Chapter

CONTINUITY AND
DIFFERENTIABILITY
5.1

Overview

5.1.1 Continuity of a function at a point

Let f be a real function on a subset of the real numbers and let c be a point in the
domain of f. Then f is continuous at c if
lim f ( x) = f (c)
x c

More elaborately, if the left hand limit, right hand limit and the value of the function
at x = c exist and are equal to each other, i.e.,
lim f ( x)
x

f (c) lim f ( x)

then f is said to be continuous at x = c.

5.1.2 Continuity in an interval

(i) f is said to be continuous in an open interval (a, b) if it is continuous at every
point in this interval.
(ii) f is said to be continuous in the closed interval [a, b] if
f is continuous in (a, b)
lim

xa+

f (x) = f (a)

lim f (x) = f (b)

x b

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

87

5.1.3 Geometrical meaning of continuity

(i) Function f will be continuous at x = c if there is no break in the graph of the
function at the point

( c, f (c ) ) .

(ii) In an interval, function is said to be continuous if there is no break in the

graph of the function in the entire interval.

5.1.4 Discontinuity
The function f will be discontinuous at x = a in any of the following cases :
f (x) and xlim
f (x) exist but are not equal.
(i) xlim
a
a+
f (x) and xlim
f (x) exist and are equal but not equal to f (a).
(ii) xlim
a
a+
(iii) f (a) is not defined.

5.1.5 Continuity of some of the common functions

Function f (x)

Interval in which
f is continuous

1. The constant function, i.e. f (x) = c

2. The identity function, i.e. f (x) = x

3. The polynomial function, i.e.

f (x)= a0 xn + a1 x

n1

+ ... + an1 x + an

4. | x a |

( , )

5. xn, n is a positive integer

( , ) {0}

6. p (x) / q (x), where p (x) and q (x) are

R { x : q (x) = 0}

polynomials in x
7. sin x, cos x

8. tan x, sec x

R { (2 n + 1)

9. cot x, cosec x

R { (n : n Z}

: n Z}
2

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MATHEMATICS

10. e x

11. log x

(0, )

12. The inverse trigonometric functions,

i.e., sin1 x, cos1 x etc.

In their respective
domains

5.1.6 Continuity of composite functions

Let f and g be real valued functions such that (fog) is defined at a. If g is continuous
at a and f is continuous at g (a), then (fog) is continuous at a.

5.1.7 Differentiability
f ( x + h) f ( x )
, wherever the limit exists, is
h 0
h
defined to be the derivative of f at x. In other words, we say that a function f is
The function defined by f (x) = lim

differentiable at a point c in its domain if both lim

h 0

f (c + h ) f (c )
, called left hand
h

f (c + h ) f (c )
, called right hand derivative,
h0
h
denoted by R f (c), are finite and equal.

derivative, denoted by Lf (c), and lim+

(i) The function y = f (x) is said to be differentiable in an open interval (a, b) if

it is differentiable at every point of (a, b)
(ii) The function y = f (x) is said to be differentiable in the closed interval [a, b]
if R f (a) and L f (b) exist and f (x) exists for every point of (a, b).
(iii) Every differentiable function is continuous, but the converse is not true

5.1.8 Algebra of derivatives

If u, v are functions of x, then
(i)

d (u v)
du dv
=

dx
dx dx

du
dv
u
(iii) d u = dx 2 dx
dx v
v
v

(ii)

d
dv
du
(u v) = u + v
dx
dx
dx

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

89

5.1.9 Chain rule is a rule to differentiate composition of functions. Let f = vou. If

t = u (x) and both

df dv dt
dt
dv
= .
and
exist then
dx dt dx
dx
dt

5.1.10 Following are some of the standard derivatives (in appropriate domains)

d
1
1
2. dx (cos x) =
1 x2

d
1
1
1. dx (sin x) =
1 x2
3.

1
d
(tan 1 x) =
1 + x2
dx

d
1
5. dx (sec x) =
x

1
x2 1

4.

d
1
(cot 1 x) =
1 + x2
dx

, x >1

d
1
1
, x >1
6. dx (cosec x) =
x x2 1

5.1.11 Exponential and logarithmic functions

(i) The exponential function with positive base b > 1 is the function
y = f (x) = bx. Its domain is R, the set of all real numbers and range is the set
of all positive real numbers. Exponential function with base 10 is called the
common exponential function and with base e is called the natural exponential
function.
(ii) Let b > 1 be a real number. Then we say logarithm of a to base b is x if bx=a,
Logarithm of a to the base b is denoted by logb a. If the base b = 10, we say
it is common logarithm and if b = e, then we say it is natural logarithms. logx
denotes the logarithm function to base e. The domain of logarithm function
is R+, the set of all positive real numbers and the range is the set of all real
numbers.
(iii) The properties of logarithmic function to any base b > 1 are listed below:
1. logb (xy) = logb x + logb y
x
2. logb = logb x logb y
y

