CHAPTER

05
Continuity and
Differentiability
In class XI, we have studied about the concept of limit, i.e. left hand and
right hand limits of polynomials, rational and trigonometric functions.
In this chapter, we will introduce the very important concepts of continuity,
differentiability and relations between them. We will also illustrate certain
geometrical obvious conditions through differential calculus.
Continuity
TOPIC Properties of Continuous
Functions
01 Continuity Y
Differentiability

If we can draw the graph of a function around the

Continuous
given fixed point without lifting the pen from the curve
plane of paper, then the function is said to be X
continuous at that point. O

Continuity of a Real Function at a Point

A function f ( x ) is said to be continuous at x = c , if
lim f ( x ) = lim+ f ( x ) = f (c ).
x ®c- x ®c
In other words, a function f ( x ) is said to be continuous at x = c , if
(i) f ( x ) is defined at x = c . (ii) lim f ( x ) exists. (iii) lim f ( x ) = f (c ),
x ®c x ®c
i.e. left hand limit, right hand limit and the value of the function at x = c
coincide.
Note (i) A function f( x ) is said to be left continuous or continuous at x = c from left, if
lim f( x ) = f(c ).
x ® c-

(ii) A function f( x ) is said to be right continuous or continuous at x = c from right, if

lim f( x ) = f(c ).
x ® c+
150 |

Working Rule to Check Continuity of i.e. f (3) = 17

a Function at Given Point and lim f ( x ) = lim ( 2x 2 - 1) = 2(3)2 - 1 = 17
x ®3 x ®3
Suppose a function and a point is given to us and we Q f (3) = lim f ( x )
have to check/examine/discuss the continuity of function x ®3

at this point. \ f ( x ) is continuous at x = 3.

x - 5, if x ³ 5
For this, we use the following steps (iii) Given, f ( x ) = | x - 5| = ìí
I. Write the given function say f ( x ) and given point î5 - x , if x < 5
say x = c , at which we have to check continuity. At point x = 5, f ( x ) = |5 - 5| = 0, i.e. f (5) = 0
II. Find the value of f ( x ) at x = c . Also, LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim (5 - x ) = 0
x ® 5– x ® 5–
III. Find LHL (Left Hand Limit) of f ( x ) at x = c .
[Q for x < 5, f ( x ) = 5 - x ]
IV. Find RHL (Right Hand Limit) of f ( x ) at x = c .
and RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim ( x - 5) = 0
V. Now, if LHL = RHL = f (c ). Then, f is continuous x ® 5+ x ® 5+
at x = c , otherwise not continuous. [Q for x > 5, f ( x ) = x - 5]
Note (i) If a function is not continuous at x = c, then it is said to be Q LHL = RHL = f (5) = 0
discontinuous at c and c is called the point of discontinuity
of the function. \ f ( x ) is continuous at x = 5.
(ii) f( x ) is discontinuous at x = c, if any one of the following
cases arise. Example 2 Discuss the continuity of the function
(a) f(c ) is not defined. (b) lim f( x ) does not exist. ìïsin 5 x
x ®c , if x ¹ 0
(c) lim f( x ) ¹ f(c ). f ( x) = í x at x = 0.
x®c
ïî 5, if x = 0
Some Standard Results Based on Limits ìï sin 5x
, if x ¹ 0
Sol. We have, f ( x ) = í x
xn - an sin x ïî 5,if x = 0
(i) lim = na n - 1 (ii) lim =1
x®a x-a x®0 x sin 5x
tan x sin-1 x
At x = 0, lim f ( x ) = lim
(iii) lim =1 (iv) lim =1 x ®0 x ®0 x
x®0 x x®0 x
On multiplying numerator and denominator by 5 and
tan-1 x ex - 1 sin x
(v) lim =1 (vi) lim =1
x®0 x x®0 x then using result lim = 1, we get
x ®0 x
ax - 1 log (1 + x )
(vii) lim = loge a (viii) lim =1 5 sin 5x
x®0 x x®0 x lim f ( x ) = lim = 5 ´1 = 5
x
x ®0 x ®0 5x
1
(ix) lim (1 + x )1/ x = e (x) lim æç1 + ö÷ = e Also, at x = 0, f ( x ) = 5, i.e. f (0) = 5
x®0 x®¥ è xø

(xi) lim
sin x
= lim
cos x
=0
Q lim f ( x ) = f (0)
x ®0
x®¥ x x®¥ x
\ f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0.

Example 1 Examine the continuity of the following Example 3 Show that the function f ( x) given by
functions at given points.
ìï 1
(i) f (x ) = x 2 at x = - 2 (ii) f (x ) = 2 x 2 - 1 at x = 3 x sin , if x ¹ 0
f ( x) = í x
(iii) f (x ) = | x - 5 | at x = 5 [NCERT] ïî 0, if x = 0
Sol. (i) Given, f ( x ) = x 2 is continuous at x = 0. [NCERT Exemplar]
At point x = -2, f ( x ) = ( -2)2 = 4, i.e. f ( -2) = 4
ìï x sin 1 , if x ¹ 0
and lim f ( x ) = lim x 2 = ( -2)2 = 4 Sol. Given, f ( x ) = í x and point is x = 0.
x ® -2 x ® -2
ïî 0, if x = 0
Q f ( -2) = lim f ( x )
x ® -2
At x = 0, f (0) = 0
\ f ( x ) is continuous at x = -2.
1
(ii) Given, f ( x ) = 2x 2 - 1 and lim f ( x ) = lim x sin
x ®0 x ®0 x
At point x = 3, f ( x ) = 2(3)2 - 1 = 2(9) - 1 = 17,
Continuity and Differentiability | 151

= 0 ´ (An oscillating value lies between -1 and 1) = lim ( -1) = -1

=0 x ® 0-
Q lim f ( x ) = f (0) and RHL = lim f ( x )
x ®0
x ® 0+
Hence, f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0. |x| x
= lim = lim [Q | x | = x , for x ³ 0]
x ®0 + x x ®0 x
+
Removable Discontinuity
= lim (1) = 1
When lim f ( x ) exists but either f ( a ) does not exist or x ®0 +
x ®a
lim f ( x ) ¹ f ( a ), then f has a removable discontinuity at Q LHL ¹ RHL .
x ®a \ f ( x ) is not continuous at x = 0, i.e. f ( x ) is
discontinuous at x = 0.
x = a , otherwise f has non-removable discontinuity at
Also, no choice of f (0) can make the function
x = a. continuous at x = 0, therefore f has non-removable
Example 4 Find whether the given function has discontinuity at x = 0.

removable or non-removable discontinuity at x = -2, Example 6 Discuss the removable or non-removable

ì x2 - x - 6 discontinuity of the function f ( x) at x = 1 / 2, when f ( x)
ï , if x ¹ - 2
f ( x) = í x + 2 . is defined as follows.
ïî 8, if x = - 2 ì1 / 2 + x , if 0 £ x < 1 / 2
ï
ì x2 - x -6 f ( x) = í 1, if x = 1 / 2 .
ï
Sol. We have, f ( x ) = í x + 2 , if x ¹ -2
îï3 / 2 + x, if 1 / 2 < x £ 1
ïî 8 , if x = -2
ì1 1
At x = - 2 , lim f ( x ) = lim
x2 - x - 6
…(i) ï 2 + x , if 0 £ x < 2
x ® -2 x ® -2 x+2 ï 1
Sol. The given function is f ( x ) = í 1, if x =
Now, factorising the numerator, we get ï3 2
( x - 3) ( x + 2 ) 1
lim f ( x ) = lim ï + x , if < x £ 1
x ® -2 x ® -2 ( x + 2) î2 2
= lim ( x - 3) = - 2 - 3 = - 5 1 æ1 ö
At x = , LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim ç + x ÷ = 1
x ® -2 2 1- 1-è2 ø
x ® x ®
and at x = - 2, f ( x ) = 8 i.e. f ( - 2) = 8 2 2
é 1 1 ù
Q lim f ( x ) ¹ f ( -2)
x ® -2 êëQ for x < 2 , f ( x ) = 2 + x úû
\ f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = - 2. æ3 ö
RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim ç + x ÷ = 2
+ è2 ø
This discontinuity can be removed by redefining f ( x ) as 1 +
x ®
1
x ®
2 2
ìx2 - x -6
ï
f ( x ) = í x + 2 , if x ¹ -2 é 1 3 ù
if x = -2 êëQ for x > 2 , f ( x ) = 2 + x úû
îï - 5,
So, f ( x ) has removable discontinuity at x = -2. Here, LHL ¹ RHL
\ f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = 1 /2.
Example 5 Find whether the given function has
Also, no choice of f (1 /2) can make the function
removable or non-removable discontinuity at x = 0, continuous at x = 1 /2, therefore f has non-removable
ìï| x | discontinuity at x = 1 /2.
, if x ¹ 0
f ( x) = í x .
ïî 0, if x = 0 Continuous Function
ìï | x | A function f is said to be continuous, if it is continuous
Sol. We have, f ( x ) = í x , if x ¹ 0
ïî 0, if x = 0 at every point of its domain.
At x = 0, LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim | x |
Note
x ® 0- x ® 0- x (i) The domain of continuous function may be a proper subset of
domain of the function.
-x
= lim [Q | x | = - x for x < 0] (ii) The set of all points where the function is continuous is called
x ® 0- x its domain of continuity.
152 |

