Math Problem Statement

Determine the values of a and b which would result in the function f(x) being differentiable at X = 1. f() = Зах + 1 3622

  • 3x - 9 for for X < 1 X > 1

Solution

To ensure the function f(x)f(x) is differentiable at x=1x = 1, we must first ensure that it is continuous at x=1x = 1 and that the derivative from both sides at x=1x = 1 is equal.

Given:

\begin{cases} 3ax + 1 & \text{for } x < 1, \\ 3bx^2 - 3x - 9 & \text{for } x > 1. \end{cases}$$ ### Step 1: Continuity at $$x = 1$$ For $$f(x)$$ to be continuous at $$x = 1$$: $$\lim_{{x \to 1^-}} f(x) = \lim_{{x \to 1^+}} f(x) = f(1)$$ **Left-hand limit:** $$\lim_{{x \to 1^-}} f(x) = 3a(1) + 1 = 3a + 1$$ **Right-hand limit:** $$\lim_{{x \to 1^+}} f(x) = 3b(1)^2 - 3(1) - 9 = 3b - 3 - 9 = 3b - 12$$ Setting these equal for continuity: $$3a + 1 = 3b - 12$$ $$3a - 3b = -13 \quad \text{(Equation 1)}$$ ### Step 2: Differentiability at $$x = 1$$ For $$f(x)$$ to be differentiable at $$x = 1$$, the derivatives from both sides must also be equal: **Left-hand derivative:** $$f'(x) \text{ for } x < 1: \quad \frac{d}{dx} (3ax + 1) = 3a$$ **Right-hand derivative:** $$f'(x) \text{ for } x > 1: \quad \frac{d}{dx} (3bx^2 - 3x - 9) = 6bx - 3$$ At $$x = 1$$: $$f'(1) = 6b(1) - 3 = 6b - 3$$ Setting these equal for differentiability: $$3a = 6b - 3$$ $$3a - 6b = -3 \quad \text{(Equation 2)}$$ ### Step 3: Solving the System of Equations We now solve the system of equations: 1. $$3a - 3b = -13$$ 2. $$3a - 6b = -3$$ Subtract Equation 1 from Equation 2: $$(3a - 6b) - (3a - 3b) = -3 - (-13)$$ $$-3b = 10$$ $$b = -\frac{10}{3}$$ Substitute $$b = -\frac{10}{3}$$ into Equation 1: $$3a - 3\left(-\frac{10}{3}\right) = -13$$ $$3a + 10 = -13$$ $$3a = -23$$ $$a = -\frac{23}{3}$$ ### Final Answer The values of $$a$$ and $$b$$ that make the function $$f(x)$$ differentiable at $$x = 1$$ are: $$a = -\frac{23}{3}, \quad b = -\frac{10}{3}$$ --- Do you have any questions or would you like more details on any step? ### Related Questions: 1. How do you check if a function is continuous at a point? 2. What is the geometric interpretation of differentiability at a point? 3. How can the concept of limits help in understanding the continuity of functions? 4. What is the significance of having equal derivatives from both sides at a point? 5. Can you give an example of a function that is continuous but not differentiable at a point? ### Tip: When solving systems of equations, it's helpful to simplify one equation at a time to make substitution or elimination straightforward.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differentiability
Limits
System of Equations

Formulas

Derivative formulas

Theorems

Differentiability implies continuity

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate