*Quiz.

Determine whether the function is

continuous or not on the intervals given. In either
case, briefly explain why.

2,3
1, 0
1, 2
2, 6
1, 2
0, 2

x3

f x 1

1 x
1 x 2
x2

*DIFFERENTIABL FUNCTIONS
Unit 4

*THE DERIVATIVE OF A FUNCTION

*Slope
Suppose a curve has equation
a point on the curve with coordinates

, and let P be
.

* Let us find the tangent line to the curve that passes

through P.

* Consider any point Q

coordinates

that is on the curve with

* The secant line containing P and Q

.

has slope

*Slope of Secant

* Let Q approach P by letting x approach a.

* The line PQ approaches the tangent line at point P.
* Hence, the slope of the secant line approaches the
slope of the tangent line.

*Tangent Line
click

* The tangent line to the curve

at the point

is the line with slope

provided this limit exists.

*This limit can also be expressed as

*Tangent Line

* The derivative of a function f at a number a,

denoted by

, is given by

if this limit exists.

* It can also be given by

*Derivative of a Function

*Example.

Find the derivative of

at a number a.

*Example.

Determine

when

*A function is differentiable at a number a

if

exists.

*Example:

*f is differentiable at 1 and 0.
*In fact, f is differentiable at any real number.

*Differentiability

*Example:

*g

is differentiable at 1.
does not exist

*g is not differentiable at 0.
*g is differentiable at every positive real number.

*Differentiability

*If

, then its derivative may be

expressed as

*Other Notations

*Exercise.
Find an equation for the tangent to the curve

f x x 4 x 1 at the point 2,1 .

2

*Exercise.

f x x 4x 1
2

Find equations for the tangents to the curve at the

points where the slope of the tangent line is -8.

*Exercise.
Verify:

F x 2 x 3x 1
2

G x
1
H x
x

x 3

F ' x 4x 3
1
G ' x
2 x 3
H ' x

1
x

* WHEN DOES A FUNCTION NOT HAVE A

DERIVATIVE AT A POINT?

Whenever the secant line fails to take up a single

limiting position or become vertical as Q
approaches P.

* WHEN DOES A FUNCTION NOT HAVE A

DERIVATIVE AT A POINT?
At a point on the graph where is has

A corner

* WHEN DOES A FUNCTION NOT HAVE A

DERIVATIVE AT A POINT?
At a point on the graph where is has

A corner

x
f x x
x

x0
x0

* WHEN DOES A FUNCTION NOT HAVE A

DERIVATIVE AT A POINT?
At a point on the graph where is has

A cusp

* WHEN DOES A FUNCTION NOT HAVE A

DERIVATIVE AT A POINT?
At a point on the graph where is has

A cusp

f x

* WHEN DOES A FUNCTION NOT HAVE A

DERIVATIVE AT A POINT?
At a point on the graph where is has

A vertical tangent

* WHEN DOES A FUNCTION NOT HAVE A

DERIVATIVE AT A POINT?
At a point on the graph where is has

A vertical tangent

f x

* WHEN DOES A FUNCTION NOT HAVE A

DERIVATIVE AT A POINT?
At a point on the graph where is has

A discontinuity

* WHEN DOES A FUNCTION NOT HAVE A

DERIVATIVE AT A POINT?
At a point on the graph where is has

A discontinuity

* WHEN DOES A FUNCTION NOT HAVE A

DERIVATIVE AT A POINT?
At a point on the graph where is has

A discontinuity

*Exercise.

At which value(s) of x , if any, will

f(x) not exist given the graph of f.

f x x 2x 2
4

*Exercise.

At which value(s) of x , if any, will

f(x) not exist given the graph of f.

f x arctan x

*Exercise.

At which value(s) of x , if any, will

f(x) not exist given the graph of f.

f x arccos x