AP Calc 2.4 Notes

Lesson 4: Differentiability and Continuity
Topic 2.4: Connecting Differentiability and Continuity: Determining When Derivatives

Do and Do Not Exist
In this lesson we will investigate the relationship between differentiability and continuity. Our focus
will be to determine when a function fails to have a derivative. A function that is differentiable at a
point is also locally linear at that point. Basically, this is telling us that in order for a function to be
differentiable at a point, the graph must be continuous and smooth at the point. Remember, when we
say a function is differentiable, this means the derivative exists or you are able to take the derivative.
Differentiability at a Point
A function 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) is differentiable at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐 if and only if
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑓𝑓 𝑐𝑐 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑓𝑓 𝑐𝑐
lim− = 𝐿𝐿 = lim+
𝑥𝑥 →𝑐𝑐 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑐𝑐 𝑥𝑥 →𝑐𝑐 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑐𝑐
Where L is a finite value.
How 𝒇𝒇′ (𝒂𝒂) May Fail to Exist . . .

The following examples will show us how a function will fail to have a derivative at a point where
there is a corner, a cusp, a vertical tangent line or a discontinuity.
EX #1: Given the graph of 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 − 1
A. What is 𝑓𝑓 ′ 𝑥𝑥 as 𝑥𝑥 → 1−
B. What is 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) as 𝑥𝑥 → 1+
C. Is f continuous at 𝑥𝑥 = 1 ?
D. Is f differentiable at 𝑥𝑥 = 1 ?
EX #2: Given the graph of 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 3 𝑥𝑥 , use the alternate form of

𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑓𝑓(𝑐𝑐)
the derivative lim 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑐𝑐 to show that the function has
𝑥𝑥→𝑐𝑐
a vertical tangent line at 𝑥𝑥 = 0.
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1
EX #3: Given the graph of 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥+2 2
A. Describe the derivative of f as x approaches negative
two from the left and the right.
−2
B. Given the derivative 𝑓𝑓 ′ 𝑥𝑥 = , use the formula
𝑥𝑥+2 3
to evaluate the derivative when 𝑥𝑥 = −2
Differentiability Implies Continuity:
If f is differentiable at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐 , then f is continuous at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐.

1. If a function is differentiable at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐 , then it is continuous at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐 .
So, differentiability implies continuity.
2. It is possible for a function to be continuous at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐 and not be differentiable at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐 .
Continuity does not imply differentiability.
SHARP CORNER, CUSP, VERTICAL TANGENT LINE or DISCONTINUITY
Write the contrapositive to the statement, “If a function is differentiable at x=c, then the function
is continuous at x=c.
EX #4: Describe the x-values at which the function 𝑔𝑔 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 2 − 5 is differentiable.

Justify your answer.
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EX #5: Find all values of x for which the function is differentiable.
𝑥𝑥 + 1 2 , 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 0
Given: ℎ 𝑥𝑥 = �2𝑥𝑥 + 1, 0 < 𝑥𝑥 < 3
4 − 𝑥𝑥 2 , 𝑥𝑥 ≥ 3
Piecewise Functions are always challenging. Not only do the limits of the slopes need to be
approaching the same value on either side (piece) of a given x-value, but the function must be
connected and smooth in order for the function to be differentiable at the given point.
EX #6: Find the value(s) of the constant a where the function is continuous over all reals.
𝑎𝑎𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑥 ; 𝑥𝑥 < 3
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = �
2𝑎𝑎 ; 𝑥𝑥 ≥ 3
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EX #7: Show algebraically, using the alternate form of the
derivative, why 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) is not differentiable
at 𝑥𝑥 = 1.
𝑥𝑥 2 ; 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 1
𝑔𝑔 𝑥𝑥 = �
𝑥𝑥 ; 𝑥𝑥 > 1
Topic 2.3: Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point
On the AP Exam you will need to find the numeric derivative of a function at a given point. You can use
the nDerive( feature on the TI-83+ or TI-84+ and the Derivative at a point feature on the TI-Nspire CX.
TI-83+ or TI-84+ Keystrokes TI-Nspire CX or CX-CAS Keystrokes
MATH>8 MENU>4>2
Display Enter: an x-value
Enter: dx Enter: function
Enter: Function Press: Enter
Enter: x-value
Press: Enter
EX #8: Use your calculator to find the derivative of 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 2 − 5𝑥𝑥 + 6 at 𝑥𝑥 = −3.

Express your answer using proper notation.
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EX #9: Use your calculator to find the derivative of our first three functions in this lesson set.
Explain any problems* that you encounter.
A. 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 − 1 at 𝑥𝑥 = 1
B. 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 3
𝑥𝑥 at 𝑥𝑥 = 0
1
C. 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = at 𝑥𝑥 = −2
𝑥𝑥+2 2
* Your calculator is programmed to find derivatives by using the symmetric difference quotient. This can
cause errors. YOU MUST MAKE THE FINAL DECISION BASED ON PROPER ANAYLSIS!
EX #10: Defending your answers. If you are given that 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) is a differentiable function at
𝑥𝑥 = 3, explain why each statement below is true.
A. 𝑓𝑓 3 exists
B. lim 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) exists

𝑥𝑥 →3
𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 −𝑓𝑓 3
C. lim 𝑥𝑥−3
𝑥𝑥 → 3
𝑓𝑓 3+ℎ −𝑓𝑓 3
D. lim ℎ
ℎ→0
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AP Calc 2.4 Notes

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Lesson 4: Differentiability and Continuity

Topic 2.4: Connecting Differentiability and Continuity: Determining When Derivatives

How 𝒇𝒇′ (𝒂𝒂) May Fail to Exist . . .

EX #1: Given the graph of 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 − 1

EX #2: Given the graph of 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 3 𝑥𝑥 , use the alternate form of

Differentiability Implies Continuity:

If f is differentiable at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐 , then f is continuous at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑐𝑐.

SHARP CORNER, CUSP, VERTICAL TANGENT LINE or DISCONTINUITY

EX #4: Describe the x-values at which the function 𝑔𝑔 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 2 − 5 is differentiable.

Topic 2.3: Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point

TI-83+ or TI-84+ Keystrokes TI-Nspire CX or CX-CAS Keystrokes

EX #8: Use your calculator to find the derivative of 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 2 − 5𝑥𝑥 + 6 at 𝑥𝑥 = −3.

B. lim 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) exists

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