Y
Continuity of a Function in an Interval 3
2 y=f(x)
(i) A function f ( x ) is said to be continuous in open 1
interval (a, b), if it is continuous for every value of x X′ X
in the interval (a, b). –4 –3 –2 –1 O 1 2 3 4
–1
(ii) A function f ( x ) is said to be continuous in closed –2
interval [a, b], if –3

(a) it is continuous for every value of x in the open Y′

interval (a, b). Note that to draw the graph of this function there is no
(b) f ( x ) is continuous at x = a from right, need to lift the pen from the plane of the paper. So, we
can say f ( x ) is continuous everywhere.
i.e. lim f ( x ) = f ( a ).
x ®a+
(c) f ( x ) is continuous at x = b from left,
i.e. lim f ( x ) = f (b).
Topic Practice 1
-
x ®b
Note (i) If the domain of function f is a singleton set, i.e. it is defined Very Short Answer Type Questions
only at one point, then it is a continuous function. 2 Marks
(ii) A continuous function in an interval has a least and greatest
value. 1 Examine the continuity of the following
functions at the given point. [NCERT]
Example 7 Discuss the continuity of the function
(i) f(x) = 5x - 3 at x = -3
f given by f ( x) = x 3 + x 2 - 1 .
(ii) f ( x ) = x 2 + 3x + 4 at x = 1
3 2
Sol. Given, f ( x ) = x + x - 1.
Here, f ( x ) is always defined in R, so domain of f = R. 2 Show that the function f ( x ) = 2x - | x | is
Now, we need to check the continuity at every point continuous at x = 0.
of R.
Let c be any real number, i.e. c Î R.
3 Show that the function
ìï sin x
Then, at x = c , f ( x ) = c 3 + c 2 - 1, i.e. f (c ) = c 3 + c 2 - 1 + cos x , if x ¹ 0
f (x) = í x
îï 2, if x = 0
and lim f ( x ) = lim ( x 3 + x 2 - 1) = c 3 + c 2 - 1
x ®c x ®c is continuous at x = 0.
Q f (c ) = lim f ( x )
x ®c
So, f ( x ) is continuous at x = c .
Short Answer Type Questions
But c Î R was arbitrary, therefore f is continuous for 4 Marks
every real values of x. x , if x £ 1
4 Is the function f defined by f ( x ) = ìí
î 5, if x > 1
Example 8 Discuss the continuity of the function f , continuous at x = 0, at x = 1 and at x = 2? [NCERT]
where f is defined by 5 Discuss the continuity of the following function
ì-2, if x £ -1 at x = 0.
ï ì x 4 + 2 x3 + x 2
f ( x) = í2 x, if -1 < x £ 1. ï , if x ¹ 0
f (x ) = í tan - 1 x
ïî 2, if x > 1 [NCERT] ïî 0, if x = 0
ìï -2, if x £ -1
Sol. We have, f ( x ) = í 2x , if -1 < x £ 1. 3 x + 4 tan x
6 Is the function f ( x ) = continuous
ïî 2, if x > 1 x
at x = 0 ? If not, then how may the function be
Graphically, f ( x ) can be plotted as shown in the
following figure. defined to make it continuous at this point?
Continuity and Differentiability | 153

2 cos x - 1 p sin x
7 If f ( x ) = , x ¹ . Then, find the = lim + lim cos x
cot x - 1 4 x ®0 x x ®0

value of f ( p/4), so that f ( x ) becomes é sin x ù

= 1 + 1 = 2 êQ lim = 1 and cos 0 = 1ú [1]
continuous at x = p/4 . [NCERT Exemplar] ë x ®0 x û
8 Show that the function defined by g ( x ) = x - [x ] is and f ( 0) = 2
discontinuous at all integral points. \ lim f ( x ) = f (0)
x ®0
Here, [x ] denotes the greatest integer less than
or equal to x . Hence, f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0. [1]
[NCERT]
x , if x £ 1
9 Examine the continuity of a function 4. We have, f ( x ) = ìí
î 5, if x > 1
ìï 1
| x |cos , if x ¹ 0 At x = 0, lim f ( x ) = lim x
f (x ) = í x at x = 0. x ®0 x ®0
ïî 0, if x = 0 [NCERT Exemplar] [Q in the neighbourhood of 0, f ( x ) = x ]
10 Show that the function =0
ì e 1/ x - 1 and f (0) = 0
ï , when x ¹ 0 Q f (0) = lim f ( x )
f ( x ) = í e 1/ x + 1 x ®0
ïî 0, when x = 0 \ f is continuous at x = 0. [1]

has non-removable discontinuity at x = 0. At x = 1,

[NCERT Exemplar] LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim x [Q for x < 1, f ( x ) = x ]
x ®1 - x ®1 -
ì e 1/ x
ï , if x ¹ 0 =1
11 Show that the function f ( x ) = í 1 + e 1 / x RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim 5 [Q for x > 1, f ( x ) = 5]
ïî 0, x ®1 + x ®1 +
if x = 0
is discontinuous at x = 0. [NCERT Exemplar] =5
and f (1) = 1
ì x - 1, x < 0
ï Q LHL ¹ RHL
12 Examine the function f ( x ) = í 1 / 4, x = 0
ïî x 2 - 1, x > 0 \ f is not continuous at x = 1. [2]

Discuss the continuity and if discontinuous At x = 2, lim f ( x ) = lim 5

x ®2 x ®2
remove the discontinuity. [Q in the neighbourhood of 2, f ( x ) = 5]
=5
Hints & Solutions and f ( 2) = 5
Q f ( 2) = lim f ( x )
1. Similar as Example 1. x ®2

[Ans. (i) Continuous (ii) Continuous] \ f is continuous at x = 2. [1]

2. The given function is f ( x ) = 2x - | x |. Hence, f is continuous at x = 0 and x = 2 but not at x = 1.

2x - x , if x ³ 0 é x , if x ³ 0 ù æ x 4 + 2x 3 + x 2 ö x 2 ( x + 1) 2
\ f ( x ) = ìí Q| x | = ìí 5. Hint lim f ( x ) = lim ç ÷ = lim
î 2x - ( - x ), if x < 0 êë î - x , if x < 0 úû x ®0 x ®0 è -
tan x1
ø x ®0 tan -1 x
x , if x ³ 0
i.e. f ( x ) = ìí
î x , if x < 0
3 é tan -1 x ù
[1/2] = lim x ( x + 1)2 = 0 êQ lim = 1ú
At x = 0, LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim 3x = 3 ´ 0 = 0 x ®0
ë x ®0 x û
[1/2]
x ® 0- x ® 0-
[Ans. f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0]
and RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim x = 0
x ® 0+ x ® 0+ 3x + 4 tan x ö
Also, f ( 0) = 0 [1/2]
6. Hint lim f ( x ) = lim æç ÷
x ®0 x ®0 è x ø
Thus, LHL = RHL = f (0)
æ 3x 4 tan x ö
Hence, f ( x ) is continuous function at x = 0. [1/2] = lim ç + ÷ = 3 + 4 = 7 ¹ f ( 0)
x ®0 è x x ø
ì sin x
3. We have, f ( x ) = í x + cos x , x ¹ 0
ï Thus, for f to be continuous f (0) should be 7.
ïî 2, x =0 é ìï 3x + 4 tan x ù
ê Ans. f ( x ) = í , when x ¹ 0ú
é sin x ù x
Here, lim f ( x ) = lim ê + cos x ú ê ïî 7, when x = 0úû
x ®0 x ®0 ë x û ë
154 |

p = 0 ´ (An oscillating value lie between –1 and 1)

