JEE (MAIN+ADVANCED)

Mathematics
ENTHUSIAST COURSE

STUDY MATERIAL

Limit, Continuity & Differentiability

English Medium
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 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

LIMIT
1. INTRODUCTION :
The concept of limit of a function is one of the fundamental ideas that distinguishes calculus
from algebra and trigonometry. We use limits to describe the way a function f varies. Some
functions vary continuously; small changes in x produce only small changes in f(x). Other
functions can have values that jump or vary erratically. We also use limits to define tangent lines
to graphs of functions. This geometric application leads at once to the important concept of
derivative of a function.
2. DEFINITION :
Let f(x) be defined on an open interval about ‘a’ except possibly at ‘a’ itself. If f(x) gets
arbitrarily close to L (a finite number) for all x sufficiently close to ‘a’ we say that f(x)
approaches the limit L as x approaches ‘a’ and we write Lim f(x) = L and say “the limit of f(x),

®
x →a

as x approaches a, equals L”.

This implies if we can make the value of f(x) arbitrarily close to L (as close to L as we like) by
taking x to be sufficiently close to a (on either side of a) but not equal to a.
3. LEFT HAND LIMIT AND RIGHT HAND LIMIT OF A FUNCTION :
The value to which f(x) approaches, as x tends to ‘a’ from the left hand side (x → a–) is called left
hand limit of f(x) at x = a. Symbolically, LHL = Lim− f(x) = Lim f(a –h).
x →a h →0

The value to which f(x) approaches, as x tends to ‘a’ from the right hand side (x → a+) is called
right hand limit of f(x) at x = a. Symbolically, RHL = Lim+ f(x) = Lim f(a + h).
x →a h →0

Limit of a function f(x) is said to exist as, x → a when lim– f(x) = lim+ f(x) = Finite quantity.
x →a x →a

Example :

Lim f(x) =Lim f(−1 + h) =f(−1+ ) =−1

x →−1+ h →0
Graph of y = f(x)
Lim− f(x)= Lim f(0 − h)= f(0 −=
) 0
y x →0 h →0
1
Lim+ f(x)= Lim f(0 + h)= f(0 +=
) 0
x →0 h →0

x Lim− f(x) =
Lim f(1 − h) =
f(1− ) =
−1
–1 0 1 2 x →1 h →0

Lim+ f(x)= Lim f(1 + h)= f(1+ )= 0

x →1 h →0

–1 _
Lim− f(x)= Lim f(2 − h)= f(2 =
) 1
h →0
Fig. 1 x →2

Lim f(x) = 0 and Lim f(x) does not exist.

x →0 x →1

Important note :
In Lim f(x) , x → a necessarily implies x ≠ a . That is while evaluating limit at x = a, we are not
x →a

concerned with the value of the function at x = a. In fact the function may or may not be defined
at x = a.

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Also it is necessary to note that if f(x) is defined only on one side of ‘x = a’, one sided limits are
good enough to establish the existence of limits, & if f(x) is defined on either side of ‘a’ both
sided limits are to be considered.
As in Lim cos−1 x = 0 , though f(x) is not defined for x >1, even in it’s immediate vicinity.
x →1

Illustration 1 : Consider the adjacent graph of y = ƒ (x)

Find the following : y
(a) lim− ƒ(x) (b) lim ƒ(x) (c) lim− ƒ(x) 4
x →0 x →0 + x →1
3
(d) lim+ ƒ(x) (e) lim ƒ(x) (f) lim+ ƒ(x) 2
x →1 x →2− x →2 1
x
(g) lim− ƒ(x) (h) lim+ ƒ(x) (i) lim− ƒ(x) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
x →3 x →3 x →4 –1

®
(j) lim ƒ(x) (k) lim ƒ(x) (l) lim− ƒ(x)
x →4+ x →∞ x →6

Solution : (a) As x → 0– : limit is not defined (the function is not defined to the left of x = 0)
(b) As x → 0+ : ƒ (x) → –1 ⇒ lim+ ƒ(x) = –1. (c) As x → 1– : ƒ (x) → 1 ⇒ lim− ƒ(x) = 1.
x →0 x →1

(d) As x → 1+ : ƒ (x) → 2 ⇒ lim+ ƒ(x) = 2. (e) As x → 2– : ƒ (x) → 3 ⇒ lim− ƒ(x) = 3.

x →1 x →2

(f) As x → 2+ : ƒ (x) → 3 ⇒ lim+ ƒ(x) = 3. (g) As x → 3– : ƒ (x) → 2 ⇒ lim− ƒ(x) = 2.

x →2 x →3

(h) As x → 3+ : ƒ (x) → 3 ⇒ lim+ ƒ(x) = 3. (i) As x → 4– : ƒ (x) → 4 ⇒ lim− ƒ(x) = 4.

x →3 x →4

(j) As x → 4+ : ƒ (x) → 4 ⇒ lim+ ƒ(x) = 4. (k) As x → ∞ : ƒ (x) → 2 ⇒ lim ƒ(x) = 2.

x →4 x →∞

(l) As x → 6– ,ƒ (x) → −∞ ⇒ lim− ƒ(x) = −∞ limit does not exist because it is not finite.
x →6

π
Illustration 2 : Evaluate lim sin .
x →0 x
Solution : Again the function f(x) = sin(π/x) is undefined at 0. Evaluating the function for some
1
small values of x, we get f(1) = sinπ = 0, f  = π 0,
 sin 2=
2
f(0.1) = sin10π = 0, f(0.01) = sin100π = 0.
π
On the basis of this information we might be tempted to guess that lim sin = 0 but
x →0 x
this time our guess is wrong. Note that although f(1/n) = sinnπ = 0 for any integer n,
it is also true that f(x) = 1 for infinitely many values of x that approach 0. [In fact,
π π
sin(π/x) = 1 when = + 2nπ and solving for x, we get x = 2/(4n + 1)]. The graph
x 2
of f is given in following figure

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
y
1 y=sin(π/x)

–1
x
1

–1

The dashed line indicates that the values of sin(π/x) oscillate between 1 and –1
infinitely often as x approaches 0. Since the values of f(x) do not approach a fixed
number as x approaches 0,
π
⇒ lim sin does not exist.
x →0 x
Gyanoday - 1 :
1. Which of the following statements about the function y = ƒ(x) graphed here are true, and

®
which are false
(a) lim f (x) = 1 (b) lim f (x) does not exist
x →−1+ x →2
y
(c) lim f (x) = 2 (d) lim− f (x) = 1 y=f(x)
x →2 x →1
2
(e) lim f (x) does not exist (f) lim+ f (x) = lim− f (x)
x →1 x →0 x →0 1

(g) lim f (x) exists at every c ∈ (–1, 1)

x →c
–1 0 1 2 3
(h) lim f (x) exists at every c ∈ (1, 3)
x →c

(i) lim− f (x) = 2 (j) lim f (x) does not exist.

x →1 x → 3+

2. Let f(x) = {sinx}, where {} denotes fractional part. Find lim+ f (x) , lim− f (x) & lim f (x)
x →a x →a x →a

for following
π π
(i) a = 0 (ii) a = (iii) a =
4 2
−π
(iv) a = (v) a = –π
2
3. Let f(x) = [x] + [–x], where [.] denotes greatest integer. Find lim+ f (x) , lim− f (x) &
x →a x →a

lim f (x) for following

x →a

(i) a = 0

(ii) a = 2
(iii) a = –2
(iv) a = –π

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4. Find set of values of ‘a’ for following
({.} denotes fractional part)
(i) lim+ { x } = 1
x →a

(ii) lim− { x } = 1
x →a

(iii) lim { x } = 0
x →a

5. Check the limit following functions at x = a

({.} denotes fractional part)
π
(i) f(x) = {tanx} & a =
2

®
π
(ii) f(x) = {tanx} & a =
4
π
(iii) f(x) = {tanx} & a =
3
2x , x ∈ 
(iv) f (x) =  2 ,a=0
 x , x ∈ ′
2x , x ∈ 
(v) f (x) =  2 ,a=1
 x , x ∈ ′
2x , x ∈ 
(vi) f (x) =  2 ,a=2
 x , x ∈ ′

4. FUNDAMENTAL THEOREMS ON LIMITS :

Let
= Lim f ( x ) l =
& Lim g ( x ) m. If l & m exist finitely then :
x →a x →a

(a) Sum rule : Lim {f ( x ) + g ( x )} =

l+m (b) Difference rule : Lim {f ( x ) − g ( x )} =
l−m
x →a x →a

f (x) l
(c) Product rule : Lim f ( x ) .g ( x ) = l.m (d) Quotient rule : Lim = , provided m ≠ 0
x →a x →a g (x) m
(e) Constant multiple rule : Lim kf ( x ) = k Lim f ( x ) ; where k is constant.
x →a x →a

(f) Power rule : If m and n are integers then Lim [ f(x) ]

m /n
= l m / n provided l m / n is a real number.
x →a

(g) Lim
=
x →a
f  g ( x )  f=
x →a
( )
Lim g ( x ) f ( m ) ; provided f(x) is continuous at x = m.

