Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Lesson 4.3
Differentiability of a Function
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 4

Differentiability 4

Differentiability and Continuity 8

Key Points 17

Check Your Understanding 18

Challenge Yourself 21

Photo Credit 22

Bibliography 23

Key to Try It! 23

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
Lesson 4.3

Differentiability of a Function

Introduction
There are many varieties and flavors of yogurt. Which one do you like the most? Yogurt is
made by fermenting milk. Initially, a small population of microorganisms is added to the milk.
These microorganisms multiply as milk is fermented. The number of microorganism changes
with time; thus, it is a function of time. The derivative of this function gives the rate of change
of the population of microorganisms with respect to time. This is an application of

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 1

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
derivatives in biology.

In this lesson, we will know more about the derivative of a function. Specifically, the
relationship between differentiability and continuity will be discussed.

Learning Objectives
DepEd Competency
In this lesson, you should be able to do the
Determine the relationship
following:
between differentiability and
● Define the differentiability of a function.
continuity of a function
● Determine where a function is (STEM_BC11D -IIIf-1).
differentiable.
● Determine the relationship between
differentiability and continuity of a
function.

Warm Up
Graph of the Derivative 10 minutes
Recall that the derivative 𝑓′(𝑥) of a function 𝑓(𝑥) is a function that gives the slope of the
tangent line of 𝑓(𝑥) for arbitrary values of 𝑥. Since the derivative is also a function, we can
graph it. In this activity, you will estimate the value of the derivative given the graph of 𝑓(𝑥).

Materials
● paper
● pen

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 2

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
Procedure
1. Given the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) below, estimate

a. 𝑓′(1),
b. 𝑓′(1.5), and
c. 𝑓′(0).

2. Answer the following guide questions.

Guide Questions
1. How did you estimate the derivative given the graph of 𝑓(𝑥)?
2. Is your estimate close to the correct value? Why or why not?
3. On which interval is the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) positive? On which interval is it negative?
4. What is the slope of the tangent line at 𝑥 = 1?
5. When is the derivative equal to 0?

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 3

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Learn about It!

In the previous lesson, you learned that the derivative of a function 𝑓 with respect to 𝑥 is
defined by the equation

𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 .
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉

The process of computing for the derivative of a function is called differentiation, that is,
finding 𝑓′(𝑥) given the function 𝑓(𝑥). In this lesson, we will discuss when the derivative exists
and its relation to the continuity of a function.

Where is a function differentiable?

Differentiability
• A function 𝑓 is differentiable at 𝑎 if 𝑓′(𝑎) exists.
• A function 𝑓 is differentiable on an open interval (𝑎, 𝑏) if it is differentiable at every
number in the interval.

Let us look at the following examples.

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 4

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Let’s Practice!
Example 1
Where is 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 4 differentiable?

Solution
Let us find 𝑓′(𝑥).
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
[(𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 4] − (𝑥 2 + 4)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑥 + 2ℎ𝑥 + ℎ2 + 4 − 𝑥 2 − 4
2
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2
2ℎ𝑥 + ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
ℎ(2𝑥 + ℎ)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
= lim (2𝑥 + ℎ)
ℎ→0
= 2𝑥

Since the domain of 𝑓(𝑥) is the set of all real numbers and 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 exists for any real
number, 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable at any real number.

1 Try It!
Where is 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 differentiable?

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 5

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
Example 2

Where is 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 differentiable?

Solution
Let us find 𝑓′(𝑥).
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
√𝑥 + ℎ − √𝑥
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
√𝑥 + ℎ − √𝑥 √𝑥 + ℎ + √𝑥
= lim ∙
ℎ→0 ℎ √𝑥 + ℎ + √𝑥
(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑥
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ(√𝑥 + ℎ + √𝑥)
ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ(√𝑥 + ℎ + √𝑥)
1
= lim
ℎ→0 √𝑥 + ℎ + √𝑥
1
=
√𝑥 + √𝑥
1
=
2 √𝑥

1
The domain of 𝑓(𝑥) is [0, ∞). But, 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = exists for all 𝑥 in the domain of 𝑓(𝑥) except for
2√𝑥

𝑥 = 0. Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable on the interval (𝟎, ∞).

2 Try It!
Where is 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 2 differentiable?

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 6

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
Example 3
Where is 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| differentiable?

Solution
Let us check if 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable at 𝑥 > 0, 𝑥 < 0, and when 𝑥 = 0.

If 𝑥 > 0, then |𝑥| = 𝑥. Thus,

(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

= lim 1
ℎ→0
= 1.

Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable on the interval (0, ∞).

If 𝑥 < 0, then |𝑥| = −𝑥. Thus,

−(𝑥 + ℎ) − (−𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
−𝑥 − ℎ + 𝑥
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
−ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

= lim (−1)
ℎ→0
= −1.

Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable on the interval (−∞, 0).

If 𝑥 = 0, then

|0 + ℎ| − |0|
𝑓 ′ (0) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
|ℎ|
= lim .
ℎ→0 ℎ

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 7

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
To check if this limit exists, we have to evaluate the left- and right-hand limits.

|ℎ| ℎ
lim+ = lim+ = lim+1 = 1
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0
|ℎ| −ℎ
lim− = lim− = lim−(−1) = −1
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0

|ℎ| |ℎ|
Since the lim− ≠ lim+ , 𝑓′(0) does not exist.
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ

Therefore, the function 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| is differentiable at any real number except 𝟎.

3 Try It!
Where is 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥 + 2| differentiable?

Differentiability and Continuity

How do you determine if a function is continuous?

What is the relationship between differentiability and continuity of a function? Consider

𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥|. The given function is continuous everywhere, but it is not differentiable at 𝑥 = 0.
Thus, continuity of a function does not ensure differentiability; whereas, differentiability
implies continuity.

Differentiability Implies Continuity

• If 𝑓 is differentiable at 𝑎, then it is continuous at 𝑎.

It follows that if a function is not continuous at 𝑎, then it is not differentiable at 𝑎.

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 8

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
When is a function not differentiable? A function is not differentiable at points where there is
a corner, a discontinuity, or a vertical tangent. Examples of these graphs can be seen in Fig.
4.3.1.

Corner Discontinuity Vertical Tangent

Fig. 4.3.1. Graphs where functions are not differentiable

Recall that the derivative gives the slope of the tangent line. There is no tangent line and have
the same direction as the graph at the point where there is a corner. Also, there is no tangent
line at a point where there is discontinuity. On the other hand, if the tangent line at a point is
vertical, then its slope is undefined.

Remember
Differentiability describes the continuity of the first derivative.

Consider 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥|.

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 9

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
When 𝑥 > 0, 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 1, and when 𝑥 < 0, 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −1. We also know that
𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| is not differentiable at 𝑥 = 0. Thus, the graph of 𝑓′(𝑥) is
shown below.

Notice that there is a discontinuity at 𝑥 = 0.

Thus, a function is not differentiable on a certain interval if its

derivative is not continuous on that interval.

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 10

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Let’s Practice!
Example 4
3, 𝑥 ≤ 2
Sketch the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = { . Determine whether 𝑓 is continuous and
2, 𝑥 > 2
differentiable at the interval (−∞, ∞).

Solution
Step 1: Sketch the graph of the function.

Step 2: Determine if 𝑓 is continuous at the interval (−∞, ∞).

𝑓(𝑥) is not continuous on the interval (−∞, ∞), specifically at 𝑥 = 2.

Step 3: Determine if 𝑓 is differentiable at the interval (−∞, ∞).

Since 𝑓 is not continuous 𝑥 = 2, it is also not differentiable at 𝑥 = 2.

Thus, 𝑓 is not continuous and is not differentiable at the interval (−∞, ∞). Specifically, it is
not differentiable at 𝒙 = 𝟐.

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 11

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

4 Try It!
2𝑥 , 𝑥 ≤ 3
Sketch the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = { . Determine whether 𝑓 is
4 , 𝑥>3
continuous and differentiable at the interval (−∞, ∞).

Example 5
Sketch the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2|𝑥 + 3|. Determine whether 𝑓 is continuous and
differentiable at the interval (−∞, ∞).

Solution
Step 1: Sketch the graph of the function.

Step 2: Determine if 𝑓 is continuous at the interval (−∞, ∞).

From the graph of the function, we can see that it is continuous, i.e., there is
no hole, jump, or vertical asymptote.

Step 3: Determine if 𝑓 is differentiable at the interval (−∞, ∞).

The function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2|𝑥 + 3| can be divided into three parts: 𝑥 < −3, 𝑥 > −3,
and 𝑥 = −3. Let us check if 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable at these intervals.

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 12

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
If 𝑥 > −3, then 2|𝑥 + 3| = 2(𝑥 + 3).

2[(𝑥 + ℎ) + 3] − 2(𝑥 + 3)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2𝑥 + 2ℎ + 6 − 2𝑥 − 6
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

= lim 2
ℎ→0
=2

Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable on the interval (−3, ∞).