7. For f ( x ) to be continuous at x = ,
4 =0 [Q cos q lies between -1 to1] [1½]
æpö 1 1
lim f ( x ) = f ç ÷ [1/2]
RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim | x | cos = lim x cos
x ® p/4 è4 ø
x ®0 +
x ®0 + x x ®0 + x
2 cos x - 1 ( 2 cos x - 1)sin x = 0 ´ (An oscillating value lie between –1 and 1)
Consider, lim = lim
x ®
p cot x - 1 x®
p (cos x - sin x )
=0 [1½]
4 4
é ( 2 cos x - 1)( 2 cos x + 1) and f (0) = 0
= lim ê Q LHL = RHL = f (0)
p
x® ë ( 2 cos x + 1)
4 \ f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0. [1]
sin x (cos x + sin x ) ù
× × [1] ì e 1 /x - 1
(cos x - sin x ) (cos x + sin x ) úû ï
10. We have, í e 1 /x + 1 , when x ¹ 0
é ( 2 cos x )2 - 1 sin x ù ïî when x = 0
= lim ê × 2 2
× (cos x + sin x )ú 0,
p
x® ë 2 cos x + 1 (cos x - sin x ) û At x = 0, f (0) = 0
4
[1] ( e 1 / x - 1)
2
LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim [1]
é 2 cos x - 1 sin x ù x ® 0- x ® 0- ( e 1 / x + 1)
= lim ê × × (cos x + sin x )ú
x ® ë 2 cos x + 1 cos 2x 0 -1 1
p
û é ù
4 = = -1 êQ x ® 0- Þ ® - ¥ Þ e - ¥ ® 0ú [1]
cos 2x sin x (cos x + sin x ) 0 +1 ë x û
= lim × × lim [1/2] e 1 /x - 1
x®
p cos 2x x ® p 2 cos x + 1 and RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim 1 / x
4 4 x ® 0+ x ® 0+ e +1
1 æ 1 1 ö On dividing numerator and denominator by e 1 / x , we get
ç + ÷
2 è 2 2ø 1
=1´ = [1] æ 1 ö
1 2 ç1 - 1 /x ÷
2´ +1 è e ø (1 - e -1 /x ) 1 - 0
2 RHL = lim = lim = = 1 [1]
x ® 0+ æ 1 ö x ®0 + (1 + e -1 /x ) 1 + 0
8. Here, g( x ) = x - [ x ] ç1 + 1 /x ÷
è e ø
Let a be an integer and h is very small, h > 0, then
é 1 1 /x -1 / x ù
[a - h] = a - 1, [a + h] = a and [a] = a. +
êëQ x ® 0 Þ x ® ¥ Þ e ® ¥ Þ e ® 0ú
[1]
At x = a, LHL = lim g( x ) = lim ( x - [ x ]) û
x ®a - x ®a - [1/2] Q LHL ¹ RHL
Put x = a - h; when x ® a , then h ® 0+- \ f ( x ) has non-removable discontinuity. [1]
11. Solve as Question 10.
LHL = lim (a - h - [a - h])
h ® 0+ 12. Graphically, f ( x ) can be plotted as shown in the
= lim (a - h - (a - 1)) [Q [a - h] = a - 1] following figure
h ® 0+ Y
= lim ( -h + 1) = 1 [1/2]
h ® 0+
f (x) = x2 – 1,
RHL = lim g( x ) = lim ( x - [ x ]) f (0)=1/4, 1/4 when x > 0
+ +
x ®a x ®a
Put x = a + h; when x ® a + , then h ® 0+ [1] O 1
X

RHL = lim (a + h - [a + h]) = lim (a + h - a )

h ® 0+ h ® 0+ –1
f (x) = x – 1,
= lim h = 0 [Q [a + h] = a] when x < 0
h ® 0+
Q LHL ¹ RHL Clearly, f ( x ) is continuous everywhere except at x = 0.
\ g ( x ) is discontinuous at all integral points. [1] Also, lim f ( x ) = lim f ( x ) = –1, but f (0) = 1/ 4
ìï| x | cos 1 , if x ¹ 0 x ® 0– x ® 0+
9. Given, f ( x ) = í x So, f ( x ) has removable discontinuity at x = 0 and f ( x )
ïî 0, if x = 0 could be made continuous by taking f (0) = – 1
At x = 0, ì x – 1, x < 0
1 1 ï
LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim | x | cos = lim ( - x )cos Þ f ( x ) = í–1, x =0
x ® 0- x ® 0- x x ®0 - x ïî x 2 – 1, x > 0
Continuity and Differentiability
TOPIC
02 Properties of Continuous Functions
There are some functions which are always continuous in
their respective domain. e.g.
(i) Constant function is continuous everywhere.
(ii) Identity function is continuous everywhere.
(iii) Polynomial function is continuous everywhere.
(iv) Rational function is continuous at every point of its
domain.
(v) Modulus (or absolute) function f ( x ) = x is
continuous everywhere.
(vi) All trigonometric functions are continuous at every
point of their respective domain of definition.
(vii) The greatest integer function is continuous
everywhere except at integers.
(viii) The basic inverse trigonometric functions are
continuous at every point of their respective domain
of definition.
Algebra of Continuous Functions
We know that continuity of a function at a point is
entirely dictated by the limit of the function at that
point, so it is reasonable to expect results similar to the
case of limits.
Theorem 1. Let f and g be two real functions
continuous at a real number c, then
(i) ( f + g ) is continuous at x = c .
(ii) ( f - g ) is continuous at x = c .
(iii) f g is continuous at x = c .
(iv) f / g is continuous at x = c , provided that g (c ) ¹ 0.
(v) af is continuous at x = c , for all a Î R.
Proof Given, f and g are continuous at x = c .
So, lim f ( x ) = f (c ) and lim g ( x ) = g (c )
x ®c x ®c
Now, lim ( f + g ) x = lim [ f ( x ) + g ( x )]
x ®c x ®c
= lim f ( x ) + lim g ( x )
x ®c x ®c
= f (c ) + g (c )
= ( f + g )(c )
Hence, ( f + g ) is continuous at x = c .
Similarly, we can prove other parts.
| 155
Note
(i) In particular, if a = - 1, then -f is continuous at x = c. Thus, if f
is continuous, then - f is also continuous.
(ii) In part (iv) of given theorem, if we take f = constant function
l
say l, then is continuous at x = c, provided g (c ) ¹ 0.
g
1
In particular, if l = 1 ,then is continuous at x = c. Thus, if g is
g
1
continuous, then is also continuous provided that g ¹ 0.
g
(iii) f n is continuous at x = c for all n Î N.
Theorem 2. Let D1 and D 2 be the domains of
continuity of the functions f and g respectively, then
(i) af is continuous on D1 for all a Î R.
(ii) f + g , f - g and fg are continuous on D1 Ç D 2 .
(iii) f / g is also continuous on D1 Ç D 2 except those
points, where g ( x ) = 0.
(iv) f n
is continuous on D1 for all n Î N .
1
(v) is continuous on D1 except at those points where
f
f ( x ) = 0.
Theorem 3. The composition of two continuous function is
continuous Suppose f and g are real valued functions
such that ( fog ) is defined at c. If g is continuous at c and
if f is continuous at g (c ), then ( fog) is continuous at c.
Note If f and g are two real valued functions, then ( fog ) ( x) = f( g ( x))
is defined, whenever the range of g is a subset of domain of f.
Example 1 Discuss the continuity of sine function.
[NCERT]
Sol. We know that, f ( x ) = sin x is defined for every real
number. So, we need to show f ( x ) is continuous for
every real number.
Let c be any real number.
Then, lim f ( x ) = lim sin x = lim sin (c + h )
x ®c x ®c h ®0
[put x = c + h ; when x ® c , then h ® 0]
= lim [sin c cos h + cos c sin h]
h ®0
= lim (sin c cos h ) + lim (cos c sin h )
h ®0 h ®0
= sin c lim cos h + cos c lim sin h
h ®0 h ®0
156 |

= sin c ´ 1 + cos c ´ 0 This shows that h is continuous at g( p ).