For example : Lim  n(g(x)) =  n[Lim g(x)]

x →a x →a

= n (m); provided nx is continuous at x = m, m = lim g(x) .

x →a

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
5. INDETERMINATE FORMS :
0 ∞
, , ∞ − ∞, 0 × ∞,1 ∞ , 0 0 , ∞ 0
0 ∞
Initially we will deal with first five forms only and the other two forms will come up after we
have gone through differentiation.
Note : (i) Here 0,1 are not exact, infact both are approaching to their corresponding values.
(ii) We cannot plot ∞ on the paper. Infinity (∞) is a symbol and not a number. It does not
obey the laws of elementary algebra,
(a) ∞ + ∞ → ∞ (b) ∞× ∞ → ∞ (c) ∞∞ → ∞ (d) 0∞ → 0

6. GENERAL METHODS TO BE USED TO EVALUATE LIMITS :

(a) Factorization :
Important factors :

®
(i) xn – an = (x – a)(xn–1 + axn–2 + ........... + an–1), n ∈ N
(ii) xn + an = (x + a)(xn–1 – axn–2 + ........... + an–1), n is an odd natural number.
xn − an
Note : Lim = na n −1
x →a x−a
 1 2(2x − 3) 
Illustration 3 : Evaluate : lim  − 3
x →2 x − 2
 x − 3x 2 + 2x 
Solution : We have
 1 2(2x − 3)   1 2(2x − 3)   x(x − 1) − 2(2x − 3) 
lim  − 3 lim 
= − lim 
=
x →2 x − 2
 x − 3x + 2x  x →2  x − 2 x(x − 1) (x − 2)  x →2  x(x − 1) (x − 2) 
2  

 x 2 − 5x + 6   (x − 2)(x − 3)   x −3  1
= lim
=   lim
=  =  lim   −
x → 2 x(x − 1) (x − 2)
  x →2  x(x − 1) (x − 2)  x →2  x(x − 1)  2

Gyanoday - 2 :

1. Evaluate following :

x −1 x 2 − x − 20
(i) lim (ii) lim
x →1 2
2x − 7x + 5 x →5 x −5

x 3 − 4x 2 x3 − 1
(iii) lim (iv) lim
x →4 x 2 − 16 x →1 x − 1

4x 2 − 1 x 3 − 6x 2 + 11x − 6
(v) lim (vi) lim
x → 2x − 1
1 x →2 x 2 − 6x + 8
2

x 3 − 2x − 4 x3 − a3
(vii) lim (viii) lim
x →2 x 2 − 3x + 2 x →a x 2 − ax

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
x 3 − 7x 2 + 15x − 9
2. Evaluate : lim
x →3 x 4 − 5x 3 + 27x − 27

(A) 2/9 (B) 1/9 (C) –2/9 (D) None of these

 1 3 
3. lim  −  is equal to
x →1  1 − x 1 − x 3 

(A) –1 (B) 0 (C) 1 (D) D.N.E.

n
x −1
4. lim m (m and n are integers) is equal to
x →1
x −1
m n
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) (D)
n m

®
 100 k 
 ∑ x  − 100
5. Lim  K =1 
x →1 x −1
(b) Rationalization or double rationalization :

4 − 15x + 1
Illustration 4 : Evaluate : lim
x →1
2 − 3x + 1

4 − 15x + 1 (4 − 15x + 1)(2 + 3x + 1)(4 + 15x + 1)

Solution : lim = lim
x →1
2 − 3x + 1 x →1
(2 − 3x + 1)(4 + 15x + 1)(2 + 3x + 1)

(15 − 15x) 2 + 3x + 1 5
= lim × =
x →1 (3 − 3x) 4 + 15x + 1 2

 x 2 + 8 − 10 − x 2 
Illustration 5 : Evaluate : lim  
x →1  2 2 
 x + 3 − 5 − x 

3−3 0
Solution : This is of the form = if we put x = 1
2−2 0

0
To eliminate the factor, multiply by the conjugate of numerator and the conjugate
0

of the denominator

∴ Limit = lim
x →1
( 2
x + 8 − 10 − x 2
)(
( x 2 + 8 + 10 − x 2 )
×
( x2 + 3 + 5 − x2 )
x 2 + 8 + 10 − x 2 ) ( x 2 + 3 + 5 − x 2 )( x 2 + 3 − 5 − x 2 )

x2 + 3 + 5 − x2 (x 2 + 8) − (10 − x 2 )  x2 + 3 + 5 − x2  2+2 2
= lim × = lim  ×=1 =
x →1
x 2 + 8 + 10 − x 2 (x 2 + 3) − (5 − x 2 ) x →1  x 2 + 8 + 10 − x 2 
 3 + 3 3

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Gyanoday - 3 :

p+x − p−x
1. Evaluate : lim
x →0
q+x − q−x

a + 2x − 3x
2. Evaluate : lim ,a≠0
x →a
3a + x − 2 x

 G(x) − G(1) 
3. If G(x) = – 25 − x 2 , then find the lim  
x →1
 x −1 

1+ x − 1− x
4. lim is equal to
x →0 2x

®
1 1
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) (D)
2 4

1+ 2 + x − 3
5. lim is equal to
x →2 x−2

1 1 1
(A) (B) 3 (C) (D)
3 4 3 8 3

(c) Limit when x → ∞ :

(i) Divide by greatest power of x in numerator and denominator.
(ii) Put x = 1/y and apply y → 0
x2 + x + 1
Illustration 6 : Evaluate : Lim
x →∞ 3x 2 + 2x − 5
x2 + x + 1 ∞ 
Solution : Lim ,  form 
x →∞ 3x 2 + 2x − 5 ∞ 
1
Put x =
y
1 + y + y2 1
Limit = Lim =
y → 0 3 + 2y − 5y 2 3
 x3 + 1 
Illustration 7 : If lim
x →∞  2
− (ax + b)  =2 , then
 x +1 
(A) a = 1, b = 1 (B) a = 1, b = 2 (C) a = 1, b = –2 (D) none of these
 x +1 3
 3 2
lim x (1 − a) − bx − ax + (1 − b)
Solution : lim
x →∞  2
− (ax + b)  =2 ⇒ x →∞ =2
 x +1  x2 + 1
a (1 − b)
x (1 − a) − b − +
⇒ lim x x 2 = 2 ⇒ 1 – a = 0, – b = 2 ⇒ a = 1, b = – 2 Ans. (C)
x →∞
1
1+ 2
x

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Gyanoday - 4 :
n + 2 + n +1
1. Evaluate : lim 2. Evaluate : lim(n − n 2 + n )
n →∞ n + 2 − n +1 n →∞

3 ( n + 1) n2 + 1 + n
3. Evaluate lim ,n∈N 4. Find lim
n →∞
( n + 1)3 3n n →∞ 4
n3 + 1 − n

 1  1  1   1 
5. Find lim  1 − 2   1 − 2   1 − 2  ...  1 − 2 
n →∞  2  3  4   n 
1.n + 2. ( n − 1) + 3 ( n − 2 ) ... + n.1
6. Evaluate lim
n →∞ n3

 3  3  3   3 
7. If the value of lim n 3  1 −   1 −   1 −  ...  1 −  is k then find the sum of digits of k.

®
n →∞  7  8  9   n 

8. lim
x →∞
( x2 + 1 − x2 − 1 = )
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) None
(n + 1) 4 − (n − 1) 4
9. lim is equal to
n →∞ (n + 1) 4 + (n − 1) 4

(A) –1 (B) 0 (C) 1 (D) D.N.E.

10. (12 − 1)(n − 1) + (2 2 − 2)(n − 2) + ..... + ( (n − 1)2 − (n − 1) )·1 is equal to :
lim
n →∞ (13 + 23 + ..... + n 3 ) − (12 + 2 2 + ..... + n 2 )

2 1 3 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 3 4 2

(d) Squeeze play theorem (Sandwich theorem) :

Statement : If f ( x ) ≤ g ( x ) ≤ h ( x ) ; ∀ x in the neighbourhood at x = a and

Lim f ( x )= = Lim h ( x ) then Lim g ( x ) =  ,

x →a x →a x →a
y
y=x2
1
Ex.1 Lim x 2 sin =0, y=x2sin 1x
x →0 x
1 0 x
 sin   lies between –1 & 1
x

1
⇒ −x 2 ≤ x 2 sin ≤ x2 y=–x2
x
1 2
⇒ Lim x 2 sin 0 as Lim(−x=
= ) Lim =x2 0
x →0 x x →0 x →0

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
1
Ex.2 lim x sin =0 y
x →0 x

1 1 y=xsin x1
1 2π 2π
x
 sin   lies between –1 & 1
x 1 1
π π
1
⇒ −x ≤ x sin ≤x
x
1
⇒ Lim x sin 0 as Lim(−=
= x) Lim= x 0
x →0 x x →0 x →0

®
[x] + [2x] + [3x] + .....[nx]
Illustration 8 : Evaluate : lim (Where [.] denotes the greatest integer
n →∞ n2
function.)
Solution : We know that x – 1 < [x] ≤ x
n
⇒ x + 2x + .....nx – n < ∑ [rx] ≤ x + 2x + ........+ nx
r =1

xn n
x.n(n + 1) x 1 1 1 n
x 1
⇒
2
(n + 1) – n < ∑ [rx] ≤
r =1 2
⇒ 1 +  − < 2
2 n n n
∑ [rx] ≤ 2 1 + n 
r =1

x 1 x x 1 1 x
Now, lim  1 +  =and lim  1 +  − =
n →∞ 2
 n 2 n →∞ 2
 n n 2
[x] + [2x] + ...... + [nx] x
Thus, lim =
n →∞ n2 2

7. LIMIT OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS :

sin x tan x tan −1 x sin −1 x

Lim = 1= Lim = Lim = Lim [where x is measured in radians]
x →0 x x →0 x x →0 x x →0 x

sin f(x) sin(nx)

