Find the value of k for which the function f(x) = kx^2 + 2x + 1 is differentiabl

Practice Questions

Q1
Find the value of k for which the function f(x) = kx^2 + 2x + 1 is differentiable at x = 0.
  1. 0
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

Find the value of k for which the function f(x) = kx^2 + 2x + 1 is differentiable at x = 0.
Correct Answer: Any value of k, but k = 0 gives a constant function.
  • Step 1: Understand that a function is differentiable at a point if it has a derivative at that point.
  • Step 2: Write down the function given: f(x) = kx^2 + 2x + 1.
  • Step 3: Find the derivative of the function, which is f'(x). The derivative of kx^2 is 2kx, and the derivative of 2x is 2. So, f'(x) = 2kx + 2.
  • Step 4: Evaluate the derivative at x = 0. Substitute 0 into f'(x): f'(0) = 2k(0) + 2 = 2.
  • Step 5: Since f'(0) = 2, this means the derivative exists and is equal to 2 at x = 0.
  • Step 6: Conclude that the function is differentiable at x = 0 for any value of k, but if k = 0, the function becomes a constant function.
  • Differentiability – The property of a function to have a derivative at a given point, which requires the function to be continuous and have a defined slope at that point.
  • Finding Derivatives – The process of calculating the derivative of a function, which involves applying differentiation rules to obtain the slope of the function at any point.
  • Behavior of Quadratic Functions – Understanding how the coefficients of a quadratic function affect its shape and properties, including its differentiability.
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