[Qlim cos x = 1 and lim sin x = 0] Consequently, (hog ) is continuous at x = p.
x ®0 x ®0
But hog( x ) = h [ g( x )] = h (sin x + cos x )
= sinc = f (c )
= | sin x + cos x | = f ( x )
But c was arbitrary real number.
Hence, f ( x ) is continuous at x = p.
\ f is a continuous function.
Example 4 Show that the function defined by
Example 2 A function f ( x) is defined below
f ( x) = sin( x 2 ) is a continuous function. [NCERT]
½ 1 cos x 1 - cos x ½ Sol. Given, f ( x ) = sin ( x 2 )
f ( x) =½
½1 + sin x cos x 1 + sin x - cos x ½
½ It is defined for every real number.
sin x sin x 1
½ ½ Suppose g ( x ) = sin x and h ( x ) = x 2 , then f ( x ) = goh ( x )
Determine f ( x) and check continuity of f ( x) , " x Î R. Since, both g ( x ) and h ( x ) are continuous functions.
1 cos x 1 - cos x So, their composition is also continuous function.
½ ½
Sol. Given, f ( x ) =½1 + sin x cos x 1 + sin x - cos x ½ Hence, f ( x ) = sin ( x 2 ) is a continuous function.
½ sin x sin x 1 ½
On applying C 3 ® C 3 + C 2 - C 1 , we get Problems Based on Continuity
½ 1 cos x 0½ There are many problems which are based on continuity.
f ( x ) =½1 + sin x cos x 0½ Some of them with their method of solving are given below.
½ sin x sin x 1½
On expanding along C 3 , we get |TYPE I|
f ( x ) = 0 + 0 + 1[cos x - cos x (1 + sin x )]
Problems Based on Finding Unknown
= cos x - cos x - cos x sin x Constant in Continuous Function
1
= - ( 2sin x cos x ) Suppose a function having one or two unknown
2
1 constants is given to us. Also, suppose function is
= - sin 2x, which is continuous everywhere. continuous at some point say x = c , then for finding the
2
value of unknown or unknowns, we use the following
[Q sin x is continuous everywhere, so lsin x is also
steps
continuous for any constant value l]
I. First, write the given function having unknown
Example 3 Discuss the continuity of constants and the point say x = c at which it is
continuous.
f ( x) = |sin x + cos x | at x = p.
II. Find the value of function at x = c , which may or
Sol. Let g( x ) = sin x + cos x and h ( y ) = | y | may not be in terms of unknown.
We shall first show that g is continuous at x = p and h is III. Find LHL at x = c , which may or may not be in
continuous at y = g( p ). terms of unknown.
Now, lim g ( x ) = lim (sin x + cos x ) IV. Find RHL at x = c , which may or may not be in
x ®p x ®p
terms of unknown.
= sin p + cos p = -1
V. Use the condition of continuity,
Also, g( p ) = sin p + cos p = - 1 i.e. f (c ) = LHL = RHL
Þ lim g ( x ) = g( p ) and simplify them by taking two terms at a time to
x ®p
get values of unknown.
So, g is continuous at x = p.
Since, g( p ) = - 1
Example 5 Find the value of a , so that
\ h [ g( p )] = h ( - 1) = | - 1| = 1
ax + 5 , if x £ 2
Also, lim h( y ) = lim | y | = lim ( - y ) = 1 f ( x) = ìí is continuous at x = 2.
y ® ( -1) +
y ® ( -1) +
y ®-1 + î x - 1 , if x > 2
ax + 5, if x £ 2
[Q for y < 0, | y | = - y ] Sol. Given, f ( x ) = ìí
and lim h( y ) = lim | y | = lim ( - y ) = 1 î x - 1, if x > 2
y ® ( -1) - y ® ( -1) - y ® ( -1) - and at x = 2, f ( x ) is continuous.
\ x =c = 2
\ h [ g( p )] = lim h ( y ) Here, a is an unknown constant.
y ® g ( p)
Continuity and Differentiability | 157

At x = 2 , f ( x ) = a( 2) + 5 = 2a + 5, i.e. f ( 2) = 2a + 5
Example 7 Discuss the continuity of the function
LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim (ax + 5) = 2a + 5
x + 2 , if x £ 1 .
x ® 2- x ® 2- f defined by f ( x) = ìí
î x - 2, if x > 1
and RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim ( x - 1) = 1
x + 2, if x £ 1
x ® 2+ x ® 2+ Sol. Given, f ( x ) = ìí
î x - 2 , if x > 1
Since, f ( x ) is continuous at x = 2.
When x < 1, we have f ( x ) = x + 2, which is a polynomial
\ LHL = RHL = f ( 2) function, so it is continuous for each x < 1.
Þ 2a + 5 = 1 = 2a + 5 Þ 2a + 5 = 1 Also, when x > 1, we have f ( x ) = x - 2, which is a
Þ 2a = - 4 Þ a = - 2 polynomial function, so it is continuous for each point
Hence, the required value of a is -2 for which f ( x ) is x > 1.
continuous at x = 2. Now, we have to check the continuity at x = 1.
LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim ( x + 2) = 3
Example 6 Find the relationship between a and b so x ® 1– x ® 1-

ax + 1, if x £ 3 and RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim ( x - 2) = -1

that the function f defined by f ( x) = ìí is x ® 1+ x ® 1+
îbx + 3, if x > 3
Q LHL ¹ RHL at x = 1.
continuous at x = 3. [NCERT] So, f ( x ) is not continuous at x = 1.
ax + 1 , if x £ 3
Sol. Given, f ( x ) = ìí Hence, x = 1 is the only point of discontinuity of f .
îbx + 3 , if x > 3
and f ( x ) is continuous at x = 3. Example 8 Find all points of discontinuity of f ,
Here, a and b are two unknowns. ì| x | + 3, if x £ - 3
ï
Now, at x = 3, f (3) = a(3) + 1 = 3a + 1, i.e. f (3) = 3a + 1 where f is defined by f ( x) = í -2 x, if - 3 < x < 3 .
LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim (ax + 1) = 3a + 1 ïî6 x + 2, if x ³ 3 [NCERT]
x ® 3- x ® 3-
ìï| x | + 3 , if x £ - 3
and RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim {bx + 3} = 3b + 3 Sol. Given, f ( x ) = í -2x , if - 3 < x < 3
x ® 3+ x ® 3+
ïî6x + 2 , if x ³ 3
Since, f ( x ) is continuous at x = 3.
ìï - x + 3 , if x £ - 3
\ f (3) = LHL = RHL. = í -2x , if - 3 < x < 3
Þ 3a + 1 = 3a + 1 = 3b + 3 ïî6x + 2 , if x ³ 3
Þ 3a + 1 = 3b + 3 Þ 3a = 3b + 3 - 1 Here, we have to check the continuity only at points
(3b + 2) 2 x = - 3 and x = 3.
Þ a= Þ a=b+ [Q functions defined in each interval is a polynomial,
3 3
so it is continuous at every point except possibly at
which is the required relation between a and b.
x = -3 and x = 3]
At x = - 3, LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim { - x + 3} = 6
|TYPE II| x ® –3 – x ® - 3-

Problems Based on Finding Points of RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim ( -2x ) = 6

x ® - 3+ x ® - 3+
Discontinuity of a Function
and f ( - 3) = - ( - 3) + 3 = 6
Suppose a function f ( x ) is given to us and we have to
find points of discontinuity, then we use following steps Q f ( -3) = LHL = RHL.
I. First, find all possible points of given domain at So, f ( x ) is continuous at x = - 3.
which we have doubt for continuity of f ( x ), say it At x = 3,
is x = a . (here, more than one point is also possible) LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim (–2x ) = - 6
x ® 3- x ® 3-
II. Now, find LHL and RHL of f ( x ) at x = a , if
RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim (6x + 2) = 20
(i) f ( x ) is continuous at x = a , so there is no point of x ® 3+ x ® 3+
discontinuity. Q LHL ¹ RHL.
(ii) f ( x ) is not continuous at x = a , then x = a , is the So, f ( x ) is not continuous at x = 3.
required point of discontinuity. Hence, point of discontinuity is x = 3.
158 |

Topic Practice 2 10 Find the value of a, so that the function f ( x ) is

ì sin 2 ax
ï
defined by f ( x ) = í x 2 , x ¹ 0 may be
Very Short Answer Type Questions ïî 1, x=0
2 Marks
continuous at x = 0.
1 Examine the following functions for continuity. 11 Find the value of p for which the function
1 ìï 1 – cos 4 x
(i) f(x) = ,x ¹ 5 , x ¹0
x- 5 [NCERT] f (x ) = í x2 is continuous at x = 0.
1 ïî p , x =0
(ii) f ( x ) = , x ÎR
x+3
x 2 - 25 Short Answer Type Questions
(iii) f ( x ) = ,x ¹ - 5
x+ 5 [NCERT] 4 Marks
2 Show that the function defined by f ( x ) = cos x 2 12 Show that tangent function is continuous in
is a continuous function. [NCERT] their domain.