(a) If Lim f(x) = 0 , then Lim = 1 , e.g. Lim =1
x →a x →a f(x) x →1 (nx)

x 3 cot x
Illustration 9 : Evaluate : lim
x → 0 1 − cos x

x 3 cos x x 3 cos x (1 + cos x ) x3

Solution : lim
= lim
= lim 3 .cosx(1 + cos x) = 2
x → 0 sin x (1 − cos x ) x →0 sin x.sin 2 x x → 0 sin x

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
(2 + x) sin(2 + x) − 2 sin 2
Illustration 10 : Evaluate : lim
x →0 x

  x x 
 2.2.cos  2 +  sin
Solution : lim
2(sin(2 + x) − sin 2) + x sin(2 + x)
= lim   2 2 + sin(2 + x) 
x →0 x x →0  x 

 x x
2 cos  2 +  sin
= lim  2 2 + lim sin(2 + x) = 2cos2 + sin 2
x →0 x x →0

2
a
sin
Illustration 11 : Evaluate : lim n
n →∞ b

®
tan
n +1
1 a
Solution : As n → ∞, → 0 and also tends to zero
n n
a
sin
a n so that it looks like lim sin θ
sin should be written as
n a θ→ 0 θ
n
 a  b 
 sin n  n + 1  a(n + 1)
The given limit = lim   .
n →∞
 a  tan b  n.b
 n  n +1 
 a  b 
 sin n  n +1  a  1  a a
= lim    . 1 +  = 1×1× ×1 =
 a b  b n b b
n →∞
  tan
 n  n +1 

Gyanoday - 5 :
1. Evaluate following :
sin αx sin 2 x − sin 2 y
(i) lim (ii) lim
x → 0 tan β x x →y x2 − y2
(a + h)2 sin(a + h) − a 2 sin a
2. Evaluate lim
h →0 h
 −2x 
3. Evaluate lim  , where [.] denotes greatest integer function.
x →0  tan x 


cos ( πx / 2 )
4. lim =
x →1 1− x
(A) 0 (B) π (C) π/2 (D) 2π

12 E
 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability


5. lim
(1 − cos 2x ) sin 5x =
x →0 x 2 sin 3x
(A) 10/3 (B) 3/10 (C) 6/5 (D) 5/6
1− x 1 − cos 5x
6. Evaluate lim− 7. lim
( cos x ) 3x 2
x →1 2 x →0
−1

1 − tan x 64  x2 x2 x2 x2 
8. Lim 9. Lim 1 − cos − cos + cos cos 
x→
π 1 − 2 sin x x →0 x8  2 4 2 4
4

10. Using Sandwich theorem, evaluate

 1 1 1 1 
Lim  + + + ...... + 
n →∞  2
 n n2 + 1 n2 + 2 n 2 + 2n

®


8. LIMIT OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

ax −1 ex − 1
(a) Lim =  n a(a > 0) In particular Lim = 1.
x →0 x x →0 x
a f (x) − 1
In general if Lim f(x) = 0 , then Lim = na, a > 0
x →a x →a f(x)

e tan x − e x
Illustration 12 : Evaluate : lim
x → 0 tan x − x

e tan x − e x e x × e(tan x −x) − e x

Solution : lim = lim
x →0 tan x − x x →0 tan x − x
e x (e tan x −x − 1) e x (e y − 1) ey − 1
= lim = lim where y = tan x –x and lim =1
x →0 tan x − x x →0y →0 y y →0 y
= e0 × 1 [as x → 0, tan x – x → 0]
=1×1=1
Gyanoday - 6 :
ex − ea 2x − 1
1. Evaluate : lim 2. Evaluate : lim
x →a x − a x →0 (1 + x)1/2 − 1

e3x − 1 ax − aa
3. Evaluate lim 4. Evaluate lim ,a > 0 .
x →0 x / 2 x →a x − a

2
e x − cos x esin 2x − esin x
5. lim 6. lim
x →0 x2 x →0 x

ex + e−x − 2 n!
7. lim 8. Find lim
x →0 x2 n →∞ ( n + 1)!− n!

E 13
JEE- Mathematics

 e tan x − e x  1 cot x
9. If α = lim+   and
= β lim (1 + sin x) 2 are the roots of the quadratic
x→0
 tan x − x  x→0

equation ax2 + bx – e = 0, then 12 loge(a + b) is equal to _________ .

1
e − (1 + 2x ) 2x
10. Lim is equal to :
x →0 x
−2
(A) e (B) (C) 0 (D) e–e2
e
x
1/x  1
(b) (i) Lim (1 + x ) e=
= Lim  1 +  (Note : The base and exponent depends on the
x →0 x →∞  x

®
same variable.) In general, if Lim f(x) = 0 , then Lim(1 + f(x))1/f (x) =
e
x →a x →a

n(1 + x)
(ii) Lim =1
x →0 x
∞ , then ; Lim [ f(x) ] φ (x) = e k
(iii) If Lim f(x) = 1 and Lim φ(x) =
x →a x →a x →a

where k =
Lim φ (x) [f(x) − 1]
x →a

Illustration 13 : Evaluate Lim(log3 3x) logx 3

x →1

Solution : Lim(log3 3x) logx 3 = Lim(log3 3 + log3 x) logx 3

x →1 x →1

1
= Lim(1 + log3 x)1/log3 x = e  log b a =
x →1 loga b

xn(1 + 2 tan x)
Illustration 14 : Evaluate : Lim
x →0 1 − cos x
xn(1 + 2 tan x) xn(1 + 2 tan x) 2 tan x
Lim
Solution : = Lim
= . 4
x →0 1 − cos x x →0 1 − cos x 2 2 tan x
.x
x2
4x 2 + 2
 2x 2 − 1 
Illustration 15 : Evaluate : lim  2 
x →∞ 2x + 3 
 
Solution : Since it is in the form of 1∞
4x 2 + 2
 2x 2 − 1  lim  2x − 1 − 2x − 3 
2 2
lim  2 = e x→∞   (4x + 2) = e
2 –8
x →∞ 2x + 3
 2
   2x + 3 

14 E
 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

Gyanoday - 7 :
pn + q
 1
1. Evaluate : lim x{n(x + a) − nx} 2. Evaluate : lim  1 + 
x →∞ n →∞
 n
1 x+4
x+6
3. Evaluate : lim 1 + tan
x →0
( 2
x ) 2x
4. Evaluate : lim 
x →∞ x + 1



100
 ( x + 2 cos x )3 + 2 ( x + 2 cos x )2 + 3sin ( x + 2 cos x )  x
5. lim   is equal to ___________.
x →0 
( x + 2 ) + 2 ( x + 2 ) + 3sin ( x + 2 ) 
3 2
 

B , then Lim [ f(x)=

]
φ (x)
(c) If Lim f(x)= A > 0 & Lim φ(x) = B ln A
e= AB
x →a x →a x →a

x5
 7x 2
+1  x
3
1−

®
Illustration 16 : Evaluate : lim  2 
x →∞ 5x − 1 
 
7x 2 + 1 x5 x 2 .x 3 x2
Solution : Here f(x) = , φ(x)
= = =
5x 2 − 1 1 − x3 1 − x3 1
−1
x3
7
∴ lim f(x) = & lim φ(x) → −∞
x →∞ 5 x →∞
−∞
φ (x) 7
⇒ lim(f(x))
= = 0
x →∞
5
Gyanoday - 8 :
− x2 3x 2 + x
 1 + 5x 2   x + x −1 
2 x −2
1. Evaluate : lim   2. Evaluate lim  2 
x →∞ 1 + 3x 2 x →∞ 3x + 2x + 4
 
 
sin x
x x
 x 2 + 5x + 3   sin x 1− sin x
3. If f ( x ) =  2 then find lim f ( x ) 4. Evaluate lim 
 x + x + 2  x →∞ x →0  x 
 x
 
cos ecx
5. Evaluate lim (1 + x )
x →0
cot x
6. Evaluate lim ( cos x )
x →0
7. If x1 and x2 are the real and distinct roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0 then find
1

( (
lim 1 + sin ax + bx + c
x →x1
2
)) x − x1

2/x
 a x + bx + cx 
8. Evaluate lim   ; ( a, b, c > 0 )
x →0  3
 
1/x
9. Evaluate (a) lim (1 − 2x ) ; (b) lim x cot πx
x →0 x →1
8x 2 + 3
 2x 2 + 3 
10. If Lim  2  = e–k, then the value of k is
x →∞ 2x + 5
 

E 15
JEE- Mathematics

9. LIMIT USING SERIES EXPANSION :

Expansion of functions like binomial expansion, exponential & logarithmic expansion, expansion

of sinx, cosx, tanx should be remembered by heart which are given below :

x na x 2 n 2 a x 3n 3a
(a) ax =
1+ + + + ..., x ∈ , a > 0, a ≠ 1
1! 2! 3!

x x2 x3
(b) e x =1 + + + + ..., x ∈ 
1! 2! 3!

x2 x3 x 4
(c) n (1 + x ) = x − + − + ... for − 1 < x ≤ 1

®
2 3 4

x3 x5 x 7
(d) sin x =x − + − + ..., x ∈ 
3! 5! 7!

x2 x4 x6
(e) cos x =−
1 + − + ..., x ∈ 
2! 4! 6!

x 3 2x 5 π π
(f) tan x = x + + + ..., − < x <
3 15 2 2

n(n − 1) 2
(g) (1 +x)n = 1 + nx + x + ..., n ∈ , x ∈ (–1, 1)
2!