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MATHEMATICS

3. logb xn = n logb x

log c x
4. logb x = log b , where c > 1
c
1
5. logb x = log b
x
6. logb b = 1 and logb 1 = 0
(iv) The derivative of ex w.r.t., x is ex , i.e.
w.r.t., x is

d x
(e ) e x . The derivative of logx
dx

1
d
1
(log x)
; i.e.
.
dx
x
x

5.1.12 Logarithmic differentiation is a powerful technique to differentiate functions

of the form f (x) = (u (x))v(x), where both f and u need to be positive functions
for this technique to make sense.
5.1.13 Differentiation of a function with respect to another function
Let u = f (x) and v = g (x) be two functions of x, then to find derivative of f (x) w.r.t.
to g (x), i.e., to find

du
, we use the formula
dv
du
du dx
=
dv dv .
dx

5.1.14 Second order derivative

d2y
is called the second order derivative of y w.r.t. x. It is denoted by y or
dx 2
y2 , if y = f (x).
d dy
dx dx

5.1.15 Rolles Theorem

Let f : [a, b]
R be continuous on [a, b] and differentiable on (a, b), such that f (a)
= f (b), where a and b are some real numbers. Then there exists at least one point c in
(a, b) such that f (c) = 0.

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

91

Geometrically Rolles theorem ensures that there is at least one point on the curve
y = f (x) at which tangent is parallel to x-axis (abscissa of the point lying in (a, b)).
5.1.16 Mean Value Theorem (Lagrange)
Let f : [a, b]

R be a continuous function on [a, b] and differentiable on (a, b). Then

there exists at least one point c in (a, b) such that f (c) =

f (b) f (a)
.
b a

Geometrically, Mean Value Theorem states that there exists at least one point c in
(a, b) such that the tangent at the point (c, f (c)) is parallel to the secant joining the
points (a, f (a) and (b, f (b)).
5.2 Solved Examples
Short Answer (S.A.)
Example 1 Find the value of the constant k so that the function f defined below is

1 cos 4 x
,x0 .
continuous at x = 0, where f ( x) =
2
8x
x=0
k ,

Solution It is given that the function f is continuous at x = 0. Therefore, lim

f (x) = f (0)
x0

1 cos 4 x
=k
8x2

lim

lim

sin 2 x
lim
=k
x 0
2x

k=1

x 0

2sin 2 2 x
=k
x 0
8x2
2

Thus, f is continuous at x = 0 if k = 1.
Example 2 Discuss the continuity of the function f(x) = sin x . cos x.
Solution Since sin x and cos x are continuous functions and product of two continuous
function is a continuous function, therefore f(x) = sin x . cos x is a continuous function.

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MATHEMATICS

x 3 + x 2 16 x + 20
,x2

( x 2) 2
Example 3 If f ( x) =
is continuous at x = 2, find

k
,
x
=
2

the value of k.
Solution Given f (2) = k.
x 3 + x 2 16 x + 20
x 2
( x 2) 2

Now, lim f ( x) = lim+ f ( x) = lim

x 2

x2

( x 5)( x 2)2
( x 2)2
As f is continuous at x = 2, we have
= lim
x 2

lim( x 5)
x

lim f ( x) = f (2)
x2

k = 7.
Example 4 Show that the function f defined by

x sin , x 0
f ( x) =
x

0, x = 0
is continuous at x = 0.
Solution Left hand limit at x = 0 is given by

lim f ( x) = lim x sin

x 0

x 0

Similarly lim f ( x)
x

lim x sin

f ( x)
Thus xlim
0

lim f ( x)
x

1
= 0
x

Example 5 Given f(x) =

1
x

[since, 1 < sin

0 . Moreover f (0) = 0.

f (0) . Hence f is continuous at x = 0

1
. Find the points of discontinuity of the composite
x 1

function y = f [f(x)].
Solution We know that f (x) =
Now, for x 1 ,

1
< 1]
x

1
is discontinuous at x = 1
x 1

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

93

1
x 1
1
1
f (f (x))
= f
=
1 2 x ,
x 1
x 1
which is discontinuous at x = 2.
Hence, the points of discontinuity are x = 1 and x = 2.