3 Examine that sin| x | is a continuous function. 13 Show that the function f defined by
f ( x ) = | 1 - x + | x | | , where x is any real number is
4 Show that the function f ( x ) = cos| x | is a continuous function. [NCERT]
continuous. 14 Find the value of k for which the function
5 Determine the value of ‘k’ for which the ì sin x – cos x p
following function is continuous at x = 3. ï 4x – p , x ¹ 4 p
f (x ) = í is continuous at x = .
p 4
ì ( x + 3) 2 – 36 ï k ,x=
ï , x¹3 î 4
f (x ) = í x– 3
ïî k, x=3 15 Find the value of m, such that the function
2
ì if x < 0
6 Find the value of constant ‘k’, so that the f ( x ) = ím ( x - 2x ), is continuous at x = 0.
î cos x , if x ³ 0
function f defined as
ì x 2 - 2x - 3 16 Find the value of k, so that the function defined
ï , if x ¹ -1
f (x ) = í kx + 1, if x £ p
x +1 by f ( x ) = ìí is continuous at x = p .
ïî k, if x = - 1 î cos x , if x > p
is continuous at x = - 1. [ISC 2018] 17 For what value of l is the function
ì 2
7 Find the value of k for which the function f ( x ) = í l( x - 2x ), if x £ 0 continuous at x = 0?
ì x 2 + 3 x – 10 î 4x + 1 , if x > 0
ï , x ¹ 2 is continuous at x = 2 .
f (x ) = í x –2 What about continuity at x = 1?
ïî k, x =2
18 Prove that the function
8 For what value of k, the function ì x
ï , if x ¹ 0
ìï tan 2x f ( x ) = í | x | + 2x 2 is continuous at x = 0
, if x ¹ 0
f (x ) = í x is continuous at x = 0? ïî k, if x = 0
ïî k, if x = 0
regardless of the value of k.
ìï sin x ì cos2 x - sin 2 x - 1
+ cos x, if x ¹ 0
9 If the function f ( x ) = í x is ï , if x ¹ 0
ïî k, if x = 0 19 If f ( x ) = í x2 + 1 - 1 is
ï k, if x = 0
continuous at x = 0, then find the value of k. î
[NCERT Exemplar] continuous at x = 0, then find k.
Continuity and Differentiability | 159

20 Discuss the continuity of function f defined by \ f ( x ) = x - 5, x ¹ -5 is a polynomial function, hence

f ( x ) is continuous at all values of x, x ¹ - 5. [1]
ì1 1
ï 2 - x , if 0 £ x < 2 Note In a rational function f( x) =
p( x)
, if q ( x) is zero at any
ï 1 q ( x)
f ( x ) = í 1, if x = . value of x, then f( x) is not continuous at that point.
ï3 2
1
ï - x , if < x £ 1 2. Solve as Example 4.
î2 2
3. Let g ( x ) = | x | and h ( x ) = sin x
1
21 Given, f ( x ) = . Find the point(s) of Then, hog( x ) = h [ g( x )] = h (| x | ) = sin| x | = f ( x ) [1]
x -1
discontinuity of composite function y = f { f ( x )}. Since, g ( x ) and h ( x ) are both continuous function for all
x Î R, so composition of g ( x ) and h ( x ) is also a
continuous function for all x Î R.
Long Answer Type Questions
Hence, f ( x ) = sin | x | is a continuous function. [1]
6 Marks
4. Solve as Question 3.
22 Find the values of a and b such that the function ì ( x + 3)2 - 36
ï , x ¹3
defined by 5. Given, f ( x ) = í x -3
ìï 5, if x £ 2 ïî k, x =3
f ( x ) = íax + b, if 2 < x < 10
ïî 21, if x ³ 10 Let f ( x ) is continuous at x = 3.

is a continuous function. [NCERT]

Then, lim f ( x ) = f (3)
x ®3

ì 1 - cos4 x ( x + 3)2 - 36
ï , if x < 0 Þ lim =k
2 x ®3 x -3
ï x
23 Let f ( x ) = í a, if x = 0 for what value ( x + 3) 2 - 6 2
ï Þ lim =k [1]
x x ®3 x -3
ï , if x > 0
î 16 + x - 4 ( x + 3 - 6) ( x + 3 + 6)
Þ lim =k
x ®3 x -3
of a, f is continuous at x = 0 ? [NCERT Exemplar] [Qa 2 - b 2 = (a - b ) (a + b )]
24 Find the values of a and b such that the function ( x - 3) ( x + 9 )
Þ lim = k Þ lim ( x + 9) = k
ì x - 4 + a, if x < 4 x ®3 ( x - 3) x ®3
ï | x - 4|
ï Þ 3 + 9 = k Þ k = 12, which is the required value of k. [1]
f defined by f ( x ) = ía + b, if x = 4 is a
ì x 2 - 2x - 3
ï
6. Given, f ( x ) = í x + 1 , if x ¹ -1
ï x -4
ï + b, if x > 4
î | x - 4| ïî k, if x = -1
continuous function at x = 4 . [NCERT Exemplar] Let f ( x ) is continuous at x = -1. Then,
lim f ( x ) = f ( -1) [1/2]
x ®- 1
Hints & Solutions x 2 - 2x - 3
Þ lim =k
1 é p( x ) ù x ®-1 x +1
1. (i) Here, f ( x ) = is a rational function ê i.e. .
x -5 ë q ( x ) úû ( x + 1)( x - 3)
Þ lim =k [1]
So, f ( x ) is continuous for all values of x except x ®-1 ( x + 1)
x = 5. [1/2] Þ lim ( x - 3) = k
x ®-1
(ii) Solve as part (i).
Þ k = -4
[Ans. f ( x ) is continuous everywhere except at
x = -3] [1/2]
which is the required value of k. [1/2]
x 2 - 25 7. Solve as Question 6. [Ans. k = 7]
(iii) Here, f ( x ) = , x ¹ -5
x+5 ìï tan 2x
( x - 5) ( x + 5) 8. We have, f ( x ) = í x , if x ¹ 0
= , x ¹ -5
x +5 îï k , if x = 0
= x -5 Let f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0.
160 |

Then, lim f ( x ) = f (0) 13. Let g ( x ) = 1 - x + | x | and h ( x ) = | x | be two functions

x ®0 [1/2]
defined on R. [1]
tan 2x
⇒ lim =k [Q f (0) = k ] Then, (hog ) ( x ) = h ( g( x )) = h (1 - x + | x | )
x ®0 x
tan 2x 2 2 tan 2x = | 1 - x + | x | | = f ( x ) , " x Î R.
⇒ lim ´ = k ⇒ lim =k
x ®0 x 2 x ®0 2x [1] Since, (1 - x ) is a polynomial function and | x | is a
2 lim tan 2x modulus function, so both are continuous function on R.
Þ x ®0 =k
2x [1]
é tan x ù Therefore, g( x ) = 1 - x + | x | is continuous function on
Þ k=2 êëQ xlim = 1ú
®0 x û R. Also, h ( x ) = | x | is continuous function on R.
Hence, for k = 2, the given function f ( x ) is continuous at Hence, f = hog is continuous for all real numbers. [2]
x = 0. [1/2]
14. Hint lim f ( x ) = f ( p /4 )
9. Hint lim f ( x ) = f (0) x ® p/4
x ®0
æ 1 1 ö
lim sin x + lim cos x = k 2 ç sin x – cos x × ÷
è 2 2ø
Þ x ®0
x
x ®0 Þ lim
x ® p/4 =k
æ pö
Þ 1 + 1 = k [ Ans. k = 2] 4çx – ÷
è 4ø
10. Hint lim f ( x ) = f (0) æ pö
x ®0 sin ç x – ÷
2 1 lim è 4ø é 1 ù
æ sin ax ö
Þ a 2 lim
x ®0 ç ÷ = 1 [Ans. a = ± 1]
Þ
2 2
x ® p/4
æ pö
=k ê Ans. k = 2 2 ú
è ax ø x – ë û
ç ÷
è 4ø
11. Hint lim f ( x ) = f (0)
x ®0 2
15. We have, f ( x ) = ím( x - 2x ), if x < 0
ì
2
Þ lim 2sin 2x = p î cos x , if x ³ 0
x ®0
x2
2 Let f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0.
æ sin 2x ö
Þ 8 lim
x ®0 ç ÷ =p [Ans. p = 8] Then, LHL = RHL = f (0)
è 2x ø
Þ lim f ( x ) = lim f ( x ) = f (0) [1]
x ® 0- x ® 0+
12. Let f ( x ) = tan x , then domain of f ( x ) be
ì p ü ⇒ lim m ( x 2 - 2x ) = lim (cos x ) = cos 0
R - í( 2n + 1) , n Î I ý. x ® 0- x ® 0+ [1]
î 2 þ
⇒ m (0 - 0) = cos 0 = cos 0 ⇒ 0 = 1 = 1 [1]
ì p ü
Let c Î R - í( 2n + 1) , n Î I ý. which is not possible.
î 2 þ
lim sin (c + h ) So, the value of m cannot be determined. [1]
sin x h ®0
Then, lim tan x = lim = -2 ù
x ®c x ® c cos x lim cos (c + h ) 16. Solve as Question 15. éê Ans. k =
h ®0 ë p úû
[put x = c + h ; when x ® c , then h ® 0] ì l( x 2 - 2x ), if x £ 0
17. Here, f ( x ) = í
lim (sin c cos h + cos c sin h ) î 4 x + 1, if x > 0
=
h ®0 At x = 0, LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim l ( x 2 - 2x ) = 0 [1]
lim (cos c cos h - sin c sin h ) x ® 0- x ® 0-
h ®0 [1]
RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim (4 x + 1) = 1
sin c ´ cos 0 + cos c ´ sin 0 x ® 0+ x ® 0+
=
cos c ´ cos 0 - sin c ´ sin 0 [1] Q LHL ¹ RHL
sin c ´ 1 + cos c ´ 0 \ f ( x ) is not continuous at x = 0 for any value of l. [1]
=
cos c ´ 1 - sin c ´ 0
At x = 1,
sin c + 0 LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim (4 x + 1) = 5
= = tan c
cos c - 0 x ® 1- x ® 1-
[1]
Thus, tan x is continuous for all RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim (4 x + 1) = 5 [1]
x ® 1+ x ® 1+
ì p ü
c Î R - í( 2n + 1) : n Î I ý. Also, f (1) = 4 ´ 1 + 1 = 5 [Q f ( x ) = 4 x + 1]
î 2 þ
Hence, f ( x ) is continuous in their domain. [1] Thus, f ( x ) is continuous at x = 1 for all values of l. [1]
Continuity and Differentiability | 161