e x − e − x − 2x
Illustration 17 : lim
x →0 x − sin x

x2 x3  x 2 x3 
x −x 1+ x + + + ...... −  1 − x + − + .....  − 2x
e − e − 2x 2! 3!  2! 3! 
Solution : lim ⇒ lim
x →0 x − sin x x →0  3
x x 5

x −  x − + ..... 
 3! 5! 

x3 x5 1 1 
2. + 2. + ...... x 3  + x 2 + ..... 
⇒ lim 6 5! ⇒ lim  3 60 =  1=/3
2
31 1 2
3 5
x →0 x x x →0  1/ 6
+ ..... x  + x + ..... 
6 5!  6 120 

16 E
 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

Gyanoday - 9 :
x − sin x x − tan −1 x
1. Evaluate : Lim 2. Evaluate : Lim
x → 0 sin(x 3 ) x →0 x3
ex − 1 − x
3. Evaluate lim
x →0 x2
x3
1 + sin x − cos x + n (1 − x ) sin x − x +
4. Evaluate lim 5. Evaluate lim 6
x →0 x3 x →0 x5
n (1 + 2h ) − 2n (1 + h )
6. The value of lim is
h →0 h2
(A) 0 (B) –1 (C) 1 (D) None of these
x 2
e sin x − x − x
7. The value of lim is
x →0 x3

®
(A) 1 (B) 0 (C) 1/3 (D) 2/3
1 − cos x
8. Evaluate lim
x →0 xn (1 + x )

 1 1 
9. lim  2 −  is equal to
x →0  x sin 2 x 
(A) 1/3 (B) 1/6 (C) –1/3 (D) –1/6
n
10. Prove using series expansion lim
(1 + x ) −1
=n
x →0 x
3 + α sin x + β cos x + log e (1 − x) 1
11. If lim = , then 2α – β is equal to :
x →0 3tan x 2
3
(A) 2 (B) 7 (C) 5 (D) 1
ax e − b log e (1 + x ) + cxe
2 x −x
2 2 2
12. If lim 2
= 1, then 16(a + b + c ) is equal to ______.
x →0 x sin x
cxe − cx
e ax − cos (bx) −
13. If lim 2 = 17 , then 5a2 + b2 is equal to
x→0
1 − cos (2 x)
(A) 72 (B) 76 (C) 68 (D) 64

14. Let β =lim

(
αx − e 3x − 1 ) for some α ∈  . Then the value of α + β is :
x →0
(
αx e − 1 3x
)
14 3 5 7
(A) (B) (C) (D)
5 2 2 2
α e x + β e − x + γ sin x 2
15. If lim 2
= ,
x →0 x sin x 3
where α, β,γ ∈ R, then which of the following is NOT correct ?
(A) α2 + β2 + γ2 = 6
(B) αβ + βγ + γα + 1 = 0
(C) αβ2 + βγ2 + γα2 + 3 = 0
(D) α2 – β2 + γ2 = 4

E 17
 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

CONTINUITY
1. CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS :
A function for which a small change in the independent variable causes only a small change and
not a sudden jump in the dependent variable are called continuous functions. Naively, we may
say that a function is continuous at a fixed point if we can draw the graph of the function around
that point without lifting the pen from the plane of the paper.
A function ƒ(x) is said to be continuous at x = a, if lim ƒ(x) exists and is equal to ƒ(a).
x →a
Symbolically ƒ(x) is continuous at x = a if lim ƒ(a − h)= lim ƒ(a + h)= ƒ(a)= finite quantity.
h →0 h →0
i.e. LHL|x=a = RHL|x=a = value of ƒ (x)|x=a = finite quantity. (h > 0)
y
–1

®
0 1 x
x=a x=a x=a x=a x=a
figure (1) figure (2) figure (3) figure (4) figure (5) figure (6)
In figure (1) and (2) ƒ (x) is continuous at x = a and x = 0 respectively
and in figure (3) to (6) ƒ (x) is discontinuous at x = a.
Note 1 : Continuity of a function must be discussed only at points which are in the domain of the
function.
Note 2 : If x = a is an isolated point of domain then f(x) is always considered to be continuous at
x = a.
 πx
sin , x < 1
Illustration 1 : If f(x) =  2 then find whether f(x) is continuous or not at x = 1, where [ ]
[x] x ≥1
denotes greatest integer function.
 πx
sin , x < 1
Solution : f(x) =  2
[x] , x ≥1
For continuity at x = 1, we determine, f(1), lim f(x) and lim f(x).
x →1− x →1+
Now, f(1) = [1] = 1
πx π
lim f(x) = lim sin = sin = 1 and lim f(x) = lim [x] =1
x →1− x →1− 2 2 x →1+ x →1+
so f(1) = lim f(x) = lim f(x)
x →1− x →1+
∴ f(x) is continuous at x = 1
 a(1 − x sin x) + b cos x + 5
 2
x<0
 x
 3 x=0
Illustration 2 : Let f(x) =  1
   3 x
  1 +  cx + dx   x>0
   x 2  
  
If f is continuous at x = 0, then find out the values of a, b, c and d.

E 39
JEE- Mathematics 
Solution : Since f(x) is continuous at x = 0, so at x = 0, both left and right limits must exist and
both must be equal to 3.
 b
(a + b + 5) +  −a −  x 2 + ...
a(1 − x sin x) + b cos x + 5  2
Now=
Lim 2
Lim
= 2
3
x →0 −
x x →0 −
x
(By the expansions of sinx and cosx)
b
If lim f(x) exists then a + b + 5 = 0 and –a – = 3 ⇒ a = –1 and b = – 4
x →0 − 2
1
  cx + dx3   x cx + dx3
since lim  1 +    exists ⇒ lim =0⇒c=0
x →0 +   x2   x →0 + x 2
   

®
d
1  1 
Now lim (1 + dx) x= lim (1 + dx)  = e d
dx
x →0 + x →0 +  
 
So ed = 3 ⇒ d = n 3,

Hence a = – 1, b = – 4, c = 0 and d = n 3.

Gyanoday - 1 :

 cos x; x ≥ 0
1. If ƒ(x) =  find the value of k if ƒ (x) is continuous at x = 0.
x + k; x < 0

 |x+2|
 ; x ≠ −2
2. If ƒ(x) =  tan −1 (x + 2) then discuss the continuity of ƒ (x) at x = –2
 2 ; x = −2


 ( x + 3) π for x ≤ 2
 k sin
3. A function y = f(x) is defined as f ( x ) =  6 . If f(x) is continuous at
 3 − 11 − x
for x > 2
 x−2
x = 2, then find the value of k.
π
4. Discuss the continuity of the function [cos x] at x = , where [.] denotes the greatest
2
integer function

 2 if x > 2
5. Let f ( x ) =  x . Discuss continuity of f(x).
x + 1 if x ≤ 2

40 E
 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

n (1 + ax ) − n (1 − bx )
6. Let f ( x ) = . Find the value which should be assigned to f at x = 0,
x
so that it is continuous at x = 0.
7 p(729 + x) − 3
7. If for p ≠ q ≠ 0 , then function f(x) = is continuous at x = 0, then:
3 729 + qx − 9
(A) 7pq f(0) – 1 = 0 (B) 63q f(0) – p2 = 0
(C) 21q f(0) – p2 = 0 (D) 7pq f(0) – 9 = 0

(
 a 7x − 12 − x 2

) , x<3
 b x 2 − 7x + 12

sin ( x − 3)

8. Consider
= the function. f(x)  2 x −[x] , x>3 Where [x] denotes the greatest

®
 b , x=3




integer less than or equal to x. If S denotes the set of all ordered pairs (a, b) such that f(x) is
continuous at x = 3, then the number of elements in S is :
(1) 2 (2) Infinitely many (3) 4 (4) 1
9. For a, b > 0, let

 tan((a + 1)x) + b tan x

 ,x<0
x
 3 ,x=0
f (x) = 
2 2
 ax + b x − ax
 ,x>0
 b a x x
b
be a continous function at x = 0. Then is equal to
a
(1) 5 (2) 4 (3) 8 (4) 6

 1 − cos2x
 , x<0
 x2
10. Let ƒ : R → R be a function given by ƒ ( x ) = α 0 , where α, β ∈ R. If ƒ is
, x=

 β 1 − cos x , x>0
 x
continuous at x = 0, then α2 + β2 is equal to :
(1) 48 (2) 12 (3) 3 (4) 6

2. CONTINUITY OF THE FUNCTION IN AN INTERVAL :

(a) A function is said to be continuous in (a,b) if f is continuous at each & every point
belonging to (a, b).

