CHAPTER

06
Continuity and
Differentiability
Learning Part
Session 1
● Continuous Function

● Continuity of a Function at a Point

Session 2
● Continuity in an Interval or Continuity at End Points

Session 3
● Discontinuity of a Function

Session 4
● Theorems Based on Continuity

● Continuity of Composite Function

Session 5
● Intermediate Value Theorem

Session 6
● Differentiability : Meaning of Derivative

Session 7
● Differentiability in an Interval

Practice Part
● JEE Type Examples
● Chapter Exercises

Arihant on Your Mobile !

Exercises with this #L
symbol can be practised on your mobile. See title inside to activate for free.
Session 1
Continuous Function,
Continuity of a Function at a Point
Introduction to Continuity (i) lim – f ( x ) and lim+ f ( x ) exist but are not equal.
x ®a x ®a
A real function is continuous at a fixed point if we can (ii) lim – f ( x ) and lim+ f ( x ) exist and are equal but not
draw the graph of the function around that point without x ®a x ®a
lifting the pen from the plane of the paper. In case one has equal to f (a ) .
to lift the pen at a point, the graph of the function is said (iii) f (a ) is not defined.
to have a break or discontinuous at that point, say x = a.
(iv) Atleast one of the limit doesn’t exist.
Different types of situations, which may come up at x = a
along the graph, can be shown as below Now, we will discuss different conditions for a function to be
Y Y
discontinuous in detail
(i) lim- f ( x ) and lim+ f ( x ) exists but are not equal.
x ®a x ®a

Here, lim f ( x ) = l 1
x ®a–

x=a X x=a X and lim f ( x ) = l 2

O O x ®a+
Continuous at x = a Discontinuous at x = a \ lim – f ( x ) and lim+ f ( x ) exist but are not equal.
Y x ®a x ®a
Y
Thus, f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = a. It does not
matter whether f (a ) exist or not.
Graphically This conditions can be illustrated as
Y
x=a X
X O l1
O x=a f (x)
Discontinuous at x = a Discontinuous at x = a
Y Y l2

x=a X
O

Figure 6.2
x=a X X
O O |x|
x=a y Example 1 If f ( x ) = . Discuss the continuity at x = 0.
Discontinuous at x = a Discontinuous at x = a x
Figure 6.1
|x |
l There should be heading ‘‘continuity of a function at Sol. Here, f (x ) =
x
point’’
\ RHL at x = 0
l A function f ( x ) is said to be continuous at x = a; where
a Î domain of f ( x ), if lim – f ( x ) = lim+ f ( x ) = f (a ) Let x =0+h
x ®a x ®a | 0 + h| h
i.e. LHL = RHL = Value of a function at x = a i.e. lim f ( x ) = lim f (0 + h ) = lim = lim = 1
x ® 0+ h ®0 h ®0 0 + h h ®0 h
or lim f ( x ) = f (a )
x ®a Þ lim f ( x ) = 1
x ® 0+
l If f ( x ) is not continuous at x = a, we say that f ( x ) is
discontinuous at x = a, f ( x ) will be discontinuous at x = a Again, LHL at x = 0
in any of the following cases Let x = 0–h
 Chap 06 Continuity and Differentiability 313

i.e. lim f ( x ) = lim f (0 – h ) ì2x + 3, when x < 0

x ® 0– h ®0
| 0 – h| h ï
= lim = lim
®
= –1 y Example 2 If f ( x ) = í0, when x = 0.
h ®0 0–h h 0 –h
ï x 2 + 3, when x > 0
Þ lim f ( x ) = – 1 Þ lim + f ( x ) ¹ lim – f ( x ). î
x ® 0– x ®0 x ®0
Discuss the continuity at x = 0.
Thus, f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = 0.
Graphically Here, ì2x + 3, when x < 0
ï
Y
Sol. Here, f ( x ) = í0, when x = 0
ï x 2 + 3, when x > 0
î
1
\ RHL at x = 0, let x = 0 + h
X
O i.e. lim f ( x ) = lim f (0 + h )
–1 x ® 0+ h ®0
= lim {(0 + h )2 + 3 } = 3
h ®0

ì x Þ lim + f ( x ) = 3
, x >0
|x | ï x ì 1, x > 0 x ®0
f (x ) = =í =í Again, LHL at x = 0, let x = 0 – h
–1, x < 0
– , x <0 î
x ï x
î x i.e. lim – f ( x ) = lim f (0 – h )
x ®0 h ®0
0
and f (0) = [indeterminate form] = lim {2(0 – h ) + 3 } = 3
0 h ®0

Þ It is not defined. Þ lim f ( x ) = 3

x ® 0–
Which shows, the graph is broken at x = 0. But f ( 0) = 0
Where, lim – f ( x ) = – 1 and lim + f ( x ) = – 1
x ®0 x ®0 Therefore, lim f ( x ) = lim – f ( x ) = 3 ¹ f (0)
x ® 0+ x ®0
Thus, lim f ( x ) doesn’t exist and hence function is
x ®0 Thus, f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = 0.
discontinuous. Graphically
Remark Y
0
Here, f ( x ) is not defined at x = 0, as f( 0 ) = . [indeterminate form]
0
So, we could say directly that the function is discontinuous at x = 0 3 f (x) = x2 + 3

(ii) lim- f ( x ) and lim+ f ( x ) exist and are equal but

x ®a x ®a
not equal to f (a ) . X′ X
O
Here, lim f ( x ) = lim+ f ( x ) = L f (x) = 2x+3 f (0) = 0
x ®a– x ®a

f (a ) is also defined but f (a ) ¹ L.

Y′
So, limit of f ( x ) exists at x = a. But, it is not
continuous at x = a. Here, lim – f ( x ) = 3
x ®0
Graphically This conditions can be illustrated as lim f ( x ) = 3
x ® 0+
Y f ( 0) = 0
f (x) Thus, lim f ( x ) = lim + f ( x ) = 3 ¹ f (0)
x ® 0– x ®0
f (a) Hence, f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = 0.
L (iii) f (a ) is not defined.
Here, lim+ f ( x ) = L
x ®a
X′ a X
O
and lim f ( x ) = L
x ®a–

Y′ But, f (a ) is not defined. So, f ( x ) is discontinuous

Figure 6.3 at x = a.
314 Textbook of Differential Calculus

Graphically This conditions can be illustrated as ì2x + 3, – 3 £ x < – 2

ï
Y Sol. Graphically f ( x ) = í x + 1, – 2 £ x < 0 is plotted as shown
ï x + 2, 0£ x £1
î
L
Y
x+2
3

X′ x=a X 2
O
1
f(x) = x+1
X′ X
–2 –1 0 1
Y′ –1
Figure 6.4
–2
x2 –1 f(x)=2x+3
y Example 3 If f ( x ) = . Y′
–3
x–1
Here, if we observe the graph we could conclude that at
Discuss the continuity at x = 1.
x = 0, lim – f ( x ) = 1 and lim + f ( x ) = 2, which shows that
x2 –1 x ®0 x ®0
Sol. Here, f (x ) =
x –1 the function is discontinuous at x = 0 and continuous at
every other point in [– 3,1].
x2 –1
lim f ( x ) = lim
x ®1 x ®1 x – 1 y Example 5 Examine the function,
( x – 1)( x + 1) ì cos x
= lim ï , x ¹ p/ 2
x ®1 ( x – 1) f ( x ) = í p/ 2 – x for continuity at x = p/ 2.
ï1, x = p/ 2
= lim ( x + 1) = 2 î
x ®1
cos x
0 Sol. We have, lim f ( x ) = lim
But f ( 1) = [indeterminate form] x ® p/ 2 x ® p/ 2 p/ 2 – x
0
[as x ¹ p/ 2 but x ® p/ 2]
\ f (1) is not defined at x = 1.
cos x é0 ù
Hence, f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = 1. = lim êë 0 form úû
p/ 2 – x
x ® p/ 2
Graphically
–sin x
= lim [applying L’Hospital’s rule]
Y x ® p/ 2 0 – 1

p
Þ lim f ( x ) = sin =1
2 x2 – 1 (x + 1) x ® p/ 2 2
f (x) = =
x–1
Also, f ( p / 2) = 1
1
\ lim f ( x ) = f ( p/ 2)
X′ X x ® p/ 2
0 1
Thus, f ( x ) is continuous at x = p/ 2.

Y′ y Example 6 Discuss the continuity of f ( x ) = [tan –1 x ].

Here, lim f ( x ) = 2 but f (1) is not defined. Sol. We know, y = tan –1 x could be plotted as
x ®1
Y
So, f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = 1. π
–
2 tan–1 x
y Example 4 Show that the function
ì2x + 3, – 3 £ x < – 2 1
ï X′ X
f ( x ) = í x + 1, – 2 £ x < 0 –tan 1 0 tan 1
ï x + 2, 0£ x £1 –1
î
–π
is discontinuous at x = 0 and continuous at every other –
2
point in interval [– 3, 1]. Y′
 Chap 06 Continuity and Differentiability 315

Thus, f ( x ) = [tan –1 x ] could be plotted as y Example 8 Let

Y e tan x - e x + log (sec x + tan x ) - x
π
– f (x ) = be a
2
tan x - x
1
continuous function at x = 0. The value of f (0) equals
1 2
X′
0 tan 1
X (a) (b)
–tan 1 2 3
–1
3
(c) (d) 2
2 2
Y′ Sol. For continuity at x = 0, we have
Which clearly shows the graph is broken at f (0) = lim f ( x )
{–tan 1, 0, tan 1}. x ®0
\ f ( x ) is not continuous when x Î {–tan 1, 0, tan 1}. e tan x - e x log(sec x + tan x ) - x
= lim + lim
x ® 0 tan x - x x ®0 tan x - x
y Example 7 Let y = f ( x ) be defined parametrically as
y = t 2 + t |t|, x = 2t – |t |, t ÎR . Then, at x = 0, find f ( x ) (e tan x - x - 1) sec x - 1
= lim e x + lim
x ®0 (tan x - x ) x ®0 sec 2 x - 1
and discuss continuity.
Sol. As, y = t 2 + t | t | and x = 2t – | t | [using L’Hospital’s rule]
1 1 3
Thus, when t ³ 0 = 1 + lim =1+ =
x ® 0 sec x + 1 2 2
Þ x = 2t – t = t , y = t 2 + t 2 = 2t 2
Hence, (c) is the correct answer.
\ x =t and y = 2t 2 Þ y = 2x 2 , " x ³ 0
1
Again, when t < 0 y Example 9 If f ( x ) = -1
, then f ( x ) is
tan ( x - 4 x + 3) 2
Þ x = 2t + t = 3t and y = t 2 – t 2 = 0 Þ y = 0, " x < 0
continuous for
ì2x 2 , x ³ 0
Hence, f (x ) = í (a) (1, 3) (b) (- ¥, 0)
î 0, x < 0 (c) (- ¥, 1) È (3, ¥) (d) None of these
which is clearly continuous for all x as shown graphically. Sol. Here,
Y
1
28 f (x ) = -1
26 tan ( x - 4 x + 3)
2
24
-1
22 For domain, tan ( x - 4 x + 3) > 0
2

20
18 Þ x 2 - 4x + 3 > 0
16 Þ ( x - 1)( x - 3) > 0
14
12 + +
10
1 – 3
8
6 \ x Î ( - ¥, 1) È (3, ¥ )
4 Since, every general function is continuous in its domain.
2
X′ X \ f ( x ) is continuous for x Î ( - ¥, 1) È (3, ¥ ).
O 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Hence, (c) is correct answer.
Y′
316 Textbook of Differential Calculus