ì x x -1 x -1
ï , x ¹0 = =
18. Hint f ( x ) = í | x | + 2x 2 1 - x +1 2 - x
ïî k, x =0 which is not defined at x = 2 [Ans. 1, 2]
ì 1 ìï 5, if x £ 2
ï 2x - 1 , x < 0 22. Here, f ( x ) = íax + b, if 2 < x < 10
ï
Þ f ( x ) = í k, x =0 ïî 21, if x ³ 10
ï 1 , x >0
ï 2x + 1 Since, f ( x ) is continuous function, therefore it will be
î continuous at x = 2 and x = 10 also.
1
Here, lim f ( x ) = lim = -1 At x = 2, LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim (5) = 5
x ® 0- x ® 0- 2x - 1 x ® 2- x ® 2- [1]
1 RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim (ax + b ) = 2a + b
and lim f ( x ) = lim =1
x ®0 +
x ®0 + 2x + 1 x ® 2+ x ® 2+

Q lim f ( x ) ¹ lim f ( x ) and f ( 2) = 5 [1]

x ® 0- x ® 0+ Since, f ( x ) is continuous at x = 2.
\ f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = 0. \ LHL = RHL = f ( 2) Þ 2a + b = 5 ...(i) [1]
[Ans. f ( x ) is not continuous for any value of k] Now, at x = 10,
19. Hint lim f ( x ) = f (0) LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim (ax + b ) = 10a + b [1]
x ®0 x ® 10 - x ® 10 -

2 RHL = lim f (x ) = lim ( 21) = 21

Þ lim cos 2x –1 ´ x + 1 + 1 = k x ® 10 + x ® 10 +
x ®0
x 2 + 1 –1 x 2 +1 +1 and f (10) = 21.
cos 2x –1 lim æ 2
Þ lim
x ®0 ×x ®0 çè x + 1 + 1÷öø = k Since, f ( x ) is continuous at x = 10.
x2 \ LHL = RHL = f (10)
[Ans. k = - 4] ⇒ 10a + b = 21 ...(ii) [1]
ì1 1 On subtracting Eq. (i) from Eq. (ii), we get
ï 2 - x, 0 £ x < 2 8a = 16 ⇒ a = 2
ï 1
20. We have, f ( x ) = í 1, x= On putting a = 2 in Eq. (i), we get 2 ´ 2 + b = 5 ⇒ b = 1
ï3 2
1 Hence, the values of a and b are 2 and 1, respectively. [1]
ï - x, < x £1
î2 2 23. Hint At x = 0, we have f (0) = a.
Here, given function is a polynomial function in the
4 × 2sin 2 2x
given intervals, so it is continuous everywhere except LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim
1 x ® 0- x ® 0- 4×x2
possible at x = . [1] 2
2 æ sin 2 2x ö é sin x ù
1 = lim 8 ç ÷ êëQ xlim = 1ú
Now, we have to check the continuity at x = . x ® 0- è 2x ø ®0 x û
2
æ1 ö RHL = lim f ( x )
LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim - ç - x ÷ = 0 [1] x ® 0+
1- 1 è2 ø
x ® x ® x 16 + x + 4
2 2 = lim ´
+
æ3 ö x®0 16 + x - 4 16 + x + 4
and RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim ç - x ÷ = 1 [1]
1+ 1+ è 2 ø
x ® x ® x [ 16 + x + 4]
2 2 = lim =4 +4 =8
Q LHL ¹ RHL x®0 +
16 + x - 16
1
\ f ( x ) is not continuous at x = × Þ LHL = RHL = f (0) [Ans. a = 8]
2 [1]
ìï a - 1 , x < 4
1 24. Hint f ( x ) = ía + b , x = 4
21. Hint We have, f ( x ) = , which is not defined at
x -1 ïî b + 1 , x > 4
x = 1.
Q f ( x ) is continuous at x = 4.
1 1
Also, y = f { f ( x )} = = \ a -1 = a + b = b +1
f (x ) - 1 1
-1 [Ans. a = 1, b = - 1]
x -1
162 |

TOPIC
03 Differentiability

Differentiability or Derivability III. Find Right Hand Derivative (RHD) at x = c by using

f (c + h) - f (c )
A real function f is said to be derivable or differentiable at a the formula, RHD = lim .
f ( x ) - f (c ) h ® 0+ h
point c in its domain, if lim exist or IV. If LHD = RHD at x = c , then f ( x ) is differentiable at
x ®c x -c
f (c + h) - f (c ) x = c , otherwise f ( x ) is not differentiable at x = c .
lim exist or its left hand and right hand
h ®0 h Differentiable Function
derivatives at c exist (i.e. finite and unique) and are equal,
A function f is said to be a differentiable function iff it is
i.e. Lf ¢ (c ) = Rf ¢ (c ).
differentiable at every point of its domain.
Here, at x = c left hand derivative,
A function is said to be differentiable in an interval ( a , b ),
f ( x ) – f (c )
LHD = lim if it is differentiable at every point of ( a , b).
x ®c – x –c
Similarly, a function is said to be differentiable in
f (c - h) - f (c ) an interval [ a , b ], if it is differentiable at every point of
= lim = Lf ¢ (c )
h ® 0- -h [a , b ].
and right hand derivative, Note As in case of continuity we will take right hand derivative at a
and left hand derivative at b.
f ( x ) – f (c )
RHD = lim
x ®c + x –c Example 1 Discuss the differentiability of f ( x) = x 2 at
f (c + h) - f (c ) x = 1.
= lim = Rf ¢ (c ).
h ®0 + h Sol. We have, f ( x ) = x 2
The same value of Lf ¢(c ) and Rf ¢(c ) is known as derivative Test for differentiability at x = 1,
f (1 + h ) - f (1) (1 + h )2 - 1
or differential coefficient of f ( x ) at x = c and it is denoted Here, f ¢(1) = lim = lim
h ®0 h h ®0 h
d 2
by ( f ( x ))| c or f ¢(c ). h + 2h + 1 - 1
dx = lim
h ®0 h
f ( x ) - f (c ) f (c + h) - f (c ) = lim (h + 2) = 2, which is finite
Thus, f ¢ (c ) = lim = lim , h ®0
x ®c x -c h ®0 h \ f ( x ) is differentiable at x = 1.
provided it exist.
Example2 Prove that f ( x) = | x | is not differentiable
Working Rule to Show Differentiability at x = 0.
of a Function at a Point Sol. We have, f ( x ) = | x |.
Suppose a function f ( x ) is given to us and we have to check Test for differentiability at x = 0,
its differentiability at point x = c in its domain. Then, we f ( 0 - h ) - f ( 0) f ( -h ) - f ( 0 )
use the following steps Lf ¢ (0) = lim = lim
h ® 0- -h h ® 0- -h
I. First, write the given function say f ( x ) and the point | -h| - |0|
say x = c at which we have to check differentiability. = lim [Q f ( x ) = | x |]
h ® 0- -h
II. Find Left Hand Derivative (LHD) at x = c by using h
= lim = lim ( -1) = - 1
f (c - h) - f (c ) h ® 0- -h h ® 0 -
the formula, LHD = lim .
h ®0 - -h f ( 0 + h ) - f ( 0) f ( h ) - f ( 0)
and Rf ¢ (0) = lim = lim
h ®0 + h h ®0 + h
Continuity and Differentiability | 163