E 41
JEE- Mathematics 
(b) A function is said to be continuous in a closed interval [a,b] if :
(i) f is continuous in the open interval (a,b)
(ii) f is right continuous at ‘a’ i.e. Lim f ( x ) = f ( a ) = a finite quantity
x →a +

( x ) f=
(iii) f is left continuous at ‘b’ i.e. Lim f= ( b ) a finite quantity
x→b−

Note :
(i) All polynomials, trigonometrical functions, exponential & logarithmic functions are
continuous in their domains.
(ii) If ƒ (x) & g(x) are two functions that are continuous at x = c then the function defined by :
F1 ( x ) =
f ( x ) ± g ( x ) ; F2 ( x ) =
K f ( x ) , where K is any real number F3 ( x ) = f ( x ) .g ( x ) ; are

®
also continuous at x = c.
f (x)
Further, if g(c) is not zero, then F4 ( x ) = is also continuous at x = c.
g (x)

 x +1 , x < −2

 2x + 3 , −2 ≤ x < 0
Illustration 3 : Discuss the continuity of f(x) =  2
 x +3 , 0≤x<3
x3 − 15 , x≥3

 −x − 1 , x < −2
 2x + 3 , −2 ≤ x < 0

Solution : We write f(x) as f(x) =  2
 x +3 , 0≤x<3
x3 − 15 , x≥3

As we can see, f(x) is defined as a polynomial function in each of intervals (– ∞, –2),

(–2, 0), (0, 3) and (3, ∞). Therefore, it is continuous in each of these four open
intervals. Thus we check the continuity at x = –2,0,3.
At the point x = –2
lim f(x) = lim (–x – 1) = + 2 – 1 = 1
x →−2 − x →−2 −

lim f(x) = lim (2x + 3) = 2. (–2) + 3 = – 1

x →−2 + x →−2 +

Therefore, lim f(x) does not exist and hence f(x) is discontinuous at x = –2.
x →−2

At the point x = 0
lim f(x) = lim (2x + 3) = 3
x →0 − x →0 −

42 E
 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

lim f(x) = lim (x2 + 3) = 3
x →0 + x →0 +

f(0) = 02 + 3 = 3
Therefore f(x) is continuous at x = 0.
At the point x = 3
lim f(x) = lim (x2 + 3) = 32 + 3 = 12
x →3− x →3−

lim f(x) = lim (x3 – 15) = 33 – 15 = 12

x →3+ x →3+

f(3) = 33 – 15 = 12
Therefore, f(x) is continuous at x = 3.

®
We find that f(x) is continuous at all points in  except at x = – 2

Gyanoday -2 :

 x2
 ; 0 ≤ x <1
 a
1. If ƒ(x)=  −1 ; 1 ≤ x < 2 then find the value of a & b if ƒ(x) is continuous in [0,∞)
 2b2 − 4b
 ; 2 ≤x<∞
 x 2



| x − 3 | ; 0 ≤ x < 1
 π
2. Discuss the continuity of ƒ(x) =  sin x ; 1 ≤ x ≤ in [0,3)
 2
log x ; π < x < 3
 π 2
 2

 x2 − 1
 2 , x ≠1
 x − 2 x −1 −1
3. Examine the continuity of the function f ( x ) =  at x = 1.
 1
 , x =1
2

2x + 3, −3 ≤ x < −2

4. Show that the function f ( x )=  x + 1, −2 ≤ x < 0 is discontinuous at x = 0 and
 x + 2, 0 ≤ x ≤1
continuous at other points in the interval [–3,1]

E 43
JEE- Mathematics 
 −2 sin x if x ≤ −π / 2
 π
5. Let= f ( x ) A sin x + B if − < x < π / 2 , find A and B so as to make the function
 2
 cos x if x≥π/2
continuous.
3 − x if −5 ≤ x < 2
6. Find the intervals on which f and g are continuous where f ( x ) =  and
x − 2 if 2 ≤ x < 5
2 − x if −5 ≤ x < 2
g (x) =  .
x − 2 if 2 ≤ x < 5
2x 5 − 8x 2 + 11
7. Discuss continuity of the function f ( x ) =
x 4 + 4x3 + 8x 2 + 8x + 4

®
 | 2x 2 − 3x − 7 | if x ≤ −1

8. f(x)  [4x 2 − 1]
The number of points where the function= if − 1 < x < 1 [t] denotes
| x + 1| + | x − 2 | if x ≥1

the greatest integer ≤ t, is discontinuous is ______ .
 2x − 3, x < 0
9. (x) [2x 2 + 1] and g(x) = 
Let f= , where [t] is the greatest integer ≤ t . Then, in
2x + 3, x ≥ 0
the open interval (−1, 1), the number of points where fog is discontinuous is equal to _____
10. Let f , g : R → R be functions defined by

[ x ] , x<0 e x − x , x<0

f (x) =  and g ( x ) = 
1− x , x≥0 2
( x − 1) − 1 , x ≥ 0
where [x] denote the greatest integer less than or equal to x. Then, the function fog is
discontinuous at exactly :
(A) one point (B) two points (C) three points (D) four points
3. THE INTERMEDIATE VALUE THEOREM :
Suppose f(x) is continuous on an interval I, and a and b are any two points of I. Then if y0 is a
number between f(a) and f(b), there exists a number c between a and b such that f(c) = y0
y
f(b)

y0

f(a)

0 x
a c b
The function f, being continuous on [a,b]
takes on every value between f(a) and f(b)

44 E
 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

Note that a function f which is continuous in [a,b] possesses the following properties :
(i) If f(a) & f(b) posses opposite signs, then there exists atleast one root of the equation
f(x) = 0 in the open interval (a, b).
(ii) If K is any real number between f(a) & f(b), then there exists atleast one root of the
equation f(x) = K in the open interval (a, b).
Note : In above cases the number of roots is always odd.
a+b
Illustration 4 : Show that the function, f(x) = (x – a)2(x – b)2 + x, takes the value for some
2
x0 ∈ (a, b)
Solution : f(x) = (x – a)2(x – b)2 + x
f(a) = a
f(b) = b

®
a+b
& ∈ (f(a), f(b))
2
a+b
∴ By intermediate value theorem, there is atleast one x0 ∈ (a, b) such that f(x0) = .
2
onto
Illustration 5 : Let f : [0, 1] 
→ [0, 1] be a continuous function, then prove that f(x) = x for
atleast one x ∈ [0, 1]
Solution : Consider g(x) = f(x) – x
g(0) = f(0) – 0 = f(0) ≥ 0 { 0 ≤ f(x) ≤ 1}

g(1) = f(1) – 1 ≤ 0
⇒ g(0) . g(1) ≤ 0
⇒ g(x) = 0 has atleast one root in [0, 1]
⇒ f(x) = x for atleast one x ∈ [0, 1]

Gyanoday -3 :
2ƒ(a) + 3ƒ(b)
1. If ƒ (x) is continuous in [a,b] then prove that ∃ c ∈ [a,b] such that ƒ (c) = .
5
2. Show that the function f(x) = x – 1 – cosπx, x ∈ [1,2] takes on the value 1/2.
1
3. Does the function f(x) = x3/4 – sinπx + 3 take on the value 2 within the interval [–2,2] ?
3
4. Let f(x) = ex – x3. Prove that there atleast two real roots of f(x) = 0 on the real number line.
5. Use intermediate value theorem to show that the equation 2x3 + x2 – x + 1 = 5 has a
solution in the interval [1,2].

4. SOME IMPORTANT POINTS :

(a) If f(x) is continuous & g(x) is discontinuous at x = a then the product function
f(x).g(x) will not necessarily be discontinuous at x = a, e.g.
φ(x) =

E 45
JEE- Mathematics 
 π
sin x≠0
f ( x ) x=
= & g (x)  x

0 x=0

f(x) is continuous at x = 0 & g(x) is discontinuous at x = 0, but f(x).g(x) is continuous at x = 0.

(b) If f (x) and g (x) both are discontinuous at x = a then the product function φ(x) =
f(x).g(x)
is not necessarily be discontinuous at x = a , e.g.
1 x ≥ 0
f (x) =
−g ( x ) =
 −1 x < 0

f(x) & g(x) both are discontinuous at x = 0 but the product function f.g(x) is still continuous
at x = 0
(c) If f (x) and g (x) both are discontinuous at x = a then f(x) ± g(x) is not necessarily be

®
discontinuous at x = a

(d) A continuous function whose domain is closed must have a range also in closed interval.

(e) If f is continuous at x = a & g is continuous at x = f (a) then the composite g[f(x)] is

x sin x
a. eg. f ( x )
continuous at x == = & g ( x ) x are continuous at x =0, hence the
x2 + 2
x sin x
composite (gof) ( x ) = will also be continuous at x = 0
x2 + 2

x +1 1
Illustration 6: If f(x) = and g(x) = , then discuss the continuity of f(x), g(x) and fog (x)
x −1 x−2
in its domain.

x +1
Solution : f(x) =
x −1

f(x) is a rational function it must be continuous in its domain and f is not defined at
x = 1.

1
g(x) =
x−2

g(x) is also a rational function. It must be continuous in its domain and g is not
defined at x = 2.

Consider g(x) = 1

1
=1 ⇒ x=3
x−2

∴ fog(x) is continuous in its domain :  – {2, 3}

46 E
 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

Gyanoday -4 :
1. Let ƒ (x) = [x] & g(x) = sgn(x) (where [.] denotes greatest integer function), then discuss
the continuity of ƒ (x) ± g(x) and ƒ (x).g(x) at x= 0.
ƒ(x)
2. If ƒ (x) = sin|x|& g(x) = tan|x| then discuss the continuity of ƒ (x) ± g(x) ; & ƒ (x) g(x)
g(x)
in their domain.
3. Discuss the continuity of f(x) = [x] + |x – 1|. (where [.] denotes greatest integer function)
π
4. If f(x) = [sin(x – 1)] – {sin(x – 1)} then comment on continuity of f(x) at x = + 1.
2
(where [.] & {.} denote greatest integer function & fractional part function)
5. Let ƒ: [–1, 2] → R be given by ƒ(x) = 2x2 + x + [x2] – [x], where [t] denotes the greatest

®
integer less than or equal to t. The number of points, where ƒ is not continuous, is :
(1) 6 (2) 3 (3) 4 (4) 5
5. CONTINUITY OVER COUNTABLE SET :
There are functions which are continuous over a countable set and else where discontinuous.
x if x ∈ 
Illustration 7: If ƒ ( x ) =  , find the points where ƒ(x) is continuous
 −x if x ∉ 
Solution : Let x = a be the point at which ƒ(x) is continuous.
lim ƒ(x) = lim ƒ(x)
⇒ x →a x →a
through rational through irrational