Exercise for Session 1

1+ x - 3 1+ x
1. If function f ( x ) = is continuous function at x = 0, then f (0) is equal to
x
1 1 1
(a) 2 (b) (c) (d)
4 6 3
ì 1
ï , x ¹0
2. If f ( x ) = í e1/ x + 1 , then
ïî 0, x =0
(a) lim- f (x ) = 0 (b) lim+ f (x ) = 1
x ®0 x ®0
(c) f (x ) is discontinuous at x = 0 (d) f (x ) is continuous at x = 0
ì x 2 - (a + 2)x + 2a
ï , x ¹2
3. If f ( x ) = í x -2 is continuous at x = 2 , then a is equal to
ïî 2, x =2
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) -1 (d) 2
ìï log (1+ 2ax ) - log(1- bx )
, x ¹0
4. If f ( x ) = í x is continuous at x = 0, then k is equal to
îï k, x =0
(a) 2a + b (b) 2a - b (c) b - 2a (d) a + b
ì[ x ] + [ - x ], x ¹ 2
5. If f ( x ) = í and f is continuous at x = 2, where [ × ] denotes greatest integer function, then l is
î l, x =2
(a) - 1 (b) 0 (c) 1 (d) 2
Session 2
Continuity in an Interval or Continuity at End Points
Let a function y = f ( x ) be defined on [a, b ]. Then, Here, in the graph f ( x ) is continuous at all points, where
the function f ( x ) is said to be continuous at the left end 1 < x < 2.
x =a To check continuity at x = 1 and x = 2
If f (a ) = lim f ( x ) [need not check LHL] (i) To check continuity at x = 1
x ®a+ Here, f (1) = 1 and RHL at x = 1
The function f ( x ) is said to be continuous at the Þ lim f ( x ) = 1, i.e. f (1) = lim f ( x )
x ® 1+ x ® 1+
right end x =b
Thus, f ( x ) is continuous at x = 1.
If f (b ) = lim f ( x ) [need not check RHL]
x ®b –
(ii) To check continuity at x = 2
y Example 10 If f ( x ) = [ x ] , where [ × ] denotes greatest Here, f ( 2) = 2
integral function. Then, check the continuity on [1, 2]. But LHL at x = 2 Þ lim f ( x ) = 1
x ® 2–

Sol. Graphically f ( x ) = [ x ] could be plotted as which shows f (2) ¹ lim – f ( x )

x ®2
Y
Thus, f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = 2.
2
From the above information, it becomes clear that f ( x ) is
1 continuous at all points on [1, 2] except at x = 2,
i.e. f ( x ) is continuous for x Î[1, 2).
X
0 1 2

Exercise for Session 2

ì p
ï -2 sin x for -p £ x £ -
2
ïï p p
1. Let f ( x ) = ía sin x + b for - <x < . If f is continuous on [ -p , p ), then find the values of a and b .
ï 2 2
ïcos x p
for £x £p
ïî 2
2. Draw the graph of the function f ( x ) = x - | x - x 2|, - 1 £ x £ 1 and discuss the continuity or discontinuity of f in
the interval - 1 £ x £ 1.
ì| 4x - 5| [ x ] for x > 1
3. Discuss the continuity of ‘f ’ in [0, 2] , where f ( x ) = í ; where [ x ] is greatest integer not
î [cos px ] for x £ 1
greater than x.
ì Ax - B, x £ –1
ï
4. Let f ( x ) = í2x 2 + 3Ax + B , x Î ( - 1, 1]
ï x >1
î 4,
3 1
Statement I f ( x ) is continuous at all x, if A = and B = - .
4 4
Statement II Polynomial function is always continuous.
A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
B. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I
C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
D. Statement II is correct but Statement I is incorrect
(a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D
Session 3
Discontinuity of a Function
A function f which is not continuous, said to be Shown as,
discontinuous functions, i.e. if there is a break in the Y

function of any kind, then it is discontinuous functions.

There are two types of discontinuity
1. Removable discontinuity
2. Non-removable discontinuity X′ X
–2 0 2
Y′

Removable Discontinuity sin x

Figure 6.6

In this type of discontinuity, lim f ( x ) necessarily (iii) f ( x ) = has missing point discontinuity at x = 0.
x ®a x
exists, but is either not equal to f (a ) or f (a ) is not defined. Shown as,
Such function is said to have a removable discontinuity of Y
the first kind.
In this case, it is possible to redefine the function in such a 1
manner that lim f ( x ) = f (a ) and thus making function
2
continuous. x ® a π

These discontinuities can be further classified as X′ π π 0 π π X

2 2
(i) Missing point discontinuity
Y′
(ii) Isolated point discontinuity Figure 6.7

Examples of Missing Point Discontinuity Examples of Isolated Point Discontinuity

Here, lim f ( x ) exists finitely but f (a ) is not defined. e.g. Here, lim f ( x ) exists and f (a ) also exists but
x ®a x ®a
( x - 1) (9 - x )
2
lim f ( x ) ¹ f (a ). e.g.
(i) Let f ( x ) = , x ®a
( x - 1)
ì 0, if x Î I
0 (i) Let f ( x ) = [ x ] + [ - x ] Þ f ( x ) = í
clearly f (1) ® form î- 1, if x Ï I
0
where x = Integer, has isolated point discontinuity,
\ f ( x ) has missing point discontinuity. Shown as, can be shown as
Y Y

X′ X
–4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5

X′ X –1
–3 0 1 3

Y′ Y′
Figure 6.5 Figure 6.8
(ii) Let f ( x ) = sgn (cos 2 x - 2 sin x + 3 )
x2 - 4
(ii) f ( x ) = has missing point discontinuity at Þ f ( x ) = sgn (1 - 2 sin2 x - 2 sin x + 3 )
x -2
x = 2. = sgn (2 (2 + sin x ) (1 - sin x ))
 Chap 06 Continuity and Differentiability 319

ì p |sin x |
(ii) f ( x ) = at x = 0
ï0, if x = 2np + 2 x
=í
p
ï1, if x ¹ 2np + RHL i.e. f (0 + ) = 1 ü
î 2 ý jump = 2
LHL i.e. f (0 - ) = - 1þ
p
\ f ( x ) has an isolated point discontinuity at x = 2np + .
2
Shown as,
Y
(ii) Infinite Discontinuity
If for a function f ( x ) : lim - f ( x ) = L1 and lim+ f ( x ) = L2
x ®a x ®a
and either L1 or L2 is infinity, then such function is said
to have infinite discontinuity.
X′ X
7π 3π π 5π
2 2
O
2 2 In other words, If x = a is a vertical asymptote for the
graph of y = f ( x ), then f is said to have infinite
Y′ discontinuity at a.
Figure 6.9
Examples of Infinite Discontinuity
x
(i) f ( x ) = , at x = 1
Non-removable Discontinuity 1- x
In this type of discontinuity lim f ( x ) doesn’t exist and
x ®a RHL i.e. f (1 + ) = - ¥
therefore, it is not possible to redefine the function in any
LHL i.e. f (1 - ) = ¥
manner and make it continuous. Such function is said to
1
have non-removable discontinuity or discontinuity of (ii) f ( x ) = , at x = 0
x2
second kind.
RHL i.e. f (0 + ) = ¥
Such discontinuities can further be classified into three
types. LHL i.e. f (0 - ) = ¥

(i) Finite Discontinuity (iii) Oscillatory Discontinuity

If for a function f ( x ) : lim - f ( x ) = L1 and lim+ f ( x ) = L2 If for a function f ( x ) : lim f ( x ) doesn’t exist but oscillate
x ®a
x ®a x ®a between two finite quantities, then such function is said to
and L1 ¹ L2 , then such function is said to have a finite
have oscillatory discontinuity.
discontinuity or a jump discontinuity.
Examples of Oscillatory Discontinuity
In this case, the non-negative difference between the two
æ 1ö
limits is called the Jump of Discontinuity. A function (i) f ( x ) = sin ç ÷
èxø
having a finite number of jumps in a given interval is called
a Piecewise Continuous or Sectionally Continuous Þ lim f ( x ) = a value between - 1 to 1.
x ®0
Function.
\ Limit doesn’t exist, as it oscillates between - 1 and
Examples of Finite Discontinuity 1 as x ® 0.
æ 1ö
(i) f ( x ) tan -1 ç ÷ at x = 0 æ 1ö
(ii) f ( x ) = cos ç ÷
èxø èxø
p ü
RHL i.e. f (0 + ) = æ 1ö
2 ï jump = p Þ lim cos ç ÷ = a value between - 1 to 1.
èxø
pý
x ®0
LHL i.e. f (0 - ) = - ï
2þ \ Limit doesn’t exist, as it oscillates between - 1 to 1
at x ® 0.
320 Textbook of Differential Calculus

ì e 1/x – 1
List of Continuous Functions ï
Sol. We have, f ( x ) = í e 1/x + 1
, when x ¹ 0
Function f ( x ) Interval in which f (x ) ï 0, when x = 0
is continuous î
1. constant c (– ¥, ¥ ) \ RHL at x = 0, let x = 0 + h
2. xn , n is an integer ³ 0 (– ¥, ¥ ) 1 1
–n
(– ¥, ¥ )– { 0 } e0 +h –1 eh –1
3. x , n is a positive integer Þ lim f ( x ) = lim f (0 + h ) = lim 1
= lim 1
x ® 0+ h ®0 h ®0 h ®0
4. | x – a | (– ¥, ¥ )
e0 +h +1 eh + 1
5. P ( x ) = a 0xn + a1xn – 1 + ...+ an (– ¥ , ¥ ) 1
1–
6. p ( x ) , where p ( x ) and q ( x ) are e 1/h 1 –0
(– ¥, ¥ )– { x :q ( x ) = 0 } Þ lim f ( x ) = lim Þ lim f ( x ) = =1
q (x ) x ®0 + h ®0
1+
1 x ®0 + 1+0
polynomial in x e 1/h
7. sin x (– ¥, ¥ ) 1
8. cos x (– ¥, ¥ ) [as h ® 0 ; ® ¥ Þ e 1/h ® ¥; 1/e 1/h ® 0]
h
9. tan x ì p ü
(– ¥, ¥ )– í(2n + 1 ) : n Î I ý \ lim f ( x ) = 1
î 2 þ x ® 0+
10. cot x (– ¥, ¥ )– { np : n Î I }
11. sec x (– ¥, ¥ )– {(2n + 1 ) p/ 2 : n ÎI } Again, LHL at x = 0, let x = 0 – h
12. cosec x (– ¥, ¥ )– { np : n Î I } Þ lim f ( x ) = lim f (0 – h )
13. ex (– ¥, ¥ ) x ® 0– h ®0

14. loge x (0, ¥) e –1/h – 1 0–1

= lim = = –1
ì x – 1, x < 0 h ® 0 e –1/h +1 0+1
ï
y Example 11 Examine the function, f (x) = í 1/ 4 , x = 0 [as h ® 0; e –1/h ® 0]
ï 2
î x – 1, x > 0 lim f ( x ) = – 1
x ® 0–
Discuss the continuity and if discontinuous remove
the discontinuity. Þ lim f ( x ) ¹ lim f ( x ) .
x ® 0+ x ® 0–
Sol. lim f ( x ) = lim + f ( x ) = – 1 Thus, f ( x ) has non-removable discontinuity.
x ® 0– x ®0

But f (0) = 1/ 4. Thus, f ( x ) has removable discontinuity 1

and f ( x ) could be made continuous by taking y Example 13 Show f ( x ) = has discontinuity of
|x|
ì x – 1, x < 0
ï
f (0) = – 1 Þ f ( x ) = í–1, x =0
second kind at x = 0.
ï x 2 – 1, x > 0 Sol. Here, f (0) =
1
î , which shows function has discontinuity
|0|
Graphically f ( x ) could be plotted as showing of second kind.
Y Graphically Here, the graph is broken at x = 0 as
x ®0
f (0) = 1/4 Þ f (x ) ® ¥
f (x) = x2 – 1,
1/4 when x > 0 Y
X′ X
0 1
1 1
1, –1 f (x) = f (x) =
x– |x| |x|
) = <0
f (x n x
e
wh Y′ X′
O X
ì e1 /x – 1
y Example 12 Show the function, f (x) = ïí e1 /x + 1 , when x ¹ 0
ï0 , when x = 0 Y′
î
has non-removable discontinuity at x = 0. Therefore, f ( x ) has discontinuity of second kind.
 Chap 06 Continuity and Differentiability 321