Example 6 Let f(x) = x x , for all x R. Discuss the derivability of f(x) at x = 0

x 2 , if x 0
=
f
(
x
)
2
Solution We may rewrite f as
x ,if x < 0
Now Lf (0) = lim
h 0

f (0 + h) f (0)
h2 0
= lim
= lim h = 0
h 0
h0
h
h

f (0 + h) f (0)
h2 0
= lim+
= lim h = 0
h 0
h0
h0
h
h
Since the left hand derivative and right hand derivative both are equal, hence f is
differentiable at x = 0.

Now Rf (0) = lim+

Example 7 Differentiate
Solution Let y =

tan x . Using chain rule, we have

dy
dx

tan x w.r.t. x

d
(tan x )
2 tan x dx
1

2 tan x

1
2 tan x

.sec 2 x

d
( x)
dx

(sec2 x )

(sec 2 x )
4 x tan x

1
2 x

dy
.
dx
Solution Given y = tan (x + y). differentiating both sides w.r.t. x, we have
Example 8 If y = tan(x + y), find

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MATHEMATICS

dy
dx

sec2 ( x

d
(x
dx

y)

y)

= sec2 (x + y) 1
or

dy
= sec2 (x + y)
dx

[1 sec2 (x + y]

Therefore,

dy
dx

dy
sec 2 ( x y )
= cosec2 (x + y).
dx 1 sec 2 ( x y )

Example 9 If ex + ey = ex+y, prove that

dy
= e yx .
dx
Solution Given that ex + ey = ex+y. Differentiating both sides w.r.t. x, we have
ex + ey
or

(ey ex+y)

dy
= ex+y ex,
dx

ex y ex
e y ex y

dy
which implies that
dx

dy
Example 10 Find
, if y = tan1
dx
Solution Put x = tan , where

Therefore,

y = tan

dy
dy
= ex+y 1
dx
dx

ex e y ex
e y ex e y

ey

= 3tan1x

3x x3
1
1
<x <
,

.
2
3
3
1 3x

<< .
6
6

3tan tan 3

2
1 3tan

= tan1 (tan3 )
=3

(because

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

3
dy
=
2 .
dx 1 x

Hence,

x 1 x 2 and 0 < x < 1, then find

Example 11 If y = sin1 x 1 x

x 1 x 2 , where 0 < x < 1.

Solution We have y = sin1 x 1 x

Put

x = sinA and

x = sinB

2
2
Therefore, y = sin1 sin A 1 sin B sin B 1 sin A

= sin1 sin A cos B sin Bcos A

= sin1 sin(A B) = A B
Thus
y = sin1 x sin1
Differentiating w.r.t. x, we get

dy
dx

1
1 x

x
1

1
=
Example 12 If x = a sec3

1 x

d
dx

1
2

2 x 1 x.

and y = a tan3 , find

Solution We have x = a sec3 and y = a tan3 .

Differentiating w.r.t. , we get

dx
d
3a sec 2
(sec ) 3a sec3 tan
d
d
and

dy
d
= 3a tan 2 (tan ) = 3a tan 2 sec2 .
d
d

Thus

dy
dx

dy
d
dx
d

3a tan 2 sec2
3a sec3 tan

tan
sec

sin

dy
at
dx

dy
.
dx

95

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MATHEMATICS

dy
dx

Hence,

sin
at

3
2 .

log x
dy
=
.
(1 log x)2
dx
Solution We have xy = exy . Taking logarithm on both sides, we get
y log x = x y

y (1 + log x) = x

Example 13 If xy = exy, prove that

x
y = 1 log x

i.e.

Differentiating both sides w.r.t. x, we get

dy
dx

(1 log x).1 x
(1 log x)

1
x

log x .
(1 log x) 2

cos x
d2y
=
.
(1 sin x) 2
dx 2
Solution We have y = tanx + secx. Differentiating w.r.t. x, we get

Example 14 If y = tanx + secx, prove that

dy
= sec2x + secx tanx
dx
=

1+ sin x
1
sin x
1 sin x
=
= (1 + sin x)(1 sin x) .
2
2
2
cos x cos x
cos x

1
dy
= 1 sin x .
dx
Now, differentiating again w.r.t. x, we get
thus

d 2 y cos x
=
2
dx 2 (1 sin x)

cos x
(1 sin x) 2

Example 15 If f (x) = |cos x|, find f

3
4

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

Solution When

2
f (x) = sin x.