|h| - |0|
= lim Some Basic Differentiable Functions
h ® 0+ h
There are some functions which are differentiable in their
æhö respective domain.
= lim ç ÷ = lim (1) = 1
+ èhø
h ®0 h ® 0+ (i) Every polynomial function is differentiable at each
Q Lf ¢ (0) ¹ Rf ¢ (0) x Î R.
Hence, f is not differentiable at x = 0. (ii) The exponential function a x , a > 0 is differentiable
at each x Î R .
Example 3 Examine the following function f ( x) for (iii) Every constant function is differentiable at each
continuity at x = 1 and differentiability at x = 2. x Î R.
(iv) The logarithmic function is differentiable at each
ì 5 x - 4, if 0 < x < 1
ï point in its domain.
f ( x) = í4 x 2 - 3 x, if 1 £ x < 2
(v) The trigonometric and inverse trigonometric
ïî 3 x + 4, if x ³ 2 functions are differentiable in their respective
ì 5 x - 4, if 0 < x < 1 domains.
ï
Sol. We have, f ( x ) = í4 x 2 - 3x , if 1 £ x < 2 (vi) The sum, difference, product and quotient of two
ïî 3x + 4, if x³2 differentiable functions is differentiable.
For continuity, at x = 1 (vii) The composition of differentiable functions is a
LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim (5x - 4 ) = 1 differentiable function.
x ® 1- x ®1 -
Note The function f( x) =| x - a1| +| x - a2| + | x - a3| + ... +| x - an| is not
RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim (4 x 2 - 3x ) = 1 differentiable at x = a1, a2 , a3 ,..., an .
x ® 1+ x ®1 +
2
Also, f (1) = 4 (1) - 3(1) = 1. Relation between Differentiability
Q LHL = RHL = f (1). and Continuity
\ f ( x ) is continuous at x = 1.
Theorem If a function is differentiable at any point, it is
For differentiability at x = 2, necessarily continuous at that point.
f ( 2 - h ) - f ( 2) Proof Let a function f be differentiable at x = a , then by
LHD = lim
h ®0 - -h f ( a + h) - f ( a )
{4 ( 2 - h )2 - 3( 2 - h )} - {3( 2) + 4 } definition, lim exists.
= lim h ®0 h
h ® 0- -h
f ( a + h) - f ( a )
{4 (4 - 4h + h 2 ) - 6 + 3h } - {6 + 4 } and f ¢ ( a ) = lim
= lim h ®0 h
h ® 0- -h
f ( a + h) - f ( a )
16 - 16h + 4h 2 - 6 + 3h - 10 Now, f ( a + h) - f ( a ) = × h [Q h ¹ 0 ]
= lim h
h ® 0- -h
æ f ( a + h) - f ( a ) ö
4h 2 - 13h Þ lim( f ( a + h) - f ( a )) = lim ç × h÷
= lim = lim ( -4 h + 13) = 13 h ®0 h ®0è h ø
h ® 0- -h h ® 0-
f ( a + h) - f ( a )
f ( 2 + h ) - f ( 2) Þ lim f ( a + h) - lim f ( a ) = lim × lim h
RHD = lim h ®0 h ®0 h ®0 h h ®0
h ® 0+ h
3( 2 + h ) + 4 - ( 3 ´ 2 + 4 ) Þ lim f ( a + h) - f ( a ) = f ¢ ( a ) × 0 = 0
= lim h ®0
h ® 0+ h
Þ lim f ( a + h) = f ( a )
(6 + 3h + 4 - 10) h ®0
= lim
h ® 0+ h Þ lim f ( x ) = f ( a ) [putting x = a + h]
x ®a
æ 3h ö
= lim ç ÷ = lim (3) = 3 Hence, f is continuous at x = a .
h ® 0+ è h ø h ® 0+
Note The converse of the above theorem may not be true, i.e. a
Since, LHD ¹ RHD function may be continuous at a point but may not be
\ f is not differentiable at x = 2. derivable at that point, e.g. f( x) =| x|.
164 |

Example 4 Examine the function ‘ f ’ for x2 -c2 ax + b - (ac + b )

Þ lim = lim
- x -c + x -c
x ®c x ®c
differentiability and continuity at x = 0, where
[from Eq. (i)]
2
ì a( x - c )
f ( x) = í1 - x 2 , x £ 0. Þ lim ( x + c ) = lim
î1 + x , x > 0 x ®c - x ®c + x - c

2 Þ lim ( x + c ) = lim a
Sol. Given, f ( x ) = í1 - x 2 , x £ 0
ì
x ®c - x ®c +
î1 + x , x >0 Þ 2c = a ...(ii)
f ( 0 - h ) - f ( 0) From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
Here, LHD = lim
h ®0 - -h c 2 = 2c 2 + b
f ( -h ) - f ( 0 ) Þ b = -c 2
= lim
h ®0 - -h Hence, a = 2c and b = - c 2 .
(1 - ( -h )2 ) - (1 - 02 )
= lim
h ® 0-

= lim
1 - h2 - 1
-h

= lim
-h 2
= lim h
Topic Practice 3
h ®0 - -h h ® 0 -h
- h ®0

=0 Very Short Answer Type Questions

f ( 0 + h ) - f ( 0) 2 Marks
and RHD = lim
h ®0 + h
1 Examine the differentiability of f ( x ) = x + 1 at
(1 + h 2 ) - (1 - 02 )
= lim x = 2.
h ® 0+ h
2 Check the differentiability of f ( x ) = log x at x = 2.
1 + h2 - 1 h2
= lim = lim =0
h ®0 + h h ®0 h
+ 3 Prove that the greatest integer function
Q LHD = RHD defined by f ( x ) = [x ], 0 < x < 3 is not
\ f ( x ) is differentiable at x = 0 differentiable at x = 1.
Now, as we know that every differentiable function is 4 Examine the differentiability of the function
necessarily continuous at that point. x [x ], if 0 £ x < 2
\ f ( x ) is continuous at x = 0. f ( x ) = ìí at x = 2.
î - 1) x , if 2 £ x < 3
( x
[NCERT Exemplar]
2
Example 5 If f ( x) = ìí x , x £ c is differentiable 5 Examine the differentiability of
îax + b, x > c 1 + x , if x £ 2
f ( x ) = ìí at x = 2.
at x = c, then find the values of a and b. î - x , if x > 2
5
Sol. We know that every differentiable function is a
continuous function. Short Answer Type Questions
Here, f ( x ) is differentiable at x = c , so it would be 4 Marks
continuous also at x = c .
Þ lim f ( x ) = lim f ( x ) = f (c ) 6 Prove that the function f given by f ( x ) = | x - 1|,
x ®c - x ®c +
x Î R is not differentiable at x = 1. [NCERT]
Þ lim x 2 = lim (ax + b ) = c 2
x ®c - x ®c + 7 Show that the function f ( x ) = | x - 1 | + | x + 1 | , "
2
Þ c = ac + b ...(i) x Î R is not differentiable at the points x = - 1
Also, as f ( x ) is differentiable at x = c . and x = 1 .
So, LHD at x = c is equal to RHD at x = c . 8 A function f ( x ) is defined as follows
f ( x ) - f (c ) f ( x ) - f (c ) 1
\ lim = lim ìï 2
x sin , if x ¹ 0
x ®c - x - c x ®c + x -c f (x ) = í x .
x2 -c2 ax + b - c 2 ïî 0, if x = 0
Þ lim = lim Show that f ( x ) is differentiable at x = 0.
x ®c - x -c x ®c + x -c
[NCERT Exemplar]
Continuity and Differentiability | 165

