For which value of a is the function f(x) = x^2 + ax + 1 differentiable everywhe

Practice Questions

Q1
For which value of a is the function f(x) = x^2 + ax + 1 differentiable everywhere?
  1. -1
  2. 0
  3. 1
  4. 2

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

For which value of a is the function f(x) = x^2 + ax + 1 differentiable everywhere?
  • Step 1: Understand what it means for a function to be differentiable. A function is differentiable everywhere if you can find its derivative at every point in its domain.
  • Step 2: Identify the type of function given. The function f(x) = x^2 + ax + 1 is a polynomial function.
  • Step 3: Know that polynomial functions are smooth and continuous. This means they do not have any breaks, jumps, or sharp corners.
  • Step 4: Realize that all polynomial functions are differentiable everywhere on the real number line, regardless of the coefficients (like 'a' in this case).
  • Step 5: Conclude that since f(x) is a polynomial, it is differentiable for all values of 'a'.
  • Differentiability of Polynomials – Polynomials are differentiable everywhere on the real number line, meaning they have a derivative at every point.
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