⇒ a = –a
⇒ a = 0 ⇒ function is continuous at x = 0.
Gyanoday -5 :
 x if x ∈ 
1. If g ( x ) =  , then find the points where function is continuous.
0 if x ∉ 
 x 2 ; x∈
2. If ƒ(x) =  2
, then find the points where function is continuous.
1 − x ; x ∉ 
 1 if x is rational
3. Let f(x) =  . Discuss continuity of the function f(x).
−1 if x is irrational
0 if x is rational
4. Let f ( x ) =  . Discuss continuity of the function f(x).
5x if x is irrational
 x 
 2 , x ∈Q
 
5. Let f : A →  and f ( x ) =  . Find the number of points at which f(x) is
− x  , x ∈ Q '
 3 
continuous, when
(i) A = [0,10] (ii) A = [–6,6] (iii) A = [0,100]

E 47
 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

DIFFERENTIABILITY
1. MEANING OF DERIVATIVE :
The instantaneous rate of change of a function with respect to the dependent variable is called
derivative. Let ' f ' be a given function of one variable and let ∆x denote a number (positive or
negative) to be added to the number x. Let ∆f denote the corresponding change of ' f ' then
∆f = f(x + ∆x) – f(x)
∆f f(x + ∆x) − f(x)
⇒ =
∆x ∆x
If ∆f/∆x approaches a limit as ∆x approaches zero, this limit is the derivative of ' f ' at the point x.
The derivative of a function 'f ' is a function ; this function is denoted by symbols such as
df d df(x)
f '(x), , f(x) or

®
dx dx dx
df ∆f f(x + ∆x) − f(x)
⇒ = lim = lim
dx ∆x →0 ∆x ∆x →0 ∆x
df(x)
The derivative evaluated at a point a, is written, f '(a), , f '(x) x =a , etc.
dx x =a
2. EXISTENCE OF DERIVATIVE AT x = a :
y y=f(x)
Q
f(a + h)

f(a+h)–f(a)
R
f(a–h)
f(a–h)–f(a)
P
f(a)

a–h a a+h x
(h → 0) (h → 0)

(a) Right hand derivative :

The right hand derivative of f(x) at x = a denoted by Rf ' (a) is defined as :
f(a + h) − f(a)
Rf ' (a) = Lim , provided the limit exists & is finite. (h > 0)
h →0 h
(b) Left hand derivative :
The left hand derivative of f(x) at x = a denoted by Lf ' (a) is defined as :
f(a − h) − f(a)
Lf ' (a) = Lim , provided the limit exists & is finite. (h > 0)
h →0 −h

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
Hence f(x) is said to be derivable or differentiable at x = a. If Rf ' (a) = Lf ' (a) = finite quantity

and it is denoted by f'(a); where f'(a) = Lf ' (a) = Rf ' (a) & it is called derivative or
differential coefficient of f(x) at x = a.
3. DIFFERENTIABILITY & CONTINUITY :
Theorem : If a function f(x) is derivable at x = a, then f(x) is continuous at x = a.
f(a + h) − f(a)
Proof : f '(a) = Lim exists.
h →0 h
f(a + h) − f(a)
Also
= f(a + h) − f(a) .h [h ≠ 0]
h
f(a + h) − f(a)
∴ Lim [f(a + h) − f(a)]
= Lim =.h f '(a).0
= 0

®
h →0 h →0 h
⇒ Lim[f(a + h) − f(a)] =0 ⇒ Lim f(a + h) =f(a) ⇒ f(x) is continuous at x = a.
h →0 h →0

Note :

(i) Differentiable ⇒ Continuous ; Continuity ⇒

/ Differentiable ; Not Differentiable ⇒
/ Not Continuous
But Not Continuous ⇒ Not Differentiable

(ii) All polynomial, rational, trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential function are
continuous and differentiable in their domains.
(iii) If f(x) & g(x) are differentiable at x = a, then the functions f(x) + g(x), f(x) – g(x), f(x). g(x)
will also be differentiable at x =a & if g(a) ≠ 0 then the function f(x)/g(x) will also be
differentiable at x = a.


sgn(x) + x; −∞ < x < 0

 π
Illustration 1 : Let f(x) = −1 + sin x; 0≤x< . Discuss the continuity & differentiability at
 2
 π
cos x; 2
≤x<∞

π
x=0 & .
2

−1 + x; −∞ < x < 0

 π
Solution : f(x) = −1 + sin x;0 ≤ x <
 2
 π
cos x; 2
≤x<∞

To check the differentiability at x = 0

f(0 − h) − f(0) −1 + 0 − h − (−1)
LHD ==
lim lim
= 1
h →0 −h h →0 −h

68 E
 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

f(0 + h) − f(0) −1 + sinh + 1
RHD = lim= lim = 1
h →0 h h → 0 h
 LHD = RHD
∴ Differentiable at x = 0.
⇒ Continuous at x = 0.
π
To check the continuity at x =
2
LHL lim− f(x)
= lim− (−1 + sin =
x) 0
π π
x→ x→
2 2

RHL =
lim+ f(x) lim
= +
cos x 0
π π
x→ x→
2 2

π
 LHL = RHL = f   = 0

®
2
π
∴ Continuous at x = .
2
π
To check the differentiability at x =
2
π  π
f −h−f 
2   2  lim −1 + cosh − 0
LHD = lim = = 0
h →0 −h h →0 −h
π  π
f + h−f 
RHD = lim 
2   2  = lim − sinh − 0 = −1
h →0 h h →0 h
 LHD ≠ RHD
π
∴ not differentiable at x = .
2
A + Bx 2 x <1
Illustration 2 : If f(x) = 
3Ax − B + 2 x ≥ 1
then find A and B so that f(x) become differentiable at x = 1.
f(1 + h) − f(1) 3A(1 + h) − B + 2 − 3A + B − 2 3Ah
Solution : Rf ' (1) = lim = lim = lim = 3A
h →0 h h →0 h h →0 h
f(1 − h) − f(1) A + B(1 − h)2 − 3A + B − 2 (−2A + 2B − 2) + Bh 2 − 2Bh
= Lf '(1) lim
= lim = lim
h →0 −h h →0 −h h →0 −h
hence for this limit to be defined
– 2A + 2B – 2 = 0
B=A+1
Lf ' (1) = lim – (Bh – 2B) = 2B
h →0

∴ Lf ' (1) = Rf ' (1)

3A = 2B = 2(A + 1)
A = 2, B = 3

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
[cos πx] x ≤ 1
Illustration 3 : f(x) =  comment on the derivability at x =1, where [ ] denotes
 2{x} − 1 x > 1

greatest integer function & { } denotes fractional part function.

f(1 − h) − f(1) [cos(π − πh)] + 1 −1 + 1

Solution : Lf ' (1) = lim = lim = lim = 0
h →0 −h h →0 −h h →0 − h

f(1 + h) − f(1) 2{1 + h} − 1 + 1 2h

Rf ' (1) = lim = lim = lim = 2
h →0 h h →0 h h →0 h

Hence f(x) is not differentiable at x = 1.

Gyanoday -1 :

®
1. A function is defined as follows :

x 3 ; x 2 < 1
f(x) =  2
discuss the continuity and differentiability at x = 1.
x ; x ≥ 1

ax 3 + b, for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1
2. If f(x) =  −1
be a differentiable function in [0, 2], then
2 cos πx + tan x, for 1 < x ≤ 2

find a and b.

3. Check whether derivative exists at indicated points

(a) f(x) = (x + 1)1/3 at x = –1

(b) f(x) = 3|x – 1| at x = 1

(c) f(x) = [x + 1] at x = 0

(where [.] denotes the greatest integer function)

 n x for x ≥ e 2
4. If f(x) =  2
is differentiable on  then find value of a and b.
ax + b for x < e

 x , x ≤1
5. If f(x) =  2 then find the values of b and c if f(x) is differentiable at
x + bx + c , x > 1

x=1

x 3 − 1 ; 1 < x < ∞
6. Discuss differentiability of f(x) =  at x = 1
 x − 1 ; −∞ < x ≤ 1

70 E
 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

 ax + b for x ≤ −1
7. If f (x) =  3 is differentiable for at x = –1, find a and b.
ax + x + 2b for x > −1

 x 2 sgn[x] + {x} , 0 ≤ x < 2

8. If f (x) =  , comment on the continuity and differentiability
 sin x + x − 3 , 2 ≤ x < 4

of f(x) at x = 1, 2.

([.] denotes the greatest integer function & {.} denotes the fractional part function)

 2 − 1x + 1x 

9. If f (x) =  x e , x ≠ 0 , find the value of ‘a’ such that f(x) is differentiable at
 a , x=0

®
x = 0.

 π
sgn(cos x) , x < 2 is differentiable at π
10. Find the value of ‘a’ for which f (x) =  x= .
 a − sin x , x ≥ π 2
 2

4. IMPORTANT NOTE :

(a) Let Rf ' (a) = p & Lf ' (a) = q where p & q are finite then :

(i) p= q ⇒ f is differentiable at x = a ⇒ f is continuous at x = a

(ii) p ≠ q ⇒ f is not differentiable at x = a, but f is continuous at x = a.