Exercise for Session 3

1. Which of the following function(s) has/have removable discontinuity at the origin?
(b) f (x ) = cos æç
1 |sin x |ö
(a) f (x ) = ÷
1+ 2 cot x è x ø
p 1
(c) f (x ) = x sin (d) f (x ) =
x ln |x |

2. Function whose jump (non-negative difference of LHL and RHL) of discontinuity is greater than or equal to one.
is/are
ì (e1/ x + 1) ì (x1/ 3 - 1)
ïï 1/ x ; x<0 ï 1/ 2 ; x>0
- 1) ï - 1)
(a) f (x ) = í (e (b) g (x ) = í (x
ï (1 - cos x ) ; x > 0 ï ln x ; 1
<x<1
ïî ïî (x - 1) 2
x
ì sin-1 2x
; x Î æç 0, ùú
1
ïï ì log3 (x + 2); x>2
-1
(c) u (x ) = í tan 3x è 2û (d) v (x ) = í
îlog1/ 2 (x + 5); x < 2
2
ï |sin x | x<0
ïî ;
x
ì - x , if x < 0
ï
3. Consider the piecewise defined function f ( x ) = í 0, if 0 £ x £ 4, choose the answer which best describes
ï x - 4, if x >4
î
the continuity of this function.
(a) the function is unbounded and therefore cannot be continuous.
(b) the function is right continuous at x = 0.
(c) the function has a removable discontinuity at 0 and 4, but is continuous on the rest of the real line.
(d) the function is continuous on the entire real line.

4. If f ( x ) = sgn (cos 2x - 2 sin x + 3), where sgn () is the signum function, then f ( x )
(a) is continuous over its domain.
(b) has a missing point discontinuity.
(c) has isolated point discontinuity.
(d) has irremovable discontinuity
2 cos x - sin 2x e - cos x - 1
5. f (x ) = ; g( x ) =
( p - 2x ) 2
8x - 4p
h( x ) = f ( x ) for x < p /2 = g( x ) for x > p /2, then which of the followings does not hold?
(a) h is continuous at x = p/ 2
(b) h has an irremovable discontinuity at x = p/ 2
(c) h has a removable discontinuity at x = p/ 2
æ p+ ö æ p- ö
(d) f ç ÷ = g ç ÷
è 2ø è 2ø
Session 4
Theorems Based on Continuity;
Continuity of Composite Function
Theorem 1 Sum, difference, product and quotient of two 1/x
ì æp öü
continuous functions is always a continuous function. Sol. Here, lim f ( x ) = lim í tan ç + x ÷ý
x ®0 x ®0î è4 øþ
f (x )
However, h ( x ) = is continuous at x = a only if 1/x
g( x ) é 1 + tan x ù
Þ lim f ( x ) = lim ê ú [1¥ form]
®
g(a ) ¹ 0. x ®0 x 0 ë 1 – tan x û
1/x
Theorem 2 If f ( x ) is continuous and g( x ) is é æ 1 + tan x ö ù
discontinuous at x = a, then the product function Þ lim f ( x ) = lim ê1 + ç –1 ÷ ú
x ®0 x ®0 ë è 1 – tan x ø û
f ( x ) = f ( x )× g( x ) is not necessarily be discontinuous at
æ 2 tan x ö 1
x = a. lim ç
x®0
÷×
è 1 – tan x ø x
Þ lim f ( x ) = e
ì 1 x ®0
ïsin , x ¹ 0
e.g. (i) f ( x ) = x and g( x ) = í x tan x
2 lim
îï 0, x =0 x®0
Þ lim f ( x ) = e x (1 – tan x )
=e 2
x ®0
where f ( x ) is continuous and g( x ) is discontinuous at
Here, f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0, when
x = 0.
lim f ( x ) = f (0)
ì 1 x ®0
ïx × sin , x ¹ 0 Þ k = e2
But f ( x ) = f ( x ) × g( x ) = í x
ïî 0, x =0
y Example 15 A function f ( x ) is defined by,
is continuous at x = 0.
ì[x 2 ] – 1
p ï , for x ¹ 1
2
(ii) f ( x ) = cos (2 x - 1) is continuous at x = 1 and f (x ) = í x 2 – 1
2
ï 0, for x = 1
2
g( x ) = [ x ] is discontinuous at x = 1. î
æ 2x - 1ö Discuss the continuity of f ( x ) at x = 1.
But f ( x ) = f ( x ) × g( x ) = [ x ]cos ç ÷ p is
è 2 ø ì [x 2 ] – 1
continuous at x = 1. ï , for x 2 ¹ 1
Sol. We have, f (x ) = í x 2 – 1
Theorem 3 If f ( x ) and g( x ) both are discontinuous at ï 0, for x = 1
2
î
x = a, then the product function f ( x ) = f ( x ) × g( x ) is not
ì –1
ï x 2 – 1 , for 0 < x < 1
2
necessarily be discontinuous at x = a.
ì 1, x ³ 0 ì- 1, x ³ 0 ï
ï
e.g. f ( x ) = í and g( x ) = í Þ f (x ) = í 0, for x 2 = 1
î- 1, x < 0 î 1, x < 0 ï 1–1
ï 2 , for 1 < x 2 < 2
\ f ( x ) = f ( x ) × g( x ) = - 1, " x Î R ïî x – 1
f ( x ) is continuous, where f ( x ) and g( x ) are discontinuous
at x = 0. ì –1
ï x 2 – 1 , for 0 < x < 1
2

ìæ 1 /x ï
p ö ï
ï ç tan æç + x ö÷ ÷ , x ¹ 0 Þ f (x ) = í 0, for x 2 = 1
y Example 14 f ( x ) = í è è4 øø . ï 0, for 1 < x 2 < 2
ïk , ï
î x =0 ïî
For what value of k, f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0? \ RHL at x = 1
 Chap 06 Continuity and Differentiability 323

Þ lim f ( x ) = 0 Check continuity at x = (2n + 1 )

x ® 1+
LHL = lim – f ( x ) = 0 and f (2n + 1) = 1
Also, LHL at x 2 = 1 x ® ( 2n + 1)
Thus, LHL ¹ f (2n + 1)
Þ lim f ( x ) = lim f (1 – h ) Þ f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = (2n + 1)
x ® 1– h ®0
–1 [i.e. at odd integers]
= lim = –¥
h ® 0 (1 – h )2 –1 Hence, f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = (2n + 1) ; n Î integer.
\ lim f ( x ) doesn’t exist. [as RHL ¹ LHL ]
x ®1 y Example 18 Let
Hence, f ( x ) is not continuous at x = 1. ì{ 1 + |sin x |}a /|sin x | , – p/ 6 < x < 0
ï
y Example 16 Discuss the continuity of the function f ( x ) = íb , x =0
log (2 + x ) – x 2n sin x ï tan 2x /tan 3x
f ( x ) = lim at x = 1. îe , 0 < x < p/ 6
n ®¥ 1 + x 2n Determine a and b such that f ( x ) is continuous at
log 3 – sin 1 1 x = 0.
Sol. We have, f (1) = lim = (log 3 – sin 1) …(i) [IIT JEE 1994]
n ®¥ 2 2
Sol. Since, f is continuous at x = 0.
ïì0, if x < 1
2
We know that, lim x 2n = í Therefore, RHL = LHL = f (0)
n ®¥ ïî ¥, if x 2 > 1 RHL at x = 0
\ For x 2 < 1, we have lim f ( x ) = lim f (0 + h ) = lim e tan 2h/ tan 3h
x ® 0+ h ®0 h ®0
log (2 + x ) – x 2n sin x tan 2h 3h 2
f ( x ) = lim = log (2 + x ) × ×
n ®¥ 1 + x 2n = lim e 2h tan 3h 3
= e 2/3 …(i)
h ®0
Again, for x > 1, we have
2
Again, LHL at x = 0
1
2n
log (2 + x ) – sin x lim – f ( x ) = lim f (0 – h )
x ®0 h ®0
f ( x ) = lim x = –sin( x )
n ®¥ 1 = lim {1 + |sin (0 – h )| }a /| sin (0 – h )|
1+ h ®0
x 2n a

Here, as x ® 1 = lim {1 + |sin h | }| sin h |

h ®0
lim – f ( x ) = log (3) lim | sin h |×
a
x ®1 h®0
=e | sin h |
=ea …(ii)
and lim + f ( x ) = –sin (1)
x ®1 and f ( 0) = b …(iii)
So, lim f ( x ) ¹ lim f ( x ) Thus, e 2/3
= e = b Þ a = 2/ 3 and b = e
a 2/3
x ® 1– x ® 1+

Therefore, f ( x ) is not continuous at x = 1. y Example 19 Fill in the blanks so that the resulting
statement is correct.
y Example 17 Discuss the continuity of f ( x ) , where
æ p ö
æ px ö
2n Let f ( x ) = [ x ] sin ç ÷, where [ × ] denotes greatest
f ( x ) = lim ç sin ÷ . è [ x + 1] ø
n ®¥ è 2 ø
integral function. The domain of f is ............. and the
ì0, | x | < 1 points of discontinuity of f in the domain are
Sol. Since, lim x 2n = í
n ®¥ î1, | x | = 1 ................ . [IIT JEE 1996]
ì px æ p ö
æ æ px ö ö ï0, sin 2 < 1
2n Sol. Let f ( x ) = [ x ] sin ç ÷
è [ x + 1] ø
ï
\ f ( x ) = lim çsin ç ÷ ÷ =í
n ®¥ è è 2 øø
ï1, sin px = 1 Domain of f ( x ) is x Î R excluding the points where
ïî 2 [ x + 1] = 0 [Q denominator can’t be zero]
Thus, f ( x ) is continuous for all x, except for those values Þ 0 £ x + 1 < 1 Þ –1 £ x < 0
px i.e. for all x Î[–1, 0) , denominator is zero.
of x for which sin = 1, i.e. x is an odd integer. So, domain is x Î R – [–1, 0).
2
Þ Domain is x Î (–¥, – 1) È [0, ¥ )
Þ x = (2n + 1), where n Î I and the internal point discontinuity Î[–1, 0).
324 Textbook of Differential Calculus