Hence, f

3
4

97

< x < , cosx < 0 so that |cos x| = cos x, i.e., f (x) = cos x

3
4

= sin

1
2

Example 16 If f (x) = |cos x sinx|, find f

Solution When 0 < x <

, cos x > sin x, so that cos x sin x > 0, i.e.,

4

f (x) = cos x sin x

f (x) = sin x cos x
Hence f

= sin

cos

1
= (1+ 3) .
6
2

Example 17 Verify Rolles theorem for the function, f (x) = sin 2x in 0,

Solution Consider f (x) = sin 2x in 0,
(i)

The function f is continuous in

. Note that:

0,

, as f is a sine function, which is

always continuous.
(ii)

f (x) = 2cos 2x, exists in 0,

(iii)

f (0) = sin0 = 0 and f

, hence f is derivable in 0, .
2
2

= sin = 0 f (0) = f

Conditions of Rolles theorem are satisfied. Hence there exists at least one c 0,
such that f (c) = 0. Thus
2 cos 2c = 0

2c =

c=

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MATHEMATICS

Example 18 Verify mean value theorem for the function f (x) = (x 3) (x 6) (x 9)

in [3, 5].
Solution (i) Function f is continuous in [3, 5] as product of polynomial functions is a
polynomial, which is continuous.
(ii) f (x) = 3x2 36x + 99 exists in (3, 5) and hence derivable in (3, 5).
Thus conditions of mean value theorem are satisfied. Hence, there exists at least one
c (3, 5) such that

f (c )

f (5) f (3)
5 3

3c2 36c + 99 =

13
.
3

c= 6
Hence c 6

8 0
=4
2

13
(since other value is not permissible).
3

Long Answer (L.A.)

Example 19 If f (x) =
find the value of f

Solution Given, f (x) =

Therefore,

2 cos x 1
,x
cot x 1
4

so that f (x) becomes continuous at x =

2 cos x 1
,x
cot x 1
4

2 cos x 1
cot x 1

lim f ( x) lim
x

= lim
x

= lim
x

2 cos x 1 sin x
cos x sin x
2 cos x 1
2 cos x 1

2 cos x 1
cos x sin x

cos x sin x
.sin x
cos x sin x

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

lim
x

lim

x
4

lim
x

Thus,

2cos 2 x 1 cos x + sin x

.
.( sin x )
cos 2 x sin 2 x 2 cos x + 1
cos 2 x cos x + sin x
.
.( sin x )
cos 2 x 2 cos x + 1

cos x sin x
2 cos x 1

1
2

lim f ( x)

99

1
1
2
2
1
2.
1
2

sin x

1
2

1
2

If we define f = , then f (x) will become continuous at x = . Hence for f to be

4
2
4

continuous at x

, f

1
.
2

Example 20 Show that the function f given by

f ( x)

ex

1
ex

0,

, if x 0
if x 0

is discontinuous at x = 0.
Solution The left hand limit of f at x = 0 is given by

lim f ( x) lim
x

1
ex
1
ex

1 0 1
0 1
1

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MATHEMATICS

lim f ( x) lim

Similarly,

lim
x

1
ex

1
ex

1
1
ex

= xlim0

ex

1 ex
1 e

1 0
1
1 0

1
x

lim f ( x) does not exist. Hence f is discontinuous

Thus lim f ( x) lim f ( x), therefore,
+
x 0

x 0

x 0

at x = 0.

Example 21 Let f ( x)

1 cos 4 x
, if x 0
x2
a
, if x 0
x
16

x 4

, if x 0

For what value of a, f is continuous at x = 0?

Solution Here f (0) = a Left hand limit of f at 0 is
lim f ( x) lim
x

lim 8

2x

1 cos 4 x
x2

sin 2 x
2x

lim
x

2sin 2 2 x
x2

= 8 (1)2 = 8.

and right hand limit of f at 0 is

lim f ( x) lim
x

= xlim0

x
16

x ( 16
( 16

x 4
x 4)

x 4)( 16

x 4)

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

lim

x ( 16
16

4)

x
x 16

lim
x

16

101

Thus, lim f ( x) lim f ( x) 8 . Hence f is continuous at x = 0 only if a = 8.

x

Example 22 Examine the differentiability of the function f defined by

f ( x)

2 x 3, if 3 x
2
x 1 , if 2 x 0
x 2 , if 0 x 1

Solution The only doubtful points for differentiability of f (x) are x = 2 and x = 0.
Differentiability at x = 2.
Now L f (2) = lim
0

= lim
0

= lim
h

2(2 h) 3 (2 1)
h

lim
h

2h
h

lim 2 2 .

f (2 h) f (2)
h

and R f (2) = lim

h

f (2 h) f (2)
h

2 h 1 ( 2 1)
h

h 1 (1)
h
lim
1
h 0
h 0 h
h
Thus R f (2) L f (2). Therefore f is not differentiable at x = 2.
Similarly, for differentiability at x = 0, we have
= lim

L (f (0)= lim

f (0 h) f (0)
h

= lim

0 h 1 (0 2)
h

= hlim0

h 1
1
lim 1
h
0
h
h

which does not exist. Hence f is not differentiable at x = 0.