Illustration 4 : Determine the values of x for which the following functions fails to be continuous or
(1 − x), x <1

differentiable f(x) = (1 − x)(2 − x), 1 ≤ x ≤ 2 , Justify your answer.
(3 − x), x>2

Solution : By the given definition it is clear that the function f is continuous and differentiable
at all points except possibly at x = 1 and x = 2.
Check the differentiability at x = 1
f(1 − h) − f(1) 1 − (1 − h) − 0
q = LHD = lim = lim = −1
h →0 −h h →0 −h
f(1 + h) − f(1) {1 − (1 + h)}{2 − (1 + h)} − 0
p = RHD = lim = lim = −1
h →0 h h → 0 h
 q=p ∴ Differentiable at x = 1. ⇒ Continuous at x = 1.
Check the differentiability at x = 2
f(2 − h) − f(2) (1 − 2 + h)(2 − 2 + h) − 0
q ==
LHD = lim = 1 = finite
lim
h →0 −h h →0 −h

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
f(2 + h) − f(2) (3 − 2 − h) − 0
p = RHD = lim
= lim → ∞ (not finite)
h →0 h h → 0 h
 q≠p ∴ not differentiable at x = 2.
Now we have to check the continuity at x = 2
LHL = lim− f(x)
= lim− (1 − x)(2 − x)
= lim(1 − (2 − h))(2 − (2 − h))
= 0
x →2 x →2 h →0

RHL = lim+ f(x)

= lim+ (3 − x)
= lim(3 − (2 + h))
= 1
x →2 x →2 h →0

∴ LHL ≠ RHL
⇒ not continuous at x = 2.

Gyanoday - 2 :
1. Let ƒ(x) = (x – 1) |x – 1|. Discuss the continuity and differentiability of f(x) at x = 1.

®
π –1
 4 + tan x,| x |≤ 1
2. The function f(x) =  . Discuss the continuity and differentiability of f(x) :
1
 (| x | –1),| x |> 1
 2
3. Which of the following function(s) is(are) differentiable at x = 0 ?
(A) cos(|x|) + |x| (B) cos(|x|) – |x| (C) sin(|x|) + |x| (D) sin(|x|) – |x|
 1 , −∞ < x < 0
 π
 1 + sin x , 0≤x<
4. Let f(x) =  2
  2
π π
2 +  x −  , ≤x<∞
  2 2
π
Discuss continuity and differentiability at x = 0 and x =
2

5.

{ } 1
 x + 3 [sin πx ] 0 ≤ x < 1
Let f (x) = 
[ 2x ] sgn  x − 4  1 ≤ x ≤ 2
  
 3
Where [.] and {.} denote the greatest integer function and fractional part function
respectively. Find the points at which continuity and differentiability should be checked.
Also check the continuity and differentiability of f(x) at x = 1.

(b) Vertical tangent :

(i) If y = f(x) is continuous at x = a and lim f '(x) approaches to ∞, then y = f(x) has a
x →a

vertical tangent at x = a. If a function has vertical tangent at x = a then it is

non-differentiable at x = a.
e.g. (1) f(x) = x1/3 has vertical tangent at x = 0 since f+'(0) → ∞ and f–'(0) → ∞ hence
f(x) is not differentiable at x = 0

72 E
 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

y
f(x)=x1/3

x
O

(2) g(x) = x2/3 have vertical tangent at x = 0 since g+'(0) → ∞ and g–'(0) → −∞
hence g(x) is not differentiable at x = 0.
y

g(x)=x2/3

®
x
O
(c) Geometrical interpretation of differentiability :
(i) If the function y = f(x) is differentiable at x = a, then a unique non vertical tangent
can be drawn to the curve y = f(x) at the point P(a, f(a)) & f '(a) represent the slope of
the tangent at point P.
(ii) If a function f(x) does not have a unique tangent (p & q are finite but unequal), then f
is continuous at x = a, it geometrically implies a corner at x = a.
e.g. f(x) = |x| is continuous but not differentiable at x = 0 & there is corner at x = 0.
y

f(x)=|x| p=1
(does not have unique tangent, corner at x = 0)
q = –1
x
O
(iii) If one of p & q tends to ∞ and other tends to –∞, then their will be a cusp at x = a.
Where p = Rf ' (a) and q = Lf ' (a)
e.g. (1) f(x) = |x|1/3 is continuous but not differentiable at x = 0 & there is cusp at x = 0.
y

g(x)=|x|2/3 p → +∞
(has a vertical tangent, cusp at x = 0)
q → –∞
x
O
(2) f(x) = x1/3 is continuous but not differentiable at x = 0 because Rf'(0) → ∞ and
p → +∞
Lf '(0) → ∞.
q → –∞

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JEE- Mathematics

y
f(x)=x1/3

O
x (have a unique vertical tangent but does not have corner)

Note : corner/cusp/vertical tangent ⇒ non differentiable

non differentiable ⇒
/ corner/cusp/vertical tangent

 x −3 x<0
Illustration 5 : If f(x) =  2 . Draw the graph of the function & discuss the continuity
x − 3x + 2 x ≥ 0
and differentiability of f ( x ) and f(x) .

®
| x | −3; | x |< 0 → not possible
f(| x |) =  2 y = f(| x |)
Solution : |x| − 3 | x | +2; | x | ≥ 0
2
x 2 + 3x + 2, x < 0
f(| x |) =  2
x − 3x + 2, x ≥ 0 –2 –1 0 1 2
x

at x = 0
f(0 − h) − f(0) h 2 − 3h + 2 − 2
q = LHD = lim = lim =3
h →0 −h h →0 −h
f(0 + h) − f(0) h 2 − 3h + 2 − 2
p = RHD = lim = lim = −3
h →0 h h →0 h
 q≠p

∴ not differentiable at x = 0. but p & q are both are finite

⇒ continuous at x = 0

3 − x , x<0 y
3 y=|f(x)|
 2
(x − 3x + 2), 0 ≤ x <1
Now, | f(x) |=  2 2
−(x − 3x + 2) , 1≤ x ≤ 2
x
(x 2 − 3x + 2), x>2 O 1 2

To check differentiability at x = 0
f(0 − h) − f(0) 3+ h −2 (1 + h) 
q = LHD = lim = lim= lim → −∞ 
h →0 −h h →0 −h h →0 − h 
2  ⇒ not differentiable at x =
0.
f(0 + h) − f(0) h − 3h + 2 − 2 
p = RHD = =
lim lim
= −3
h →0 h h →0 h 
Now to check continuity at x = 0

74 E
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
LHL = lim f(x)
= lim 3 −=
x 3 
x →0 − x →0 − 
2  ⇒ not continuous at x =
0.
RHL = lim f(x)
= lim x − 3x + 2 = 2 
x →0 + x →0 + 
To check differentiability at x = 1
f(1 − h) − f(1)
q = LHD = lim
h →0 −h
(1 − h)2 − 3(1 − h) + 2 − 0 h2 + h
= lim = lim = −1
h →0 −h h →0 − h

f(1 + h) − f(1) −(h 2 + 2h + 1 − 3 + 3h + 2) − 0 −(h 2 − h)

p = RHD = lim = lim = lim = 1
h →0 h h →0 h h →0 h
⇒ not differentiable at x = 1.

®
but |f(x)| is continuous at x = 1, because p ≠ q and both are finite.
To check differentiability at x = 2
f(2 − h) − f(2)
q = LHD = lim
h →0 −h
−(4 + h 2 − 4h − 6 + 3h + 2) − 0 h2 − h
= lim = lim = −1
h →0 −h h →0 h
f(2 + h) − f(2) (h 2 + 4h + 4 − 6 − 3h + 2) − 0 (h 2 + h)
p = RHD = lim = lim = lim = 1
h →0 h h →0 h h →0 h
⇒ not differentiable at x = 2.
but |f(x)| is continuous at x = 2, because p ≠ q and both are finite.

Gyanoday - 3 :
−4 ; −4 < x < 0
1. Let f(x) =  2
x − 4; 0 ≤ x < 4
Discuss the continuity and differentiability of g(x) = |f(x)|.
2. Let f(x) = min {|x – 1|, |x + 1|, 1}. Find the number of points where it is not differentiable.
 π 3π 
3. Consider function f(x) = min {tanx, cotx} in (0, 2π)\  , π,  . Number of points where
2 2
f fails to be derivable is 'm' and number of points where it is discontinuous is 'n'. Find (m,
n)
4. Let f(x) = max {2sinx, 1 – cosx} ∀ x ∈ (0, π). Discuss differentiability of f(x) and write
all points of non differentiability.
5. Let f(x) = max {1 – x, 1 + x, 2}. Discuss differentiability of f(x)
6. Consider the function f : (0, ∞) → R defined by f(x) = e − loge x . If m and n be respectively the
number of points at which f is not continuous and f is not differentiable, then m + n is
(1) 0 (2) 3 (3) 1 (4) 2

E 75
 JEE- Mathematics

 a − b cos2x
 ; x<0
x2
 2
7. Let f : R → R be defined as f(x) =  x + cx + 2 ; 0 ≤ x ≤1
 2x + 1 ; x >1


If f is continuous everywhere in R and m is the number of points where f is NOT
differential then m + a + b + c equals :
(1) 1 (2) 4 (3) 3 (4) 2
8. Let k and m be positive real numbers such that the function
3x 2 + k x + 1, 0 < x < 1 8f ' ( 8 )
f (x) =  is differentiable for all x > 0. Then is equal
2
 mx + k ,
2
x ≥1 1
f ' 
8
to ____.