y Example 20 Let f ( x + y ) = f ( x ) + f ( y ) for all x and y. y Example 22 Discuss the continuity for
If the function f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0, show that 1– u2
f (x ) = , where u = tan x .
f ( x ) is continuous for all x. 2 + u2
Sol. As, the function is continuous at x = 0, we have p
Sol. Here, u = tan x is discontinuous at np ± ,n ÎI
lim – f ( x ) = lim + f ( x ) = f (0) 2
x ®0 x ®0
1 – u2
and f (x ) = is continuous at every u Î R.
Þ lim f (0–h ) = lim f (0 + h ) = f (0) 2 + u2
h ®0 h ®0
Þ lim { f (0) + f (–h )} = lim { f (0) + f (h )} = f (0) ì p ü
h ®0 h ®0 Hence, f ( x ) is continuous on; x Î R – ínp ± , n Î I ý.
î 2 þ
[using f ( x + y ) = f ( x ) + f (y )] 2
1–u
Also, lim f ( x ) = 2lim
Þ lim f (–h ) = lim f (h ) = 0 …(i) x ® np ±
p u ® ¥ 2 + u2
h ®0 h ®0 2
Now, consider some arbitrary point x = a 1
2
–1
LHL = lim f (a – h ) = lim f (a ) + f (–h ) = lim u = –1
h ®0 h ®0 u ®¥ 2
+1
[using f ( x + y ) = f ( x ) + f (y ) ] u2
p
= f (a ) + lim f (–h ) Hence, the points np ± , n Î I have removable
h ®0 2
LHL = f (a ) + 0 = f (a ) discontinuity.
[as lim f (–h ) = 0, using Eq. (i)] i.e. If f ( x ) is defined as
h ®0
ì1 – u2 p
RHL = lim f (a + h ) = lim f (a ) + f (h ) ïï , x ¹ np ± and u = tan x
h ®0 h ®0
f (x ) = í 2 + u 2
2
, then
= f (a ) + lim f (h ) ï – 1, x = np ± p
h ®0
ïî 2
RHL = f (a ) + 0 = f (a )
f ( x ) is continuous for all x Î R.
[as lim f (h ) = 0, using Eq. (i)]
h ®0
At any arbitrary point ( x = a ), y Example 23 Find the points of discontinuity of
LHL = RHL = f (a ) 1 1
y= 2 , where u = .
Therefore, function is continuous for all values of x, if it is u +u–2 x –1
continuous at 0. 1
Sol. The function u = f ( x ) = is discontinuous at the point
y Example 21 Let f ( x ) be a continuous function x –1
x = 1. …(i)
defined for 1 £ x £ 3. If f ( x ) takes rational values for 1 1
The function y = g ( x ) = 2 = is
all x and f (2) = 10, then find the value of f (1 . 5). u + u – 2 ( u + 2) ( u – 1)
[IIT JEE 1997] discontinuous at u = –2 and u = 1.
Sol. As, f ( x ) is continuous in [1, 3], f ( x ) will attain all values 1
when u = – 2, = u = –2
between f (1) and f (3). As, f ( x ) takes rational values for x –1
all x and there are innumerable irrational values between 1
Þ x –1 = –
f (1) and f (3) which implies that f ( x ) can take rational 2
values for all x, if f ( x ) has a constant rational value at all Þ x = 1/ 2 …(ii)
points between x = 1 and x = 3. 1
when u = 1, =u =1
So, f (2) = f (1 . 5) = 10 x –1
Continuity of composite function Þ x –1 = 1
If the function u = f ( x ) is continuous at the point x = a Þ x =2 …(iii)
and the function y = g (u ) is continuous at the point Hence, the composite function y = g ( f ( x )) is
u = f (a ), then the composite function 1
discontinuous at three points x = , 1 and 2.
y = ( gof ) ( x ) = g ( f ( x )) is continuous at the point x = a. 2
 Chap 06 Continuity and Differentiability 325

Exercise for Session 4

1 æ 2 ö
1. If f ( x ) = , then f ç ÷ is discontinuous at x =
x 2 - 17x + 66 è x - 2ø
7 24
(a) 2 (b) (c) (d) 6, 11
3 11

2. Let f be a continuous function on R.

n2
If f (1/4n ) = (sin e n ) e - n + 2
2
, then f (0) is
n +1
(a) not unique (b) 1
(c) data sufficient to find f (0) (d) data insufficient to find f (0)

3. f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0, then which of the following are always true?

(a) lim f (x ) = 0
x ® 0
(b) f (x ) is non continuous at x = 1
(c) g (x ) = x 2f (x ) is continuous at x = 0
(d) lim + (f (x ) - f (0)) = 0
x ® 0
épù æp ö
4. If f ( x ) = cos ê ú cos ç ( x - 1)÷ ; where [x] is the greatest integer function of x, then f ( x ) is continuous at
ëxû è2 ø
(a) x = 0 (b) x = 1
(c) x = 2 (d) None of these
ì 0 , x ÎZ
5. Let f ( x ) = [ x ] and g( x ) = í 2 , then (where [.] denotes greatest integer function)
î x , x ÎR - Z
(a) lim g (x ) exists, but g (x ) is not continuous at x = 1
x ®1
(b) lim f (x ) does not exist and f (x ) is not continuous at x = 1
x ®1
(c) gof is continuous for all x
(d) fog is continuous for all x
ì a sin2n x , for x ³ 0 and n ® ¥
6. Let f ( x ) = í , then
î b cos 2m
x - 1, for x < 0 and m ® ¥
(a) f (0- ) ¹ f (0+ ) (b) f (0+ ) ¹ f (0)
(c) f (0- ) = f (0) (d) f is continuous at x = 0

x `- sin x
n n
7. Consider f ( x ) = lim for x > 0, x ¹ 1, f (1) = 0, then
n®¥ x n + sin x n
(a) f is continuous at x = 1
(b) f has a finite discontinuity at x = 1
(c) f has an infinite or oscillatory discontinuity at x = 1
(d) f has a removal type of discontinuity at x = 1
Session 5
Intermediate Value Theorem
If f ( x ) is continuous in [a, b ] and f (a ) ¹ f (b ), then for any Therefore, using intermediate value theorem, there exists
value c Î( f (a ), f (b )), there is atleast one number x 0 in some c Î[a, b ], such that
(a, b ) for which f ( x 0 ) = c . a+b
f (c ) =
Y Y 2

f ( b) f (b) y Example 25 Suppose that f ( x ) is continuous in [0,

c = f (x0) c
1] and f (0) = 0, f (1) = 0 . Prove that f (c ) = 1 - 2c 2 for
f ( a) f ( a)
some c Î(0, 1).
X X Sol. Let g ( x ) = f ( x ) + 2x 2 - 1 in [0, 1], g (0) = – 1, g (1) = 1
O x=a x0 x = b O x=a x0 x=b
\ By intermediate value theorem, there exists some
Y c Î(0, 1); g (c ) = 0 Þ f (c ) = 1 - 2c 2
f (b)
Continuity for Rational and Irrational Function
Functions should be continuous only at one point and to
C
be defined everywhere. [Single Point Continuity]
e.g.
x=a
X ìx , if x Î Q
x0 O x0 x0 x = b
(i) f ( x ) = í , is continuous only at x = 0.
î 0, if x Ï Q
f ( a)
ì x , if x Î Q
Figure 6.10 (ii) f ( x ) = í , is continuous only at x = 0
î- x , if x Ï Q
y Example 24 Show that the function and defined everywhere.
a+b ì x , if x Î Q 1
f ( x ) = ( x - a ) 2 ( x - b ) 2 + x takes the value for (iii) f ( x ) = í , is continuous only at x =
2 î1 - x , if x Ï Q 2
some value of x Î[a, b ]. and defined everywhere.
Sol. Here, f (a ) = a and f (b ) = b
ìx 2 , if x Î Q
a+b (iv) f ( x ) = í , is continuous only at x = 1 or
Also, f ( x ) is continuous in [a, b ] and Î [a, b ]. î 1, if x Ï Q
2
x = - 1 and defined everywhere.

Exercise for Session 5

x x x
1. Examine the continuity at x = 0 of the sum function of the infinite series + + + ¼¥
x + 1 ( x + 1) (2x + 1) (2x + 1) (3x + 1)

2. If g : [a, b ] onto [a, b ] is continuous, then show that there is some c Î[a, b ] such that g(c ) = c.

3. Show that (a) a polynomial of an odd degree has atleast one real root.
(b) a polynomial of an even degree has atleast two real roots, if it attains atleast one value opposite in sign
to the coefficient of its highest-degree term.
x2 x2 x2
4. Let y n ( x ) = x 2 + + + ¼+ and y ( x ) = lim y n ( x ) . Discuss the continuity of
1+ x 2
(1 + x )
2 2
(1 + x 2 )n - 1 n®¥

y n( x ) (n = 1, 2, 3, ¼ n ) and y ( x ) at x = 0.
Session 6
Differentiability : Meaning of Derivative
The instantaneous rate of change of function with respect (a) Right hand derivative The right hand derivative of
to the independent variable is called derivative. Let f ( x ) f ( x ) at x = a denoted by f (a + ) is defined as
be a given function of one variable and Dx denotes a f (a + h ) - f (a )
number (positive or negative) to be added to the f ¢ (a + ) = lim , provided the limit exists
h ®0 h
number x. and is finite (h >0 ).
Let Df denotes the corresponding change of f , then (b) Left hand derivative The left hand derivative of
Df = f ( x + Dx ) - f ( x ).
f ( x ) at x = a denoted byf (a - ) is defined as
Df f ( x + Dx ) - f ( x )
= f (a - h ) - f (a )
Dx Dx f ¢ (a - ) = lim , provided the limit exists
h ®0 -h
Df
If approaches a limit as Dx approaches to zero, this and is finite (h >0 ).
Dx
limit is the derivative of f at the point x. The derivative of Hence, f ( x ) is said to be derivable or differentiable at
df x = a.
a function f is denoted by symbols such as f ¢ ( x ), ,
dx If f ¢ (a + ) = f ¢ (a - ) = finite quantity and it is denoted by
d d f (x ) f ¢ (a ) ; where f ¢ (a ) = f ¢ (a - ) = f ¢ (a + ) and it is called
f ( x ) or .
dx dx derivative or differential coefficient of f ( x ) at x = a.
df Df f ( x + Dx ) - f ( x )
Þ = lim = lim
dx Dx ®0 Dx Dx ®0 Dx
The derivative evaluated at a point a is written, Relation between Continuity
æ d f (x ) ö
f ¢ (a ), ç ÷ , ( f ¢ ( x )) x =a etc.
and Differentiability
è dx ø x =a If a function is differentiable at a point, then it should be
continuous at that point as well and a discontinuous
function cannot be differentiable. This fact is proved in the
Existence of Derivative at x = a following theorem.
The derivative of a function f ( x ) exists at x = a, if Theorem If a function is differentiable at a point, it is
f ( x ) - f (a ) necessarily continuous at that point. But the converse is
lim exists finitely.
x ®a (x - a ) not necessarily true.
Or
f ( x ) - f (a ) f ( x ) - f (a )
or lim– = lim+ f ( x ) is differentiable at x = c Þ f ( x ) is continuous at
x ®a (x - a ) x ®a (x - a ) x = c.
f (a - h ) - f (a ) f (a + h ) - f (a ) Proof Let a function f ( x ) be differentiable at x = c .
or lim = lim
h ®0 -h h ®0 h f ( x ) – f (c )
Then, lim exists finitely.
Y y = f(x) x ®c x –c
f (a+h)
f ( x ) – f (c )
f (a–h)
Let lim = f ¢ (c ) …(i)
x ®c x –c
In order to prove that f ( x ) is continuous at x = c , it is
f (a)
sufficient to show that lim f ( x ) = f (c ).
x ®c
é æ f ( x ) – f (c ) ö ù
O a –h a a +h
X Now, lim f ( x ) = lim ê ç ÷ ( x – c ) + f (c )ú
x ®c x ®c è x –c ø
(h→0)
ë û
(h→0)
Figure 6.11
328 Textbook of Differential Calculus