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MATHEMATICS

Example 23 Differentiate tan

1 x2
x

-1

1
,1 .
2
1 x2
x

Solution Let u = tan-1

1 x2
x

Now u = tan

-1

Then u = tan

. Put x = sin. << .

2
4

1 sin 2
sin

-1

2
and v = cos-1 2 x 1 x .

du
dx
dv
dx

du
We want to find dv

= tan-1 (cot )

= tan-1 tan =
2
2

du
Hence dx
Now

2
with respect to cos-1 2 x 1 x , where

sin 1 x

1
.

1 x2

v = cos1 (2x
=
=
=

2
2

1 x2 )

sin1 (2x

sin1 (2sin

1 x2 )

1 sin 2 ) =

sin 1 (sin 2)
2

sin1 {sin ( 2)} [since

< 2 < ]
2

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

v=

dv
dx

2 )

103

+ 2sin1x

2
1 x2

du
du dx
=
=
dv dv
dx

Hence

1
1 x 2 = 1 .
2
2
1 x2

Objective Type Questions

Choose the correct answer from the given four options in each of the Examples 24 to 35.

Example 24 The function f (x) =

sin x
cos x,if x 0
x
k
, if x 0

is continuous at x = 0, then the value of k is

(A)
3
(B)
2
(C)
1
(D)
1.5
Solution (B) is the Correct answer.
Example 25 The function f (x) = [x], where [x] denotes the greatest integer function,
is continuous at
(A)
4
(B)
2
(C)
1
(D)
1.5
Solution (D) is the correct answer. The greatest integer function[x] is discontinuous
at all integral values of x. Thus D is the correct answer.

1
Example 26 The number of points at which the function f (x) = x [ x] is not
continuous is
(A)
(C)

1
3

(B)
(D)

2
none of these

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MATHEMATICS

Solution (D) is the correct answer. As x [x] = 0, when x is an integer so f (x) is

discontinuous for all x Z.
Example 27 The function given by f (x) = tanx is discontinuous on the set
(A)

n :n Z

(C)

(2n 1)

(B)

:n Z

2
Solution C is the correct answer.
Example 28 Let f (x)= |cosx|. Then,
(A)
f is everywhere differentiable.

(D)

2n : n Z

n
:n Z
2

(B)

f is everywhere continuous but not differentiable at n = n, n Z .

(C)

f is everywhere continuous but not differentiable at x = (2n + 1)

,
2

n Z .
(D)
none of these.
Solution C is the correct answer.
Example 29 The function f (x) = |x| + |x 1| is
(A)
continuous at x = 0 as well as at x = 1.
(B)
continuous at x = 1 but not at x = 0.
(C)
discontinuous at x = 0 as well as at x = 1.
(D)
continuous at x = 0 but not at x = 1.
Solution Correct answer is A.
Example 30 The value of k which makes the function defined by

f ( x)

1
,
x
k
,

sin

(A)
(C)

if x 0
if x 0

8
1

, continuous at x = 0 is
(B)
(D)

1
none of these

1
does not exist.
x 0
x
Example 31 The set of points where the functions f given by f (x) = |x 3| cosx is
differentiable is
Solution (D) is the correct answer. Indeed lim sin

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

105

(A)
R
(B)
R {3}
(C)
(0, )
(D)
none of these
Solution B is the correct answer.
Example 32 Differential coefficient of sec (tan1x) w.r.t. x is

x
(A)

(C)

1+ x

(B)

x 1+ x

x
1+ x 2
1

(D)

1+ x 2

Solution (A) is the correct answer.

Example 33

2x
du
1 2 x
tan 1
If u = sin
is
2 and v =
2 , then
1
1
+

x
x
dv

1 x 2
1
(A)
(B)
x
(C)
(D)
1
1+ x 2
2
Solution (D) is the correct answer.
Example 34 The value of c in Rolles Theorem for the function f (x) = ex sinx,
x [0, ] is

(B)
(C)
(D)
4
6
4
2
Solution (D) is the correct answer.
Example 35 The value of c in Mean value theorem for the function f (x) = x (x 2),
x [1, 2] is
(A)

3
2
(B)
2
3
Solution (A) is the correct answer.
Example 36 Match the following
COLUMN-I
(A)

(A) If a function f ( x)

(C)

sin 3x
, if x 0
x
k
, if x 0
2

is continuous at x = 0, then k is equal to

1
2

(D)

3
2

COLUMN-II

(a) |x|

106

MATHEMATICS

(B) Every continuous function is differentiable

(C) An example of a function which is continuous
everywhere but not differentiable at exactly one point
(D) The identity function i.e. f (x) = x xR is a
continuous function
Solution A c, B d,
C a, D b
Fill in the blanks in each of the Examples 37 to 41.