If 𝑥 < −3, then 2|𝑥 + 3| = −2(𝑥 + 3).

−2[(𝑥 + ℎ) + 3] − [−2(𝑥 + 3)]

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
−2𝑥 − 2ℎ − 6 + 2𝑥 + 6
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
−2ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

= lim (−2)
ℎ→0
= −2

Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable on the interval (−∞, −3).

If 𝑥 = −3, then
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑓(−3 + ℎ) − 𝑓(−3)
𝑓 ′ (−3) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2|(−3 + ℎ) + 3| − 2| − 3 + 3|
𝑓 ′ (−3) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2|ℎ|
= lim .
ℎ→0 ℎ

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 13

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
To check if this limit exists, we have to evaluate the left- and right-hand limits.

2|ℎ| 2ℎ
lim+ = lim+ = lim+2 = 2
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0
2|ℎ| −2ℎ
lim− = lim− = lim−(−2) = −2
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0

|ℎ| |ℎ|
Since the lim− ≠ lim+ , 𝑓′(−3) does not exist.
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ

Therefore, the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2|𝑥 + 3| is continuous and is differentiable at any real
number except −𝟑. We can also see that the graph has a corner at 𝑥 = 3; hence, it is not
differentiable at that point.

5 Try It!
Sketch the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3|𝑥|. Determine whether 𝑓 is continuous and
differentiable at the interval (−∞, ∞).

Example 6
−4𝑥 − 2 , 𝑥 < −1
Sketch the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = { . Determine whether 𝑓 is
2𝑥 2 , 𝑥 ≥ −1
continuous and differentiable at the interval (−∞, ∞).

Solution
Step 1: Sketch the graph of the function.

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 14

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
The blue part of the graph is the graph of the function 𝑓1 (𝑥) = −4𝑥 − 2 on the
interval (−∞, −1) while the green part of the graph is the function 𝑓2 (𝑥) = 2𝑥 2
on the interval [−1, ∞).

Step 2: Determine if 𝑓 is continuous at the interval (−∞, ∞).

From the graph, we can see that 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous. Without the graph, how
will you know if the function is continuous?

𝑓1 (𝑥) = −4𝑥 − 2 and 𝑓2 (𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 are both continuous functions; thus, we know
that 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous on the intervals (−∞, −1) and (−1, ∞). But how about at
𝑥 = −1? To determine if 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous at 𝑥 = −1, we have to check if 𝑓(−1)
is defined, lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists, and if lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(−1).
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1

𝑓(−1) = 2(−1)2 = 2(1) = 2

Thus, 𝑓(−1) is defined.

Now, let us check if lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists.

𝑥→−1

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim − −4𝑥 − 2 = −4(−1) − 2 = 2

𝑥→−1− 𝑥→−1
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim + 2𝑥 2 = 2(−1)2 = 2(1) = 2
𝑥→−1+ 𝑥→−1

Since lim − 𝑓(𝑥) = lim + 𝑓(𝑥) = 2, lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists and is equal to 2.
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1

Thus, lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(−1) = 2. This means that the function 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous
𝑥→−1

at 𝑥 = −1.

Therefore, the function 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous for all 𝑥 values.

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 15

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
Step 3: Determine if 𝑓 is differentiable at the interval (−∞, ∞).

−4𝑥 − 2, 𝑥 < −1
To determine if 𝑓(𝑥) = { 2 is differentiable at the interval
2𝑥 , 𝑥 ≥ −1
(−∞, ∞), show that the derivative exists for all 𝑥 values.

If 𝑥 < −1, then

[−4(𝑥 + ℎ) − 2] − (−4𝑥 − 2)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
(−4𝑥 − 4ℎ − 2) − (−4𝑥 − 2)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
−4𝑥 − 4ℎ − 2 + 4𝑥 + 2
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
−4ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

= lim (−4)
ℎ→0
= −4.

Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable on the interval (−∞, −1).

If 𝑥 > −1, then

2(𝑥 + ℎ)2 − 2𝑥 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2(𝑥 + 2ℎ𝑥 + ℎ2 ) − 2𝑥 2
2
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2𝑥 + 4ℎ𝑥 + 2ℎ2 − 2𝑥 2
2
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2
4ℎ𝑥 + 2ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
ℎ(4𝑥 + 2ℎ)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
= lim (4𝑥 + 2ℎ)
ℎ→0
= 4𝑥.

Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable on the interval (−1, ∞).