éì f ( x ) – f (c ) ü ù = lim
f ( 0 – h ) – f ( 0)
= lim êí ý × ( x – c )ú + f (c ) h ®0 ( 0 – h ) – ( 0)
x ®c î x –c þ
ë û
–h sin(–1/h )
f ( x ) – f (c ) = lim
= lim × lim ( x – c ) + f (c ) h ®0 (– h )
x ®c x –c x ®c
æ1ö
= – lim sin ç ÷
= f ¢ (c ) ´ 0 + f (c ) h ®0 èh ø
= f (c ) [a number which oscillates between –1 and +1]
\ (LHD at x = 0) doesn’t exist.
Hence, f ( x ) is continuous at x = c . Similarly, it could be shown that RHD at x = 0 doesn’t exist.
Converse The converse of above theorem is not Hence, f ( x ) is continuous but not differentiable.
necessarily true, i.e. a function may be continuous at a
point but may not be differentiable at that point. ì é æ 1 1 öù
e.g. The function f ( x ) = | x | is continuous at x = 0 but it is ï x exp ê– ç + ÷ ú , x ¹ 0
y Example 27 Let f ( x ) = í ë è | x | x øû
not differentiable at x = 0, as shown by figure. ï0,
î x =0
Y f (x) =|x|
Test whether (a) f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0
(b) f ( x ) is differentiable at x = 0.
[IIT JEE 1997]
ì é æ 1 1 öù
X′ X ï x exp ê– ç + ÷ú,x ¹ 0
O Sol. Here, f ( x ) = í ë è|x | x øû
ï0, x =0
î
ì – ìí 1 + 1 üý
Y′ ï xe îï x x þ , x > 0
Figure 6.12 ï ì 1 1ü
ïï – í + ý é ì x , x ³ 0ù
Which shows we have sharp edge at x = 0, hence not Þ f ( x ) = í xe îï – x x þ
,x <0 êQ| x | = í–x , x < 0ú
differentiable but continuous at x = 0. ï ë î û
0, x =0
ï
ì 1 ï
ï x sin , when x ¹ 0
y Example 26 Show that f ( x ) = í x ïî
ïî0, when x = 0 ì xe – 2 / x , x > 0
ï
is continuous but not differentiable at x = 0. Þ f (x ) = í x , x <0 …(i)
ï 0, x =0
Sol. (a) To check continuity at x = 0 î
Here, f ( 0) = 0 (a) To check continuity of f ( x ) at x = 0
Also, lim f ( x ) = lim x sin
1 LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim – x
x ® 0– x ®0
x ®0 x ®0 x
= 0 ´ (A finite quantity that lies between –1 to +1) = lim (0 – h ) = 0
h ®0
1
=0 [as n ® 0, sin ® sin ¥, which is a finite RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim + xe –2 / x
x x ® 0+ x ®0

quantity between –1 to +1] h

= lim = 0, f (0) = 0
\ lim f ( x ) = f (0) and hence, f ( x ) is continuous. h ® 0 e 2 /h
x ®0
Now, \ f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0.
(b) To check differentiability at x = 0 (b) To check differentiability at x = 0
(LHD at x = 0) f ( 0 – h ) – f ( 0)
LHD = Lf ¢ (0) = lim ,h > 0
f ( x ) – f ( 0) h ®0 –h
= lim –
x ®0 x –0 (– h ) – 0
= lim =1
h ®0 –h
 Chap 06 Continuity and Differentiability 329

f ( 0 + h ) – f ( 0) Similarly, at x = –1 it is clear that RHD = 0, while LHD = –2

RHD = Rf ¢ (0) = lim
h ®0 h Aliter In this method, first of all we differentiate the
–2 function and from the derivative equality sign should be
–2
he h –0 removed from doubtful points.
= lim = lim e h
h ®0 h ®0 x < –1
h ì – 2,
–¥ ï
=e =0 Here, f ¢ ( x ) = í 0, – 1 < x < 1 [no equality on –1 and +1]
ï 2, x >1
\ Lf ¢ (0) ¹ Rf ¢ (0) î
Therefore, f ( x ) is not differentiable at x = 0. Now, at x = 1, f ¢ (1+ ) = 2, while f ¢ (1– ) = 0 and
at x = –1, f ¢ (–1+ ) = 0, while f ¢ (–1– ) = – 2
Some Standard Results Thus, f ( x ) is not differentiable at x = ± 1.
on Differentiability Remark
This method is not applicable when function is discontinuous.
Functions f ( x ) Intervals in which
f ( x ) is differentiable
y Example 29 Discuss the continuity and
1. Polynomial (– ¥ to ¥ ) differentiability for f ( x ) = [sin x ] when x Î[0, 2p ] ;
2. Exponential (a x , a > 0) (– ¥ to ¥ ) where [ × ] denotes the greatest integer function x.
3. Constant (– ¥ to ¥ ) Sol. In last chapter, we have discussed the plotting of curves, so
4. Logarithmic Each point in its domain y = [sin x ] could be plotted as
5. Trigonometric Each point in its domain
6. Inverse trigonometric Each point in its domain Y

y Example 28 Let f ( x ) = | x – 1| + | x + 1|. Discuss the

continuity and differentiability of the function. 1
y = sin x
Sol. Here, f ( x ) = | x – 1| + | x + 1| X
0 π 2π
ì ( x – 1) + ( x + 1), when x >1
ï –1
Þ f ( x ) = í–( x – 1) + ( x + 1), when – 1 £ x £ 1
ï–( x – 1) – ( x + 1), when x < –1
î
ì 2x , when x >1 Or
ï
Þ f ( x ) = í 2, when – 1 £ x £ 1 Y
ï–2x , when x < –1
î
Graphically The graph of the function is shown below. 1
Y
–2x 2x π X
0 π
–
3π
– 2π
2 2
–1
2

X which shows f ( x ) = [sin x ] is discontinuous

–1 0 1
p
for x = , p, 2p, when x Î[0,2p ] and f ( x ) is not
From the graph, it is clear that the function is continuous at 2
p
all real x, also differentiable at all real x except at x = ± 1. differentiable at x = , p, 2p.
Since, it has sharp edges at x = –1 and x = 1. 2
At x = 1 we see that the slope from the right, i.e. RHD = 2, As we know, function is neither differentiable nor
while slope from the left, i.e. LHD = 0. continuous at those points for which graph is broken.
330 Textbook of Differential Calculus

y Example 30 If f ( x ) = {| x| – | x – 1| } 2 , draw the graph of ì (3 – x ), x <0

ï 2
f ( x ) and discuss its continuity and differentiability of f ( x ). ï ( x – 3x + 2), 0 £ x < 1
| f ( x )| = í …(ii)
ï–( x – 3x + 2), 1 £ x < 2
2
ì–x + x – 1, x < 0 ï ( x 2 – 3x + 2), 2 £ x
ï î
Sol. We know, | x | – | x – 1| = í x + x – 1, 0 £ x < 1
ï x – ( x – 1), 1 £ x Now, from Eqs. (i) and (ii), g ( x ) = f (| x | ) + | f ( x )|
î
ì x 2 + 2x + 5, x <0
ì – 1, x < 0 ï 2
ï ï2x – 6x + 4, 0 £ x < 1
Þ | x | – | x – 1| = í2x – 1, 0 £ x < 1 g(x ) = í
ï 1, 1 £ x ï0, 1£ x < 2
î ï2x 2 – 6x + 4, x ³ 2
î
\ f ( x ) = {| x | – | x – 1| } 2
ì2x + 2, x < 0
ì 1, when x < 0 or x ³ 1 ï 4 x –6, 0 < x < 1
=í ï
and g ¢( x ) =í
î(2x – 1) , when 0 £ x < 1
2
ï 0, 1 < x <2
Graphically f ( x ) could be shown as ïî 4 x –6, x > 2
Therefore, g ( x ) is continuous in R – { 0 } and g ( x ) is
Y
differentiable in R – {0, 1, 2 }.

y=1 y=1 y Example 32 Let f ( x ) = [n + p sin x ], x Î (0, p ), n Î Z

1
y = (2x–1)2 and p is a prime number, where [ × ] denotes the
X
greatest integer function. Then, find the number of
0 1 1 points, where f ( x ) is not differentiable.
2
Sol. Here, f ( x ) = [n + p sin x ] is not differentiable at those
points where n + p sin x is an integer.
From above figure, it is clear that f ( x ) is continuous for As, p is a prime number.
x Î R; but f ( x ) is not differentiable at x = 0, 1.
Þ n + p sin x is an integer if sin x = 1, – 1, r/p
Þ f ( x ) is continuous for all x Î R.
p p r r
Þ f ( x ) is differentiable for all x Î R – {0, 1}. i.e. x = , – , sin –1 , p – sin –1
2 2 p p
ì x – 3, x <0
y Example 31 If f ( x ) = í 2 where 0 £ r £ p –1
î x – 3x + 2 , x ³ 0 But
p
x ¹ – ,0
and let g ( x ) = f (| x | ) + | f ( x )| . Discuss the 2
differentiability of g ( x ) . \ Function is not differentiable at
p r r
x = , sin –1 , p – sin –1
ì| x | – 3, |x | < 0 2 p p
Sol. f (| x | ) = í 2
î| x | – 3| x | + 2, | x | ³ 0 where 0<r £ p -1
Where, | x | < 0 is not possible, thus neglecting, we get So, the required number of points are
f (| x | ) = {| x | 2 – 3| x | + 2, | x | ³ 0 = 1 + 2 ( p – 1) = 2p – 1.
ìï x 2 + 3x + 2, x <0 y Example 33 If f ( x ) = || x | – 1| , then draw the graph of
f (| x | ) = í …(i)
ïî x 2 – 3x + 2, x ³0 f ( x ) and fof ( x ) and also discuss their continuity and
ì| x – 3|, x <0 3
Again, | f ( x )| = í 2 differentiability. Also, find derivative of ( fof ) 2 at x = ×
î| x – 3x + 2|, x ³0 2
 Chap 06 Continuity and Differentiability 331

Sol. The graph of f ( x ) is shown as y Example 34 Draw the graph of the function
Y
g ( x ) = f ( x + l ) + f ( x – l ) , where
ì ì | x| ü
1 ïk í1 – ý, for | x | £ l
f (x ) = í î l þ
ï 0, for | x | > l
Y′ X î
–1 0 1 Also, discuss the continuity and differentiability of the
function g ( x ).
Y′
ì æ |x |ö
It is clear from the graph that, f ( x ) is continuous for all x, ïk ç1 – ÷, | x | £ l
but f ( x ) is not differentiable at x = {– 1, 0,1 }. Sol. We have, f ( x ) = í è l ø
ï 0, |x| > l
Now, fof ( x ) = || f ( x )| – 1| = | f ( x ) – 1| [as f ( x ) ³ 0 for all x] î
Now, if f ( x ) ® f ( x ) – 1, shift the graph one unit below the The graph of f ( x ) is shown as
X-axis, i.e., as shown;
Y
Y

X′ X
–2 2 X′ X
0 –l 0 l
–1 Graph for f(x)
Graph for f(x) – 1 Y′
Y′
Thus, for graph of fof ( x ) = | f ( x ) – 1| is taking image of the Now, to plot g ( x ) = f ( x + l ) + f ( x – l ), we shall first plot
graph of f ( x ) – 1 below X-axis and leaving the portion the graphs of f ( x + l ) and f ( x – l ) which are given as
above Y-axis as it is. Y Y
\ Graph for fof ( x ) is shown as
Y k
k

X′ X′
y= X X
2 x 2– x –2 0 l 2l –2l –l 0
x+
y=

y=

y= x y= Graph for f (x – l) Graph for f (x + l)

y=
–x

–x

Y′ Y′
–2

X′ X
–2 –1 0 1 2
Thus, the graph of g ( x ) = f ( x + l ) + f ( x – l ) is obtained by
adding graph of f ( x + l ) and f ( x – l ) as
Y′ Y

which is clearly continuous for all x Î R, but not

differentiable at x = { - 2, – 1, 0, 1, 2 } . k
Also, fof ( x ) = 2 – x , 1 £ x £ 2
\ ( fof )2 = (2 – x )2 , when 1 £ x £ 2 X′ X
–2l –l 0 l 2l
d
Þ ( fof )2 = 2 (2 – x )(–1), when 1 £ x £ 2 Graph for g(x) = f (x + l) + f (x – l)
dx Y′
d
\ ( fof )2 (when x = 3/ 2) = – 2 (2 – 3/ 2) = – 1 From the above figure, g ( x ) is continuous for all x Î R
dx
d and g ( x ) is differentiable for all x Î R – { ± 2l , ± l , 0 } .
Þ {( fof )2 } at x = 3 / 2 = – 1
dx
332 Textbook of Differential Calculus