( 2 - h ) (1) - 2
9 Let f ( x ) = x | x |, " x ÎR . Discuss the derivability of = lim
h ®0 - -h
f ( x ) at x = 0. [NCERT Exemplar]
-h
= lim =1 [1]
10 Show that the function f ( x ) = | x - 5| is h ®0 - -h
continuous but not differentiable at x = 5. f ( 2 + h ) - f ( 2)
[NCERT Exemplar]
and RHD = lim
h ®0 + 2+h- 2
ì x 2, ( 2 + h - 1) ( 2 + h ) - ( 2 - 1) × 2
ï if x £ 1 = lim
11 Show that the function f ( x ) = í 1 is
h ®0 + h
,
ïî x if x > 1
(1 + h ) ( 2 + h ) - 2
continuous at x = 1 but not differentiable. = lim
h ®0 + h
[ISC 2018]
h (h + 3 )
= lim =3
h ®0 + h
Hints & Solutions Q LHD ¹ RHD
Hence, f ( x ) is not differentiable at x = 2. [1]
1. Similar as Example 1. [Ans. Differentiable]
2. We have, f ( x ) = log x 1 + x , if x £ 2
5. We have, f ( x ) = ìí at x = 2.
f ( 2 - h ) - f ( 2) î5 - x , if x > 2
LHD = lim For differentiability at x = 2,
h ®0 -h
f ( x ) - f ( 2)
log( 2 - h ) - log 2 Lf ¢ ( 2) = lim
= lim x ®2 - x-2
h ®0 -h
æ hö (1 + x ) - (1 + 2)
log ç1 - ÷ = lim
è 2ø x ®2 - x-2
= lim [1]
h ®0 -h x -2
= lim = lim (1) = 1 [1/2]
éh 1 æhö2 ù x ®2 x - 2
-
x ®2 -
- ê + ç ÷ + ...ú f ( x ) - f ( 2)
ê 2 2 è 2ø úû Rf ¢ ( 2) = lim
= lim ë x ®2 + x-2
h ®0 -h
(5 - x ) - 3
é1 1 h ù = lim
-h ê + ´ + ...ú x ®2 + x-2
= lim ë 2 2 4 û=1 [1] 2- x
h ®0 -h 2 = lim = lim ( -1) = -1 [1/2]
x ®2 + x - 2 x ®2 +
3. Here, f ( x ) = [ x ] , 0 < x < 3
For differentiability at x = 1, Q Lf ¢ ( 2) ¹ Rf ¢ ( 2)
f ( 1 - h ) - f ( 1) So, f ( x ) is not differentiable at x = 2. [1]
LHD = lim
h ® 0- -h 6. Similar as Example 2.
[1 - h] - [1]
= lim [Q [1 - h] = 0 and [1] = 1] 7. Hint Given, f ( x ) = | x - 1 | + | x + 1 |
h ® 0- -h
0 -1 Put x - 1 = 0 and x + 1 = 0
= lim [1] Þ x = 1 and x = - 1
- -h
h ®0
1
= lim , which does not exist. x=–1 x=0 x=1
h ®0 h

Hence, f ( x ) is not differentiable at x = 1. [1] Case I When x < - 1

In this case x - 1 < 0 and x + 1 < 0
x [ x ], if 0 £ x < 2
4. Given, f ( x ) = ìí Þ | x - 1 | = - ( x - 1) and | x + 1 | = - ( x + 1)
î( x - 1) x , if 2 £ x < 3
f ( 2 - h ) - f ( 2) \ f ( x ) = - ( x - 1) + { - ( x + 1)}
At x = 2, LHD = lim = - x +1 - x -1
h ®0 - 2-h- 2
Þ f ( x ) = - 2x
( 2 - h ) [ 2 - h] - ( 2 - 1) 2
= lim Case II When - 1 £ x < 1
h ®0 - -h
In this case x - 1 < 0 and x + 1 ³ 0
[Q [a - h] = a -1, where a is any positive number]
166 |

Þ | x - 1 | = - ( x - 1) and | x + 1 | = x + 1 -x + 5 - 0
= lim
\ f ( x ) = - ( x - 1) + ( x + 1) x -5
x ®5 -
- ( x - 5)
= - x +1 + x +1 = 2 = lim = -1
x ®5 - x -5
Case III When x ³ 1 f ( x ) - f ( 5)
and RHD = lim [1]
In this case x - 1 ³ 0 and x + 1 ³ 0 x ®5 + x -5
Þ | x - 1 | = x - 1 and | x + 1 | = x + 1 x -5-0
= lim =1
\ f ( x ) = ( x - 1) + ( x + 1) = 2x x ®5 + x-5
ìï - 2x , if x < - 1 Q LHD ¹ RHD
Thus, f ( x ) = í 2, if - 1 £ x < 1 \ f ( x ) = | x - 5 | is not differentiable at x = 5. [1]
ïî 2x , if x ³ 1
ìx 2,
In the intervals ( - ¥, -1), ( -1, 1) and (1, ¥ ), f ( x ) is a ï if x £ 1
11. Given, f ( x ) = í 1
polynomial differentiable everywhere except possibly at , if x > 1
ïî x
x = 1 and x = -1.
Now, examine the differentiability of the function f ( x ), For continuity at x = 1
at x = - 1 and x = 1. LHL = lim f ( x ) = lim ( x 2 ) = 1
1 x ®1 - x ®1 -
ìï 2
8. Given, f ( x ) = í x sin x , if x ¹ 0 æ1 ö
RHL = lim f ( x ) = lim ç ÷ = 1
ïî 0, if x = 0 x ®1 +
x ®1 + èx ø

f ( 0 + h ) - f ( 0) and f (1) = 1
Here, f ¢(0) = lim
h ®0 h Q LHL = RHL = f (1) [1]
1
h 2 sin - 0
f ( h ) - f ( 0) h \ The given function f ( x ) is continuous at x = 1.
= lim = lim [1]
h ®0 h h ®0 h For differentiability at x = 1
1
h 2 sin Lf ¢ (1) = lim
f (1 - h ) - f (1)
= lim h = lim h sin æ 1 ö [1] -h
[1]
ç ÷ h ®0 +
h ®0 h h ®0 èhø
(1 - h )2 - (1)2
= 0 ´ (An oscillating value between -1 and 1) = lim
h ®0 + -h
= 0, which is finite [1½]
1 + h 2 - 2h - 1
Hence, f ( x ) is differentiable at x = 0. [1/2] = lim
h ®0 + -h
ì- x 2, x <0
ï æ h 2 - 2h ö
9. Hint f ( x ) = í 0, x = 0, then similar as Example 3. = lim ç ÷
ï x 2, x >0 h ® 0 + è -h ø
î
[Ans. Derivable at x = 0]. = lim ( 2 - h ) = 2
h ®0 +
10. Given f (x ) = |x - 5 | f (1 + h ) - f (1)
and Rf ¢ (1) = lim [1]
- ( x - 5), if x < 5 h ®0 + h
\ f ( x ) = ìí
î x - 5, if x ³ 5 æ 1 ö
ç -1÷
For continuity at x = 5, = lim ç 1 + h ÷
h ®0 + ç h ÷
LHL = lim | x - 5| = lim [ - ( x - 5)] = 0 [1]
x ® 5- x ® 5-
è ø
RHL = lim ( x - 5) = 0 æ -h ö
x ® 5+ = lim ç ÷
+ è h (1 + h ) ø
h ®0
and f ( 5) = 5 - 5 = 0
æ -1 ö
Q LHL = RHL = f (5) = lim ç ÷ = -1
h ® 0 + è1 + h ø
\ f ( x ) is continuous at x = 5. [1]
Q Lf ¢ (1) ¹ Rf ¢ (1)
For differentiability at x = 5,
f ( x ) - f ( 5) \ f ( x ) is not differentiable at x = 1. [1]
LHD = lim
x ®5 - x -5
Very Short Answer Type Questions 8 Discuss the continuity of the function
2 Marks  x
 , x ≠0
f ( x ) =  | x | + 2x 2 at x = 0.
 | x − a | , x ≠a  2, x =0
1 Show that the function f ( x ) =  x − a is
 1, x =a  3ax + b, if x > 1

discontinuous at x = a. [NCERT] 9 If the function f ( x ) =  11, if x = 1
2  5ax − 2b, if x < 1
2x − 8 
2 If the function f ( x ) = is undefined at x = 2,
x −2 is continuous at x = 1 , then find the values of
then what value should be assigned to f (2), so a and b.
that f ( x ) is continuous at x = 2?
10 Find the value of k, if the function,
3 Discuss the continuity of secant. [NCERT]
 1 − sin x , x ≠ π/2
4 If the following function f ( x ) is continuous at 
f ( x ) =  ( π − 2x ) 2 is continuous
x = 0, then write the value of k.  k, x = π /2
 sin 3 x at x = π/2.
 2 ,x ≠ 0
f (x ) =  11 Find the value of k, so that the function f is
 x
 k , x =0  k cos x , if x ≠ π

5 Determine the value of constant ‘k’, so that continuous at x = π /2, f ( x ) =  π − 2x 2.
 3, π
 kx , if x < 0 if x =
 2
function f ( x ) =  | x | is continuous at x = 0.
 3 , if x ≥ 0
12 Find the point of discontinuity, if any of the
6 If a function f is differentiable at a point c, then  x 10 − 1, if x ≤ 1
function f ( x ) =  2
.
prove that it is also continuous at that point.  x , if x > 1 [NCERT]

13 Show that the function f ( x ) = | x − 3 |, x ∈ R is

Short Answer Type Questions continuous but not differentiable at x = 3.
4 Marks
 x , x ≠0
7 Examine the continuity of the function 14 Prove that the function f ( x ) =  | x | is

 | sin x | ,  1, x =0
x ≠0 not differentiable at x = 0.
f (x ) =  x at x = 0.
 1, x =0

Answers
2. 8 3. Continuous everywhere except x = ( 2n + 1) π , n ∈ I . 4. 2 5. k = −3 7. Discontinuous at x = 0
2 3
8. Discontinuous at x = 0 9. a = 3 , b = 2 10. k = 1 11. k = 6 12. f ( x ) is discontinuous at x = 1.
8