(b) True
(c) 6
(d) False

1
Example 37 The number of points at which the function f (x) = log | x | is
discontinuous is ________.
Solution The given function is discontinuous at x = 0, 1 and hence the number of
points of discontinuity is 3.
ax +1if x 1
Example 38 If f ( x) =
is continuous, then a should be equal to _______.
x + 2if x <1
Solution a = 2

Example 39 The derivative of log10x w.r.t. x is ________.

Solution

( log10 e )

1
.
x

1 x 1
dy
1 x + 1
, then
+ sin
Example 40 If y = sec
is equal to ______.
dx
x +1
x 1
Solution 0.
Example 41 The deriative of sin x w.r.t. cos x is ________.
Solution cot x
State whether the statements are True or False in each of the Exercises 42 to 46.

f ( x ) and lim f ( x) is equal to f (a).

Example 42 For continuity, at x = a, each of xlim
x a
a+

Solution True.
Example 43 y = |x 1| is a continuous function.
Solution True.
Example 44 A continuous function can have some points where limit does not exist.
Solution False.
Example 45 |sinx| is a differentiable function for every value of x.

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

107

Solution False.
Example 46 cos |x| is differentiable everywhere.
Solution True.
5.3 EXERCISE

Short Answer (S.A.)

1. Examine the continuity of the function
f (x) = x3 + 2x2 1 at x = 1
Find which of the functions in Exercises 2 to 10 is continuous or discontinuous
at the indicated points:

2.

4.

3x + 5, if x 2
f ( x) = 2
x , if x < 2
at x = 2

at x = 0

2 x 2 3x 2
, if x 2

f ( x) =
x2
5,
if x = 2

x4
, if x 4

f ( x) = 2( x 4)
0,
if x = 4

at x = 2

6.

x cos , if x 0
f ( x) =
x
0,
if x = 0
at x = 0

8.

1
ex
, if x 0

1
f ( x) =
x
1+ e
0,
if x = 0

at x = 0
10.

3.

1 cos 2 x
, if x 0

x2
f (x) =
5,
if x = 0

f ( x) = x + x 1 at x = 1

5.

at x = 4

, if x 0
x a sin
xa
7. f ( x) =
0,
if x = a

at x = a

x2
, if 0 x 1
2
f
(
x
)
=

9.
2 x 2 3x + 3 , if 1< x 2

2
at x = 1

108

MATHEMATICS

Find the value of k in each of the Exercises 11 to 14 so that the function f is continuous
at the indicated point:

11. f ( x)

3 x 8, if x 5
2k

, if x 5

at x 5

12. f ( x)

2 x 2 16
, if x 2
at x 2
4 x 16
k

1 kx
13.

f ( x)

1 kx
x

2x 1
x 1

, if

, if x 2

1 x 0

, if 0 x 1

at x = 0

1 cos kx
x sin x , if x 0
(
)
f
x
=
14.
at x = 0

1
, if x = 0
2

15. Prove that the function f defined by

x
, x0

2
f ( x) = x + 2 x
k
,
x=0

16.

remains discontinuous at x = 0, regardless the choice of k.

Find the values of a and b such that the function f defined by
x4
x 4 + a , if x < 4

f ( x) = a + b
, if x = 4
x4

+ b , if x > 4
x 4

is a continuous function at x = 4.
17.

1
Given the function f (x) = x + 2 . Find the points of discontinuity of the composite
function y = f (f (x)).

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

109

1
1
, where t =
.
x 1
t +t 2

18.

Find all points of discontinuity of the function f (t ) =

19.

Show that the function f (x) = sin x + cos x is continuous at x = .

Examine the differentiability of f, where f is defined by

20.

x[ x], , if 0 x < 2
f (x) =
( x 1) x, if 2 x < 3

at x = 2.

21.

1
2
x sin
x
f (x) =
0

, if x 0
, if

x=0

at x = 0.
22.

1 + x
f (x) =
5 x

, if x 2
, if

x>2

at x = 2.
23.