ìï x{ 5 + | 1 – t |} dt, if x > 2
y Example 35 Let f ( x ) = í ò 0
y Example 36 Draw the graph of the function and
. discuss the continuity and differentiability at x = 1 for,
ïî 5x + 1, if x £ 2 ì 3 x , when – 1 £ x £ 1
Test f ( x ) for continuity and differentiability for all real x. f (x ) = í
î4 – x , when 1 < x < 4
Sol. Here, f ( x ) for x > 2.
ì 3x , when – 1 £ x £ 1
x
f (x ) = í
f (x ) = ò 0 {5 + | 1 – t | }dt Sol. Here,
î 4 – x , when 1 < x < 4
1 x
= ò0( 5 + 1 – t )dt + ò ( 5 + t – 1 )dt [since x > 2]
1
is shown below graphically.
1 x Y
æ t2 ö æ t2 ö
= ç6t – ÷ + ç 4t + ÷ .
è 2 ø0 è 2 ø1 3

1 x2 1
= 6– + 4x + –4–
2 2 2 1
2
x
= 1 + 4x + X
2 –1 0 1 4
ì1 + 4 x + x 2 / 2 , if x > 2
\ f (x ) = í
î 5x + 1, if x £ 2 From the graph, it is clear that it is continuous for all x in
\ RHL (at x = 2) [–1, 4 ) and not differentiable at x = 1.
ì (2 + h )2 ü Because at x = 1, LHD > 0, while RHD < 0
= lim í1 + 4(2 + h ) + ý
h ®0 2 þ Mathematically,
î
f ( 1 + h ) – f ( 1)
= 1 + 8 + 2 = 11 RHD = lim
h ®0 h
and LHL (at x = 2) = lim { 5(2 – h ) + 1}
h ®0 4 –(1 + h ) – 3
= 10 + 1 = 11 = lim = –1
h ®0 h
\ f ( x ) is continuous at x = 2. [as f (2) = 11 ] f ( 1 – h ) – f ( 1)
LHD = lim
Also, RHD (at x =2) h ®0 –h
f ( 2 + h ) – f ( 2)
Rf ¢ (2) = lim 3(1 – h ) – 3 æ 3–h – 1 ö
h ®0 h = lim = lim 3 ç ÷
h ®0 –h h ® 0 è –h ø
(2 + h )2
1 + 4( 2 + h ) + – 11 =3 loge 3
= lim 2
h ®0 h Since, LHD ¹ RHD, f ( x ) is not differentiable at x = 1.
h2 But f ( x ) is continuous at x = 1, because the derivatives
11 + 6h + – 11
= lim 2 =6 from both the sides are finite and definite.
h ®0 h Aliter
LHD (at x = 2) The given function is continuous.
f ( 2 – h ) – f ( 2)
Lf ¢ (2) = lim ì3x log 3, – 1 £ x < 1
h ®0 –h Hence, f ¢( x ) = í
5( 2 – h ) + 1 – 11 î–1, 1< x < 4
= lim
h ®0 -h Here, f ¢ ( 1+ ) = – 1
11 – 5h – 11
= lim =5 and f ¢ (1– ) = lim 3x log 3 = 3 log 3
h ®0 -h x ® 1–

\ f ( x ) is not differentiable at x = 2. which shows, f ¢ ( 1+ ) ¹ f ¢ ( 1– )

Thus, f ( x ) is continuous for all x Î R and differentiable for Therefore, f ( x ) is not differentiable at x = 1.
all x Î R – { 2 }.
 Chap 06 Continuity and Differentiability 333

y Example 37 Match the column I with column II. Sol. The function f ( x ) = ( x 2 – 1) | x 2 – 3x + 2| + cos (| x | ) …(i)
Column I Column II Here, | x | is not differentiable at x = 0, but
(i) sin (p [ x ]) (A) differentiable everywhere ì cos (–x ), x < 0
cos (| x | ) = í
(ii) sin {(x –[ x ]) p} (B) nowhere differentiable î cos ( x ), x ³ 0
ì cos ( x ), x ³ 0
(C) not differentiable at –1 and +1 Þ cos (| x | ) = í
î cos ( x ), x < 0
where [ ] denotes greatest integral function. [IIT JEE 1992]
\ cos (| x | ) is differentiable at x = 0 …(ii)
Sol. (i) We know, [ x ] Î I , " x Î R
Again, | x – 3x + 2| = |( x – 1) ( x – 2)|
2
\ sin ( p [ x ]) = sin ( Ip ) = 0, " x Î R
ì ( x – 1) ( x – 2), if x < 1
By theory, we know that every constant function is ï
differentiable in its domain. = í–( x – 1) ( x – 2), if 1 £ x < 2 …(iii)
ï ( x – 1) ( x – 2), if x ³ 2
Thus, sin ( p [ x ]) is differentiable everywhere. î
Hence, (i) « (A) ì ( x 2 – 1) ( x – 1)( x –2) + cos x , if – ¥ < x < 1
(ii) Again, f ( x ) = sin {( x –[ x ]) p } ïï
So, f ( x ) = í–( x 2 – 1) ( x – 1)( x –2) + cos x , if 1 £ x < 2
Here, we know x – [ x ] = {x }, ï 2
then p ( x – [ x ]) = p { x } ïî ( x – 1) ( x – 1)( x –2) + cos x , if 2 £ x < ¥
which is not differentiable at integral points. Now, to check differentiability at x = 1, 2
\ f ( x ) = sin { p ( x – [ x ])} is not differentiable at x Î I . [using shortcut method]
[integers] ì( x – 1)(2x – 3) + (2x ) ( x – 3x + 2) – sin x , – ¥ < x < 1
2 2

Hence, (ii) « (C) ïï

f ¢ ( x ) = í–( x 2 – 1)(2x – 3) – (2x ) ( x 2 – 3x + 2) – sin x , 1 £ x < 2
ï 2
ïî( x – 1)(2x – 3) + (2x ) ( x – 3x + 2) – sin x , 2 £ x < ¥
2
y Example 38 Fill in the blank, in the statement given
below.
Thus, for f ¢(1), we have
Let f ( x ) = x | x | . The set of points, where f ( x ) is twice
ì–sin 1, x < 1
differentiable is ............. . [IIT JEE 1992] f ¢ ( 1) = í
Sol. The function f ( x ) = x | x | can be written as, î–sin 1, x > 1
ì x ( x ), if x ³ 0 Thus, f ( x ) is differentiable at x = 1
f (x ) = í ì– 3 – sin 2, x < 2
î x (–x ), if x < 0 Also, f ¢ ( 2) = í
ìï x 2 , î 3 – sin 2, x > 2
if x ³ 0
Þ f (x ) = í Thus, f ( x ) is not differentiable at x = 2.
ïî– ( x ) , if x < 0
2
Hence, (d) is the correct answer.
f ( x ) is differentiable, " x Î R. n
ì 2x , if x > 0 y Example 40 If f ( x ) = S ar | x | r , where ai ’ s are
Again, f ¢( x ) = í r =1
î– 2x , if x < 0
real constants, then f ( x ) is
ì 2, if x > 0
f ¢ ¢( x ) = í (a) continuous at x = 0, for all ai
î– 2, if x < 0 (b) differentiable at x = 0, for all ai Î R
Here, f ² ( x ) is discontinuous at x = 0 (c) differentiable at x = 0, for all a 2k + 1 = 0
\ f ² ( x ) is not differentiable at x = 0. (d) None of the above
Hence, f ( x ) is twice differentiable, " x Î R – {0}. Sol. We know that, | x |r , r = 0, 1, 2, K are all continuous every-
where.
y Example 39 The function n
f ( x ) = ( x 2 – 1)| x 2 – 3x + 2| + cos (| x | ) is not \ f ( x ) = S ar | x |r is everywhere continuous.
r =1
differentiable at Since, | x |, | x | , | x | 5 , ... are not differentiable at x = 0,
3

(a) –1 (b) 0 (c) 1 (d) 2

whereas | x | 2 , | x | 4 , ... are everywhere differentiable.
[IIT JEE 1992]
334 Textbook of Differential Calculus

n
ì x, 1 £ x < e
\ f ( x ) = S ar | x |r is not differentiable at x = 0, if anyone ï
r =1 \ f ( x ) = í x /2, x = e
of a1, a 3 , a 5 , K is non-zero. ï 0, e < x £ 3
î
Thus, for f ( x ) to be differentiable at x = 0, we must have
a1 = a 3 = a 5 K = 0 Þf ( x ) is neither continuous nor differentiable at x = e = k .
i.e. a 2k + 1 = 0 \ [k 2 ] = 7
Hence, (a) and (c) are the correct answers. Hence, (c) is the correct answer.

y Example 43 If f ( x ) = | 1 - x |, then the points where

y Example 41 Let f and g be differentiable functions
satisfying g ¢ (a ) = 2, g (a ) = b and fog = I (Identity sin -1 ( f (| x | )) is non-differentiable, are
function ). Then, f ¢(b ) is equal to (a) {0, 1} (b) {0, - 1}
2 1 (c) {0, 1, - 1} (d) None of these
(a) 2 (b) (c) (d) None of these
3 2 Sol. Here, f ( x ) = |1 - x |
Sol. We have, fog = I ì x - 1, x >1
Þ f { g ( x )} = x , for all x Î R ï 1 - x, 0< x <1
ï
f (| x | ) = |1-| x || = í
\ f ¢ { g ( x )} × g ¢ ( x ) = 1, for all x Î R ï 1 + x, -1 £ x £ 0
1 1 ïî - x - 1, x < -1
Þ f ¢ ( g (a )) = Þ f ¢ (b ) =
g ¢ (a ) 2
Here, for domain of sin -1( f (| x | ))
Hence, (c) is the correct answer.
-1 £ f (| x | ) £ 1
x Þ | 1-| x || £ 1
y Example 42 If f ( x ) = , " x Î [1, 3]
1 + (log x )(log x ) ... ¥ Þ - 1 £ 1 -| x | £ 1
is non-differentiable at x = k. Then, the value of [k 2 ], is Þ - 2 £ -| x | £ 0
(where [ × ] denotes greatest integer function). Þ 2 ³ |x | ³ 0
(a) 5 (b) 6 (c) 7 (d) 8 \ x Î [ -2, 2]
Then, sin -1( f (| x | )), for x Î [ -2, 2] is not differentiable at
Sol. Let g ( x ) = (log x ) × (log x ) ... ¥
x = {0, 1, - 1}.
ì 1, x = e
ï Hence, (c) is the correct answer.
\ g ( x ) = í 0, 1 £ x < e
ï ¥, x > e
î
 Chap 06 Continuity and Differentiability 335

Exercise for Session 6

ì -x , x <0
ï 2
1. If a function f ( x ) is defined as f ( x ) = í x , 0 £ x £ 1, then
ï x 2 - x + 1, x > 1
î
(a) f (x ) is differentiable at x = 0 and x = 1 (b) f (x ) is differentiable at x = 0 but not at x = 1
(c) f (x ) is not differentiable at x = 1but not at x = 0 (d) f (x ) is not differentiable at x = 0 and x = 1

2. If f ( x ) = x 3sgn (x ), then
(a) f is differentiable at x = 0 (b) f is continuous but not differentiable at x = 0
(c) f ¢ (0- ) = 1 (d) None of these

3. Which of the following is continuous everywhere in its domain but has atleast one point where it is not
differentiable?
x
(a) f (x ) = x1/ 3 (b) f (x ) =
x
(c) f (x ) = e - x (d) f (x ) = tan x

