
Absolute Value Function
The absolute value function transforms any input into its non-negative form. Mathematically, the expression is given by \( y = |x| \). In this scenario, for \( y = |x + 3| \), the graph shifts the basic absolute value graph three units to the left.
- This shift occurs because every value of \( x \) in \( x + 3 \) is offset by adding 3.
- The resulting graph is a "V" shaped curve opening upwards with its lowest point at \( x = -3 \).
- Due to this V shape, there is a sharp turn at \( x = -3 \), making this function non-differentiable at that point.
Continuity
Continuity in functions is a foundational concept in calculus, essential for understanding differentiability. A function is continuous at a point when there is no break, jump, or hole in the graph at that location. For \( y = |x+3| \):
- The function is continuous everywhere because absolute value functions do not have any breaks or jumps.
- Even at \( x = -3 \), where we have a kink point, the function does not "break" but maintains continuity as the values approach and leave \(-3\).
- This continuity is a necessary (but not solely sufficient) condition for differentiability.
Critical Point
Critical points in the realm of calculus are points on a function's graph where the derivative is zero or undefined. They are significant in analyzing the behavior of that function. With the function \( y = |x + 3| \), we identify \( x = -3 \) as a critical point.
- At critical points like \( x = -3 \), the function is not differentiable, as the graph harbors a kink.
- This is indicative because the derivative, which is the slope of the tangent line, cannot be consistently defined at these points.
- While critical points often highlight maximum or minimum values or points of inflection, here it emphasizes a discontinuity in the derivative.