Show that f (x) = x 5 is continuous but not differentiable at x = 5.

24.

A function f : R R satisfies the equation f ( x + y) = f (x) f (y) for all x, y R,

f (x) 0. Suppose that the function is differentiable at x = 0 and f (0) = 2.
Prove that f (x) = 2 f (x).

Differentiate each of the following w.r.t. x (Exercises 25 to 43) :

cos 2 x

25.

28.

log log log x5

31.

cos tan x +1

34.

( sin x )cos x

26.

8x
x8

27.

log x + x 2 + a

29.

sin x + cos 2 x

30.

sin n (ax 2 + bx + c )

32.

sinx2 + sin2x + sin2(x2) 33.

35.

sinmx . cosnx

36.

1
sin 1
x +1

(x + 1)2 (x + 2)3 (x + 3)4

110

MATHEMATICS

1 cos x

1
38. tan 1 + cos x , 4 < x < 4

37.

sin x + cos x
cos 1
, 4 < x < 4
2

39.

tan 1 (sec x + tan x), < x <

2
2

40.

a cos x b sin x

a
tan 1
, < x < and tan x > 1
b
x
+
a
x
b
cos
sin
2
2

41.

1
1
sec 1 3
, 0< x<
2
4 x 3x

43.

1+ x2 + 1 x2
tan 1
1+ x2 1 x2

1
42. tan

3a 2 x x3
,
a 3 3ax 2

1 x
3 a

1
3

, 1< x <1, x 0

Find

dy
of each of the functions expressed in parametric form in Exercises from 44 to 48.
dx

44.

x=t+

46.

x = 3cos 2cos3, y = 3sin 2sin3.

47.

sin x =

48.

x=

49.

dy y log x
If x = ecos2t and y = esin2t, prove that dx = x log y .

50.

b
dy
=
If x = asin2t (1 + cos2t) and y = b cos2t (1cos2t), show that dx at t = a .

1
1
, y=t
t
t

45.

1
1

x = e + , y = e

2t
2t
, tan y =
.
2
1+ t
1 t 2

1+ log t
,
t2

y=

3 + 2log t
.
t

51.

If x = 3sint sin 3t, y = 3cost cos 3t, find

dy

at t = .
dx
3

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

52.

Differentiate

111

x
w.r.t. sinx.
sin x
1 + x 2 1

w.r.t. tan1 x when x 0.

53.

Differentiate tan1

Find

dy
when x and y are connected by the relation given in each of the Exercises 54 to 57.
dx

54.

x
sin (xy) + y = x2 y

55.
56.

sec (x + y) = xy
tan1 (x2 + y2) = a

57.

(x2 + y2)2 = xy

58.

dy dx
If ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, then show that dx . dy =1 .

59.

dy x y
If x = e , prove that dx = x log x .
x
y

dy (1 + log y )
=
.
dx
log y
2

60.

x
y x
If y = e , prove that

61.

(cos x )
If y = (cos x)

62.

If x sin (a + y) + sin a cos (a + y) = 0, prove that

63.

If

64.

d2y
If y = tan x, find
in terms of y alone.
dx 2

1 x 2 +

(cos x ).....

dy
y 2 tan x
=
, show that
.
dx y log cos x 1

1 y 2 = a (x y), prove that

dy sin 2 (a + y )
=
.
dx
sin a

dy
1 y2
=
.
dx
1 x2

112

MATHEMATICS

Verify the Rolles theorem for each of the functions in Exercises 65 to 69.
65. f (x) = x (x 1)2 in [0, 1].
66.

f (x) = sin4x + cos4x in 0, .
2

67.
68.

f (x) = log (x2 + 2) log3 in [1, 1].

f (x) = x (x + 3)ex/2 in [3, 0].

69.

f (x) =

70.

Discuss the applicability of Rolles theorem on the function given by

4 x 2 in [ 2, 2].

f ( x)

71.

x 2 1, if 0 x 1
.
3 x, if 1 x 2

Find the points on the curve y = (cosx 1) in [0, 2], where the tangent is
parallel to x-axis.

72.

Using Rolles theorem, find the point on the curve y = x (x 4), x [0, 4], where
the tangent is parallel to x-axis.

Verify mean value theorem for each of the functions given Exercises 73 to 76.
1
73. f (x) = 4 x 1 in [1, 4].
74. f (x) = x3 2x2 x + 3 in [0, 1].
75.

f (x) = sinx sin2x in [0, ].

76.

f (x) =

77.

Find a point on the curve y = (x 3)2, where the tangent is parallel to the chord

25 x 2 in [1, 5].

joining the points (3, 0) and (4, 1).