ì x + {x } + x sin {x } , for x ¹ 0
4. If f ( x ) = í , where {x } denotes the fractional part function, then
î 0, for x = 0
(a) f is continuous and differentiable at x = 0 (b) f is continuous but not differentiable at x = 0
(c) f is continuous and differentiable at x = 2 (d) None of these
ì æ e1/ x - e -1/ x ö
ïx ç ÷ , x ¹0
5. If f ( x ) = í è e1/ x + e1/ x ø , then at x = 0, f ( x ) is
ï x =0
î 0,
(a) differentiable (b) not differentiable
(c) f ¢ (0+ ) = -1 (d) f ¢ (0- ) = 1
Session 7
Differentiability in an Interval
(i) A function f ( x ) defined in an open interval (a, b ) is Remark
said to be differentiable or derivable in open interval The above example, can also be solved as follows
(a, b ), if it is differentiable at each point of (a, b ) . æ 2x ö
y = f ( x ) = sin–1 ç ÷, let x = tan q
(ii) A function f ( x ) defined in a close interval [a, b ] is è1 + x 2 ø
said to be differentiable or derivable at the end points æ 2 tan q ö
\ y = sin–1 ç ÷ Þ y = sin–1(sin 2q)
a and b, if it is differentiable from the right at a and è 1 + tan2 q ø
from the left at b. In other words, lim f ( x ) – f (a ) \ y = 2q or y = 2 tan–1 x
x ®a+ x –a dy
=
2
, which states f ¢( x ) exists for all x Î R. “Which is
dx 1 + x 2
and lim f ( x ) – f (b ) both exist. wrong as we have not checked the domain of f ( x ) .” So, students
x ®b– x –b are advised to solve these problems carefully, while applying this
method.
y Example 44 Discuss the differentiability of y Example 45 Let [ ] denotes the greatest integer
æ 2x ö function and f ( x ) = [tan 2 x ], then
f ( x ) = sin –1 ç ÷. [IIT JEE 1993]
è1+ x 2 ø (a) lim f (x) doesn’t exist (b) f (x) is continuous at x = 0
x®0
æ 2x ö (c) f (x) is not differentiable at x = 0
Sol. We have, f ( x ) = sin –1 ç ÷ (d) f ¢ (0) = 1
è1+ x 2 ø
Sol. Here, [ ] denotes the greatest integral function.
1 d æ 2x ö –45° < x < 45°
Þ f ¢( x ) = ´ ç ÷ Thus,
æ 2x ö
2 dx è 1 + x 2 ø Þ tan(– 45° ) < tan x < tan( 45° )
1– ç ÷
è1 + x 2 ø Þ –1 < tan x < 1 Þ 0 < tan 2 x < 1
(1 + x 2 ) é ( 1 + x 2 ) ( 2) – 2x ( 2x ) ù Since, f ( x ) = [tan 2 x ] = 0
= ´ê ú
(1 + x 2 )2 – 4 x 2 êë (1 + x 2 )2 úû Therefore, f ( x ) is zero for all values of x from (– 45° ) to
( 45° ). Thus, f ( x ) exists when x ® 0 and also it is
(1 + x )
2
( 2 + 2x – 4 x )
2 2
= ´ continuous at x = 0, f ( x ) is differentiable at x = 0 and has a
1 + 2x 2 + x 4 – 4 x 2 (1 + x 2 )2 value 0. (i.e. f (0) = 0).
(1 + x 2 ) ( 2 – 2x 2 ) Hence, (b) is the correct answer.
= ´
1 – 2x 2 + x 4 (1 + x 2 )2

=
(1 + x 2 )
´
( 2 – 2x 2 )
=
(1 + x 2 )
´
2( 1 – x 2 ) Theorems of Differentiability
(1 – x ) 2 2 (1 + x )2 2 2
|1 – x | (1 + x 2 )2 Theorem 1 If f ( x ) and g( x ) are both derivable at
f (x )
[since 1 + x 2 ¹ 0] x = a, f ( x ) ± g( x ), f ( x ) × g( x ) and will also be
2 g( x )
1 2 (1 – x )
Þ f ¢( x ) = ´ …(i) ì f (x )ü
2
|(1 – x )| (1 + x 2 ) derivable at x = a íonly if g(a ) ¹ 0 for ý.
î g (x ) þ
Here, in Eq. (i), f ¢( x ) exists only if, |1– x 2 | ¹ 0
Theorem 2 If f ( x ) is derivable at x = a and g( x ) is not
Þ 1 – x 2 ¹0
differentiable at x = a, then f ( x ) ± g( x ) will not be
Þ x 2 ¹1 Þ x ¹ ± 1 derivable at x = a.
Thus, f ¢( x ) exists only, if x Î R – {–1,1}. e.g. f ( x ) = cos | x | is derivable at x = 0 and g( x ) = | x | is not
\ f ( x ) is differentiable for all x Î R – { 1, – 1}. derivable at x = 0.
 Chap 06 Continuity and Differentiability 337

Then, cos | x | + | x | is not derivable at x = 0. y Example 46 Let h( x ) = min { x , x 2 } for every real
However, nothing can be said about the product function, number of x. Then, [IIT JEE 1998]
as in this case (a) h is not continuous for all x
f ( x ) = x is derivable at x = 0 (b) h is differentiable for all x
g( x ) = | x | is not derivable at x = 0
(c) h¢ (x) = 1for all x
ì x 2 , if x ³ 0
But, f ( x ) × g( x ) = í 2 (d) h is not differentiable at two values of x
î- x , if x < 0 Sol. Here, h ( x ) = min { x , x 2 } can be drawn on graph in two
which is derivable at x = 0. steps.
Theorem 3 If both f ( x ) and g( x ) are non-derivable, then (a) Draw the graph of y = x and y = x 2 also find their
nothing can be said about the sum/difference/product point of intersection.
function. Clearly, x = x 2 Þ x = 0, 1
e.g. f ( x ) = sin | x |, not derivable at x = 0 Y
g( x ) = | x |, not derivable at x = 0 y = x2
Then, the function y=x
F ( x ) = sin | x | + | x |, not derivable at x = 0 1
G ( x ) = sin | x | - | x |, derivable at x = 0
Theorem 4 If f ( x ) is derivable at x = a and f (a ) = 0 and X′
O 1
X
g( x ) is continuous at x = a.
Then, the product function F ( x ) = f ( x ) × g( x ) will be
derivable at x = a. Y′
f (a + h ) × g(a + h ) - 0 (b) To find h ( x ) = min { x , x 2 } neglecting the graph above
Proof F ¢ (a + ) = lim = f ¢ (a ) × g(a )
h®0 h the point of intersection, we get
f (a - h ) × g(a - h ) - 0
F ¢ (a - ) = lim = f ¢ (a ) × g(a ) Y
h®0 –h
\ Derivable at x = a. x
1
Theorem 5 Derivative of a continuous function need not
be a continuous function. X′
x2
X
(1, 0)
ì 2 (0, 0)
ïx × sin æç ö÷ , if x ¹ 0
1
e.g. f (x ) = í èxø
ïî 0, if x = 0 x
Y′
Here, f (0 + ) = 0 and f (0 - ) = 0
Thus, from the above graph,
\ Continuous at x = 0.
ì x , x £ 0 or x ³ 1
ì
ï2 x × sin - x 2 × cos æç ö÷ ×
1 1 1 , x ¹0 h (x ) = í 2
and f ¢ (x ) = í x èx ø x2 î x , 0£ x £1
ïî 0, x =0 which shows h ( x ) is continuous for all x. But not
differentiable at x = {0, 1}.
Þ f ¢ ( x ) is not continuous at x = 0.
Thus, h ( x ) is not differentiable at two values of x.
é as lim f ¢ ( x ) doesn’ t existù
ëê x ® 0 ûú Hence, (d) is the correct answer.

Remark y Example 47 Let f :R ® R be a function defined by

One must remember the formula which we can write as f ( x ) = max { x , x 3 }. The set of all points where f ( x ) is
f ( x ) + g( x ) f ( x ) – g( x )
max {f ( x ), g( x )} = + not differentiable, is
2 2 [IIT JEE 2001]
f ( x ) + g( x ) f ( x ) – g( x ) (a) {–1, 1} (b) {–1, 0 }
min {f ( x ), g( x )} = –
2 2 (c) {0, 1} (d) {–1, 0, 1}
338 Textbook of Differential Calculus

Sol. f ( x ) = max { x , x 3 }. Consider the graph separately of y Example 49 The total number of points of
y = x 3 and y = x and find their point of intersection; non-differentiability of
x3 = x ì 3ü
Clearly, f ( x ) = max ísin 2 x , cos 2 x , ý in [0, 10p], is
Þ x = 0, 1, – 1 î 4þ
Y (a) 40
y = x3
y=x (b) 30
A
(1, 1) (c) 20
O
(d) 10
X′ X
ì 3ü
Sol. Here, f ( x ) = max ísin 2 x , cos 2 x , ý
(–1, –1) î 4þ
B Y
Y′ max {sin2x, cos2x, 3 }
4
1
Now, to find f ( x ) = max { x , x 3 } neglecting the graph below 3/4
the point of intersection, we get the required graph of
f ( x ) = max { x , x 3 }. X′ X
O π π
2
Y Y′
y = x3
y=x Since, sin 2 x and cos 2 x are periodic with period p
1
A and in [0, p ] , there are four points of non-differentiability of
(1, 1) f ( x ).
–1
X′ X \ In [0, 10p ], there are 40 points of non-differentiability.
O 1
B
(–1, –1) Hence, (a) is the correct answer.
–1
y Example 50 If f ( x ) = | x + 1|{| x| + | x – 1|}, then draw
Y′
the graph of f ( x ) in the interval [–2 , 2] and discuss the
ì x , if x Î (–¥, – 1] È [0,1] continuity and differentiability in [–2 , 2].
Thus, from above graph, f ( x ) = í 3
î x , if x Î [–1, 0] È [1, ¥ ) Sol. Here, f ( x ) = | x + 1| {| x | + | x – 1| }
which shows f ( x ) is not differentiable at 3 points, i.e. ì( x + 1) (2x – 1), – 2 £ x < – 1
x = {–1, 0, 1}. (Due to sharp edges) ï–( x + 1) (2x – 1), – 1 £ x < 0
ï
f (x ) = í
ï( x + 1), 0£ x <1
Hence, (d) is the correct answer.
ïî( x + 1) (2x – 1), 1£ x £2
y Example 48 Let f ( x ) be a continuous function,
Thus, the graph of f ( x ) is
" x ÎR, f (0) = 1 and f ( x ) ¹ x for any x ÎR, then
show f ( f ( x )) > x , " x ÎR + . Y
(2, 9)