®
 x [ x ] , −2 < x < 0
9. Let f : (-2, 2) →  be defined by f ( x ) =  Where [x] denotes the
( x − 1) [ x ] , 0 ≤ x < 2
greatest integer function. If m and n respectively are the number of points in
(–2, 2) at which y = f ( x ) is not continuous and not differentiable, then m + n is equal
to ______.
 sin ( x − [ x ])
 , x ∈ ( −2, −1)
 x − [x]

10. Let ƒ ( x ) max 2x,3  x  ,
= { x <1 } where [t] denotes greatest integer ≤ t. If m

 1 , otherwise


is the number of points where ƒ is not continuous and n is the number of points where ƒ is
not differentiable, then the ordered pair (m, n) is :
(A) (3, 3) (B) (2, 4) (C) (2, 3) (D) (3, 4)

5. DIFFERENTIABILITY OVER AN INTERVAL :

(a) f(x) is said to be differentiable over an open interval (a, b) if it is differentiable at each &
every point of the open interval (a, b).
(b) f(x) is said to be differentiable over the closed interval [a, b] if :
(i) f(x) is differentiable in (a, b) &
(ii) for the points a and b, f '(a+) & f '(b–) exist.
e −|x| , −5< x < 0

Illustration 6 : If f(x) =−e −|x −1| + e −1 + 1, 0≤x<2
e −|x −2| , 2≤x<4


Discuss the continuity and differentiability of f(x) in the interval (–5, 4).

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 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

 e+x −5 < x < 0
 x −1 −1
 −e + e + 1 0 ≤ x ≤ 1
Solution : ƒ(x) =  − x +1 −1
 −e + e +1 1 < x < 2
 e − x +2 2≤x<4

Check the differentiability at x = 0
ƒ(0 − h) − ƒ(0) e−h − 1
LHD lim
= = lim = 1
h →0 −h h →0 − h

ƒ(0 + h) − ƒ(0) −e h −1 + e −1 + 1 − 1
RHD = lim = lim = −e −1
h →0 h h →0 h
 LHD ≠ RHD

®
∴ Not differentiable at x = 0, but continuous at x = 0 since LHD and RHD both are
finite.
Check the differentiability at x = 1
ƒ(1 − h) − ƒ(1) −e1− h −1 + e −1 + 1 − e −1
LHD = lim = lim = −1
h →0 −h h →0 −h
ƒ(1 + h) − ƒ(1) −e1− h −1 + e −1 + 1 − e −1
RHD
= = lim lim
= 1
h →0 h h →0 h
 LHD ≠ RHD

∴ Not differentiable at x = 1, but continuous at x = 1 since LHD and RHD both are
finite.
Check the differentiability at x = 2
ƒ(2 − h) − ƒ(2) −e −2+ h +1 + e −1 + 1 − 1 −e −1 (e h − 1)
LHD = lim= lim = lim = e −1
h →0 −h h →0 −h h →0 −h
ƒ(2 + h) − ƒ(2) e−h − 1
RHD = lim = lim = −1
h →0 h h →0 h
 LHD ≠ RHD

∴ Not differentiable at x = 2, but continuous at x = 2 since LHD & RHD both are finite.
Note :
(i) If f(x) is differentiable at x = a & g(x) is not differentiable at x = a, then the product
function F(x) = f(x).g(x) can still be differentiable at x = a.
e.g. Consider f(x) = x & g(x) = |x|. f is differentiable at x = 0 & g is non-differentiable at
x = 0, but f(x).g(x) is still differentiable at x = 0.
(ii) If f(x) & g(x) both are not differentiable at x = a then the product function; F(x) = f(x).g(x)
can still be differentiable at x = a.
e.g. Consider f(x) = |x| & g(x) = –|x|. f & g are both non differentiable at x = 0, but
f(x).g(x) still differentiable at x = 0.

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JEE- Mathematics

(iii) If f(x) & g(x) both are non-differentiable at x = a then the sum function F(x) = f(x) + g(x)
may be a differentiable function.
e.g. f(x) = |x| & g(x) = –|x|. f & g are both non differentiable at x = 0, but (f+g)(x) still
differentiable at x = 0.
(iv) If f(x) is differentiable at x = a ⇒
/ f '(x) is continuous at x = a.
 2 1
x sin if x ≠ 0
e.g. f(x) =  x

 0 if x = 0

Gyanoday - 4 :
5π
1. Let f(x) = max {sinx, 1/2}, where 0 ≤ x ≤ . Find the number of points where it is not
2

®
differentiable.
[x] ; 0 < x ≤ 2
2. Let f(x) =  , where [.] denotes greatest integer function.
2x − 2 ;2 < x < 3
(a) Find that points at which continuity and differentiability should be checked.
(b) Discuss the continuity & differentiability of f(x) in the interval (0, 3).
 1 − 4x 2 , 0 ≤ x < 1
3. Let f(x) =  check the differentiability in (0, 2) where [ ] denotes
[ x − 2x ] , 1 ≤ x < 2
2

greatest integer function.

4. Discuss the differentiability of f(x) = |[x] x| in x ∈ (–1, 2] where [ ] denotes greatest
integer function.
5. Discuss continuity and differentiability following functions
(i) f(x) = |x + 1|(|x| + |x –1|)

(ii)
= f (x) max 
 2
{}
 x { }
, − x  , ∀ x ∈ [0, 6]

({.} denotes fractional part)
min ( x , 1 − x 2 ) , x ∈ [ −1,1]
(iii) f (x) = 
 [x] , x ∈ (1, 2 )
([.] denotes greatest integer)
x 3
(iv) f (x) min    , x −  , x ∈ [–20, 15]
=
3 4
([.] denotes greatest integer)
f (x) max ( t − 2 ) ; –3 ≤ t ≤ x, x ∈ [–3, ∞)
(v) =

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 Limit, Continuity, Differentiability

6. DETERMINATION OF FUNCTION WHICH SATISFYING THE GIVEN FUNCTIONAL
EQUATION :

Illustration 7 : Let f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) – 2xy – 1 for all x and y. If f '(0) exists and f '(0) = –sinα,
then find f{f'(0)}.

f(x + h) − f(x)
Solution : f '(x) = lim
h →0 h

{f(x) + f(h) − 2xh − 1} − f(x)

= lim (Using the given relation)
h →0 h

f(h) − 1 f(h) − f(0)

=lim − 2x + lim =−2x + lim
h →0 h →0 h h →0 h

®
[Putting x = 0 = y in the given relation we find f(0) = f(0) + f(0) + 0 – 1 ⇒ f(0) = 1]

∴ f'(x) = –2x + f '(0) = –2x – sinα

⇒ f(x) = –x2 – (sinα). x + c

f(0) = – 0 – 0 + c ⇒ c=1

∴ f(x) = –x2 – (sinα). x + 1

So, f{f '(0)} = f(–sinα) = –sin2α + sin2α + 1

∴ f{f '(0)} = 1.

Gyanoday - 5 :
1. A function f :  →  satisfies the equation f(x + y) = f(x).f(y) for all x, y ∈ , f(x) ≠ 0.
Suppose that the function is differentiable everywhere and f'(0) = 2. Prove that
f '(x) = 2f(x).
2. Suppose f is a derivable function that satisfies the equation f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) + x2y + xy2
f (x)
for all real numbers x and y. Where lim = 1 then find
x →0 x
(a) f(0) (b) f ′ (0) (c) f ′ (x)
3. A function f : R → (0, ∞) satisfies the equation f(x + y) = f(x) . f(y). If f(x) ≠ 0 for any x, is
differentiable on R and f ′ (0) = 2 then find f(x)
 x + y  f (x) + f (y)
4. A function f : R → R satisfies the condition f  = (k ≠ 0, 2). If f(x) is
 k  k
differentiable on R and f ′ (0) = m then find f(x)
 x + y  2 + f (x) + f (y)
5. If f  = for all real x and y and f′(0) = 2 then determine y = f(x)
 3  3

E 79
JEE- Mathematics

Miscellaneous Illustrations :
Illustration 8 : Discuss the continuity and differentiability of the function y = f(x) defined
parametrically ;
x = 2t – |t – 1| and y = 2t + t|t|.
2

Solution : Here x = 2t – |t – 1| and y = 2t2 + t|t|.

Now when t < 0;
1
x = 2t – {–(t – 1)} = 3t – 1 and y = 2t2 – t2 = t2 y
⇒= (x + 1)2
9
when 0 ≤ t < 1
1
x = 2t – (–(t – 1)) = 3t – 1 and y = 2t2 + t2 = 3t2 ⇒=
y (x + 1)2
3

®
when t ≥ 1;
x = 2t – (t – 1) = t + 1 and y = 2t2 + t2 = 3t2 ⇒ y = 3(x – 1)2
1 2
 9 (x + 1) , x < −1

1
Thus, = =  (x + 1)2 ,
y f(x) −1 ≤ x < 2
3
3(x − 1)2 , x≥2

We have to check differentiability at x = –1 and 2.
Differentiability at x = –1;
1
(−1 − h + 1)2 − 0
f( −1 − h) − f( −1) 9
LHD = f−' (−1) lim= lim =
= 0
h →0 −h h →0 −h
1
(−1 + h + 1)2 − 0
f( −1 + h) − f( −1) 3
RHD = f+' (−1) lim= lim = 0
=
h →0 h h →0 −h
Hence f(x) is differentiable at x = –1.
⇒ continuous at x = –1.
To check differentiability at x = 2 ;
1
( 2 − h + 1) 2 − 3 2
3 ( 2 + h − 1) − 3
LHD = f−' (2) = lim 3 = 2 & RHD = f+' (2) = lim =6
h →0 −h h →0 h
Hence f(x) is not differentiable at x = 2.
But continuous at x = 2, because LHD & RHD both are finite.
∴ f(x) is continuous for all x and differentiable for all x, except x = 2.

80 E