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 16

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
Let us evaluate the left- and right-hand limits of 𝑓′(−1).

lim 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim − (−4) = −4

𝑥→−1− 𝑥→−1
lim 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim + 4𝑥 = 4(−1) = −4
𝑥→−1+ 𝑥→−1

Since lim − 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim + 𝑓′(𝑥) , 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable at 𝑥 = −1.

𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1

Therefore, the function 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous for all 𝑥 values and is differentiable on the
interval (−∞, ∞).

6 Try It!
2𝑥 − 1 , 𝑥 ≤ 1
Sketch the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = { 2 . Determine whether 𝑓 is
𝑥 , 𝑥>1
continuous and differentiable at the interval (−∞, ∞).

Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________
● The derivative of a function 𝑓 with respect to 𝑥 is defined by the equation
𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 .
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
● The process of computing for the derivative of a function is called differentiation,
that is, finding 𝑓′(𝑥) given the function 𝑓(𝑥).
● A function 𝑓 is differentiable at 𝒂 if 𝑓′(𝑎) exists.
● A function 𝑓 is differentiable on an open interval (𝒂, 𝒃) if it is differentiable at every
number in the interval.
● If 𝑓 is differentiable at 𝑎, then it is continuous at 𝑎. Thus, the contrapositive is also
true: If a function is not continuous at 𝑎, then it is not differentiable at 𝑎.
● A function is not differentiable at points where there is a corner, a discontinuity, or
a vertical tangent.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 17

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Check Your Understanding

A. Let 𝑓 be a function of 𝑥, 𝑎 and 𝑏 be real numbers, and (𝑎, 𝑏) be an

open interval. Write True if the statement is always true; otherwise,
write False.

1. If 𝑓 is differentiable at 𝑎, then 𝑓 is continuous at 𝑎.

2. If 𝑓 is continuous at 𝑎, then 𝑓 is differentiable at 𝑎.
3. If 𝑓 is not continuous at 𝑎, then 𝑓 is not differentiable at 𝑎.
4. If 𝑓 is not differentiable at 𝑎, then 𝑓 is not continuous at 𝑎.
5. If 𝑓 is differentiable on the interval (𝑎, 𝑏), then 𝑓 is continuous on that interval.

B. Determine if the function is continuous. If it is not continuous, identify

the value(s) of 𝑥 where the discontinuity occurs.

1.

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 18

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
2.

3.

4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 4
𝑥−6 , 𝑥 > 0
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = {
3𝑥 − 5 , 𝑥 ≤ 0

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 19

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
C. Determine whether each function is differentiable at 𝑎 or not.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4; 𝑎 = 5
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 6; 𝑎 = 6
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥 − 7|; 𝑎 = 7
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 4; 𝑎 = 10
−𝑥 − 2 , 𝑥 < −3
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = { 2 ; 𝑎 = −3
𝑥 − 3 , 𝑥 ≥ −3

D. Sketch the graph of 𝑓 to determine if it is continuous. Then, determine

if 𝑓 is differentiable for all 𝑥 values. If not, determine the 𝑥 −value(s)
where it is not differentiable.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥 − 4|
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 3
−1 , 𝑥 < 0
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = { 0 , 𝑥 = 0
1 , 𝑥>0
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 8 − 𝑥

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 20

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. Which of the following is the graph of the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥 + 1|?

a. b.

c. d.

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 21

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
2. Given the graph of 𝑓′(𝑥) below, is 𝑓(𝑥) differentiable on the interval (0,2)?

3. Given the graph of 𝑓′(𝑥) below, is 𝑓(𝑥) differentiable on the interval (−∞, ∞)?

4. Give a function that is continuous and differentiable.

5. Give a function that is continuous but not differentiable.

Photo Credit
Turkish strained yogurt.jpg by Takeaway is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia
Commons.

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 22

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Bibliography
Edwards, C.H., and David E. Penney. Calculus: Early Transcendentals. 7th ed. Upper Saddle
River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2008.

Larson, Ron H., and Bruce H. Edwards. Essential Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2008.

Leithold, Louis. The Calculus 7. New York: HarperCollins College Publ., 1997.

Smith, Robert T., and Roland B. Milton. Calculus. New York: McGraw Hill, 2012.

Tan, Soo T. Applied Calculus for the Managerial, Life, and Social Sciences: A Brief Approach.
Australia: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, 2012.

Key to Try It!

1. (−∞, ∞)
2. (2, ∞)
3. (−∞, −2) ∪ (−2, ∞)
4. not continuous and not differentiable at 𝑥 = 3

5. continuous, but not differentiable at 𝑥 = 0

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 23

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

6. continuous and differentiable

4.3. Differentiability of a Function 24