Sol. Let g ( x ) = f ( x ) – x
2)
So, g ( x ) is continuous and g (0) = f (0)–0. (1,
Þ g(0) = 1 1
x+
Now, it is given that g ( x ) ¹ 0 for any x Î R 1
[as f ( x ) ¹ x for any x Î R]
So, g ( x ) > 0, " x Î R + X′
–2 –1 0 1 2
X
+
i.e. f (x ) > x, " x Î R
Y′
Þ f ( f ( x )) > f ( x ) > x , " x Î R +
Clearly, continuous for x Î R and has differentiability for
or f ( f ( x )) > x , " x Î R + x Î R – {– 1, 0, 1}
 Chap 06 Continuity and Differentiability 339

y Example 51 If the function From graph of f ( x ),

ì f ( x ), for –2 £ x < – 1
é ( x - 2) 3 ù ï –1,
f (x ) = ê ú sin ( x - 2) + a cos( x - 2), ï for –1 £ x < 0
g(x ) = í
ë a û 0, for 0£ x <1
ï
(where [ ] denotes the greatest integer function) is ïî f ( x ), for x ³1
continuous and differentiable in (4, 6 ), then ì x 2 + 2x , for –2 £ x < – 1
(a) a Î [8, 64] (b) a Î (0, 8] ï
ï –1, for –1 £ x < 0
(c) a Î [64, ¥) (d) None of these Þ g(x ) = í
ï 0, for 0£ x <1
Sol. We have, x Î( 4, 6) Þ 2 < x - 2 < 4 ï x 2 - 2x , for x ³1
î
8 ( x - 2)3 64
Þ < < [Qa > 0] Thus, graph of g ( x ) is
a a a
Y
For f ( x ) to be continuous and differentiable in ( 4, 6),
é ( x - 2) 3 ù
ê ú must attain a constant value for x Î( 4, 6).
êë a úû
Clearly, this is possible only when a ³ 64. X′ 0
X
–2 –1 1 2 3
In that case, we have
–1
f ( x ) = a cos( x - 2), which is continuous and differentiable
\ a Î [64, ¥ )
Hence, (c) is the correct answer. Y′
From above figure, it is clear that g ( x ) is not
y Example 52 If f ( x ) = x – 2| x | and
2
continuous at x = 0, 1.
ìmin { f (t ) :– 2 £ t £ x , – 2 £ x £ 0}
g (x ) = í y Example 53 Let f ( x ) = f ( x ) + y ( x ) and f ¢ (a ), y ¢ (a )
îmax{ f (t ) : 0 £ t £ x , 0 £ x £ 3}
are finite and definite. Then,
(i) Draw the graph of f (x ) and discuss its continuity and
(a) f (x) is continuous at x = a
differentiability.
(b) f (x) is differentiable at x = a
(ii) Find and draw the graph of g (x ). Also, discuss the
(c) f ¢ (x) is continuous at x = a
continuity.
(d) f ¢ (x) is differentiable at x = a
ìï x 2 – 2x , x ³ 0
Sol. (i) Graph of f ( x ) = í is shown as Sol. We know that the sum of two continuous (differentiable)
îï x + 2x , x < 0
2 functions is continuous (differentiable).
Y \ f ( x ) is continuous and differentiable at x = a.
Hence, (a) and (b) are the correct answers.

y Example 54 If f ( x ) = x + tan x and g ( x ) is the inverse

X′ 0
X of f ( x ), then g ¢( x ) is equal to
–2 –1 1 2 1 1
(a) (b)
–1
y = x2 – 2|x| 1 + (g (x) - x) 2
2 + (g (x) + x) 2
1
(c) (d) None of these
Y′ 2 + (g (x) - x) 2
which shows f ( x ) is continuous for all x Î R and Sol. We have, f ( x ) = x + tan x
differentiable for all x Î R – {0}. -1 -1 -1
Þ f (f ( x )) = f ( x ) + tan( f ( x ))
(ii) We know that,
If f ( x ) is an increasing function on [a, b ] , then Þ x = g ( x ) + tan( g ( x )) …(i)
-1
max { f (t ); a £ t £ x , a £ x £ b } = f ( x ) [Q g ( x ) = f ( x )]
min { f (t ); a £ t £ x , a £ x £ b } = f (a ) 1 = g ¢ ( x ) + sec 2 ( g ( x )) × g ¢ ( x )
If f ( x ) is decreasing function on [a, b ], then
1
max { f (t ); a £ t £ x , a £ x £ b } = f (a ) Þ g ¢( x ) =
1 + sec 2 ( g ( x ))
min { f (t ); a £ t £ x , a £ x £ b } = f ( x )
340 Textbook of Differential Calculus

1 Also, f (1) = 1
Þ g ¢( x ) =
2 + tan 2 ( g ( x )) \ f ( x ) is Continuous at x = 1
Þ g ¢( x ) =
1 ì x, 0£ x <1
[from Eq. (i)] f (x ) = í 2 , non-differentiable at x = 1
2 + ( x - g ( x ))2 î x + x - 1 , 1£ x <2
Hence, (c) is the correct answer. lim f ( x ) = lim- x 2 sgn[ x ] + { x }
x ®2 - x ®2
y Example 55 If f ( x ) is differentiable function and
= 4 ´1+1 = 5
( f ( x ) × g ( x )) is differentiable at x = a, then
lim f ( x ) = lim+ sin x + | x - 3| = 1 + sin 2
(a) g (x) must be differentiable at x = a x ®2 + x ®2

(b) g (x) is discontinuous, then f (a) = 0 Thus, f ( x ) is neither continuous nor differentiable at x = 2.
(c) f (a) ¹ 0, then g (x) must be differentiable Hence, (c) and (d) are the correct answers.
(d) None of the above
y Example 58 A real valued function f ( x ) is given as
éd ù
Sol. ê ( f ( x ) × g ( x ))ú = f ¢ (a ) g (a ) ì x
ë dx ûx =a ï ò0 2{ x } dx , x + { x } Î I
g (a + h ) - g (a )
+ lim × f (a ) ï 1 1 3
h® 0 h f ( x ) = í x 2 - x + , < x < and x ¹ 1,
ï 2 2 2
If f (a ) ¹ 0 Þ g ¢(a ) must exist. 1
Also, if g ( x ) is discontinuous, f (a ) must be 0 for f ( x ) × g ( x ) ï x - x + , otherwise
2
î 6
to be differentiable.
where [ ] denotes greatest integer less than or equals
Hence, (b) and (c) are the correct answers.
to x and { } denotes fractional part function of x. Then,
y Example 56 If f ( x ) = [ x -2 [ x 2 ]], (where [ × ] denotes
æ 1 1ö
(a) f (x) is continuous and differentiable in x Î ç - , ÷
the greatest integer function) x ¹ 0, then incorrect è 2 2ø
statement
é 1 1ù
(a) f (x) is continuous everywhere (b) f (x) is continuous and differentiable in x Î ê - , ú
ë 2 2û
(b) f (x) is discontinuous at x = 2
(c) f (x) is non-differentiable at x = 1 é 1 3ù
(c) f (x) is continuous and differentiable in x Î ê , ú
(d) f (x) is discontinuous at infinitely many points ë2 2 û
(d) f (x) is continuous but not differentiable in x Î (0, 1)
Sol. Here, 0 £ [x 2 ] £ x 2
Sol. Here, x + {x } Î I Þ x + x - [x ] Î I
Þ 0 £ x -2 [ x 2 ] £ 1 Þ [ x -2 [ x 2 ]] = 0 or 1
n
f ( x ) is discontinuous at x 2 = n , n Î N Þ x = n Þ 2x - [ x ] Î I , possible for x = , n Î I
2
\ f ( x ) is neither continuous nor differentiable at æ1ö 1/ 2 1 æ3ö 3/2 5
\ f ç ÷ = ò 2 { x }dx = , f ç ÷ = ò 2 { x } dx =
x = n, n Î N. è2ø 0 4 è2ø 0 4
Hence, (b), (c) and (d) are the correct answers. æ -1 ö - 1/ 2 -3
and fç ÷=ò 2 { x } dx = , f ( 1) = 1
è 2 ø 0 4
ì x 2 (sgn [ x ]) + { x }, 0 £ x £ 2
y Example 57 If f ( x ) = í , ì 1 1
x=
î sin x + | x - 3|, 2 £ x £ 4 ï 4
,
2
ï
where [ ] and { } represents greatest integer and ï
5
, x=
3
fractional part function respectively, then ï 4 2
(a) f (x) is differentiable at x = 1 ï -3 -1
ï , x =
(b) f (x) is continuous but non-differentiable at x = 2 Then, f ( x ) = í 4 2
ï 1, x =1
(c) f (x) is non-differentiable at x = 2 ï 1 1 3
(d) f (x) is discontinuous at x = 2 ï x 2 - x + , < x < and x ¹ 1
ï 2 2 2
Sol. For continuity at x = 1 ï 1
ïî x 2
- x + , otherwise
lim f ( x ) = lim+ x 2 sgn[ x ] + { x } = 1 + 0 = 1 6
x ®1+ x ®1
Clearly, continuous for x Î(0, 1) but not differentiable.
lim- f ( x ) = lim- x 2 sgn[ x ] + { x } = 0 + 1 = 1 Hence, (d) is the correct answer.
x ®1 x ®1
 Chap 06 Continuity and Differentiability 341

Exercise for Session 7

æ p pö
1. If f ( x ) = sin( p ( x - [ x ])), " x Î ç - , ÷ , where [ × ] denotes the greatest integer function, then
è 2 2ø
p p
(a) f (x ) is discontinuous at x = {-1, 0, 1} (b) f (x ) is differentiable for x Î æç - , ö÷ - {0}
è 2 2ø
p p
(c) f (x ) is differentiable for x Î æç - , ö÷ - {-1, 0, 1} (d) None of these
è 2 2ø

ì x - 1, -1 £ x < 0
2. Let f ( x ) = í 2 , g( x ) = sin x and h( x ) = f (| g( x ) | ) + | f ( g( x )) | . Then,
î x , 0 £ x £1
(a) h (x ) is continuous for x Î [-1, 1] (b) h (x ) is differentiable for x Î [-1, 1]
(c) h (x ) is differentiable for x Î [-1, 1] - {0} (d) h (x ) is differentiable for x Î (-1, 1) - { 0}
ì |1 - 4x 2|, 0 £ x < 1
3. If f ( x ) = í 2 , where [ ] denotes the greatest integer function, then
î[ x - 2x ], 1 £ x < 2
(a) f (x ) is continuous for all x Î[0, 2) (b) f (x ) is differentiable for all x Î [ 0, 2 ) - { 1}
(c) f (x ) is differentiable for all x Î [0, 2) - ìí , 1üý
1
(d) None of these
î2 þ
1
4. Let f ( x ) = ò | x - t | t dt , then
0
(a) f (x ) is continuous but not differentiable for all x ÎR (b) f (x ) is continuous and differentiable for all x ÎR
(c) f (x ) is continuous for x ÎR - ìí üý and f (x ) is differentiable for x ÎR - ìí , üý
1 1 1
î 2þ î 4 2þ
(d) None of these
5. Let f ( x ) be a function such that f ( x + y ) = f ( x ) + f ( y ) for all x and y and f ( x ) = (2x 2 + 3x ) × g( x ) for all x, where
g( x ) is continuous and g(0) = 3. Then, f ¢( x ) is equal to
(a) 6 (b) 9 (c) 8 (d) None of these
6. If a function g( x ) which has derivatives g ¢( x ) for every real x and which satisfies the following equation
g( x + y ) = e y g( x ) + e x g( y ) for all x and y and g ¢ (0) = 2, then the value of {g ¢ ( x ) - g( x )} is equal to
2 1
(a) e x (b) e x (c) e x (d) 2e x
3 2
æ xy ö f ( x ) × f ( y )
7. Let f : R ® R be a function satisfying f ç ÷ = , " x , y ÎR
è 2 ø 2
and f (1) = f ¢ (1) ¹ 0. Then, f ( x ) + f (1 - x ) is (for all non-zero real values of x)
1
(a) constant (b) can’t be discussed (c) x (d)
x
æ x + y ö f (x ) + f (y )
8. Let f ( x ) be a derivable function at x = 0 and f ç ÷= (K Î R, K ¹ 0, 2). Then, f ( x ) is
è K ø K
(a) even function (b) neither even nor odd function
(c) either zero or odd function (d) either zero or even function
æx + yö
9. Let f : R - ( - p , p ) be a differentiable function such that f ( x ) + f ( y ) = f ç ÷.
è 1 - xy ø
p f (x )
If f (1) = and lim = 2 . Then, f ( x ) is equal to
2 x ®0 x
1 -1 p
(a) 2 tan-1 x (b) tan x (c) tan-1 x (d) 2p tan-1 x
2 2
ìïmax {f (t ), 0 £ t £ x }, for 0 £ x £ p
10. Let f ( x ) = sin x and g( x ) = í 1 - cos x , . Then, g( x ) is
ïî for x > p
2
(a) differentiable for all x ÎR (b) differentiable for all x ÎR - {p}
(c) differentiable for all x Î (0, ¥) (d) differentiable for all x Î (0, ¥) - {p}