78.

Using mean value theorem, prove that there is a point on the curve y = 2x2 5x + 3
between the points A(1, 0) and B (2, 1), where tangent is parallel to the chord AB.
Also, find that point.

Long Answer (L.A.)

79.

Find the values of p and q so that

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

113

x 2 + 3 x + p, if x 1
f ( x) =
, if x > 1
qx + 2

80.

is differentiable at x = 1.
If xm.yn = (x + y)m+n, prove that
(i)

dy y
= and (ii)
dx x

d2y
=0 .
dx 2

81.

If x = sint and y = sin pt, prove that (1x2)

82.

Find

dy
, if y = xtanx +
dx

dy
d2y
+ p2 y = 0 .
2 x
dx
dx

x 2 +1
.
2

Objective Type Questions

Choose the correct answers from the given four options in each of the Exercises 83 to 96.
83.

84.

If f (x) = 2x and g (x) =

x2
+ 1 , then which of the following can be a discontinuous
2

function
(A) f (x) + g (x)

(B) f (x) g (x)

(C) f (x) . g (x)

(D)

g ( x)
f ( x)

4 x2
The function f (x) =
is
4 x x3

(A) discontinuous at only one point

(B) discontinuous at exactly two points
(C) discontinuous at exactly three points
(D) none of these
85.

The set of points where the function f given by f (x) = 2 x 1 sinx is differentiable is
(A) R

1
(B) R
2

114

86.

MATHEMATICS

(C) (0, )
(D) none of these
The function f (x) = cot x is discontinuous on the set
(A)

{ x = n : n Z}

(B)

(C) x = ( 2n +1) ; n Z
2

87.

88.

89.

; n Z
(iv) x =
2

The function f (x) = e is

(A) continuous everywhere but not differentiable at x = 0
(B) continuous and differentiable everywhere
(C) not continuous at x = 0
(D) none of these.

1
, where x 0, then the value of the function f at x = 0, so that
x
the function is continuous at x = 0, is
(A) 0
(B) 1
(C) 1
(D) none of these
2
If f (x) = x sin

mx+ 1 , if x 2

If f (x) =
, is continuous at x = , then
2
sin x + n, if x >

2
(A) m = 1, n = 0
(C) n =

90.

{ x = 2n : n Z}

m
2

(B) m =

n
+1
2

(D) m = n =

Let f (x) = |sin x|. Then

(A) f is everywhere differentiable
(B) f is everywhere continuous but not differentiable at x = n, n Z.
(C) f is everywhere continuous but not differentiable at x = (2n + 1)
n Z.
(D) none of these

1 x 2
dy
91. If y = log
is equal to
2 , then
+
1
x
dx

,
2

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY

4 x3
(A)
1 x 4

93.

sin x + y , then

If y =

4x
1 x 4

4 x3
(D)
1 x4

1
4 x4

(C)

92.

(B)

115

dy
is equal to
dx

(A)

cos x
2 y 1

(B)

cos x
1 2y

(C)

sin x
1 2y

(D)

sin x
2 y 1

The derivative of cos1 (2x2 1) w.r.t. cos1x is

1
(A) 2

2
x

(C)

94.

95.

(B)

If x = t2, y = t3, then

2 1 x 2

(D) 1 x2

d2y
is
dx 2

(A)

3
2

(B)

3
4t

(C)

3
2t

(D)

3
2t

The value of c in Rolles theorem for the function f (x) = x3 3x in the interval
[0,

3 ] is

(A) 1

(B) 1

116

MATHEMATICS

(C)

96.

3
2

(D)

For the function f (x) = x +

1
3

1
, x [1, 3], the value of c for mean value theorem is
x

(A) 1

(B)

(C) 2

(D) none of these

Fill in the blanks in each of the Exercises 97 to 101:

97.

An example of a function which is continuous everywhere but fails to be

differentiable exactly at two points is __________ .

98.

Derivative of x2 w.r.t. x3 is _________.

99.

If f (x) = |cosx|, then f

= _______ .

100. If f (x) = |cosx sinx | , then f

101. For the curve

y 1,

= _______.

dy 1 1
at , is __________.
dx 4 4

State True or False for the statements in each of the Exercises 102 to 106.
102. Rolles theorem is applicable for the function f (x) = |x 1| in [0, 2].
103. If f is continuous on its domain D, then | f | is also continuous on D.
104. The composition of two continuous function is a continuous function.
105. Trigonometric and inverse - trigonometric functions are differentiable in their
respective domain.
106. If f . g is continuous at x = a, then f and g are separately continuous at x = a.