Related Formula
A function is non-differentiable at sharp corner transition points where left-hand and right-hand derivatives do not match.
Core Logic
Analyze the behavior of powers of x$x$ across significant transition domains:
For x < -1$x < -1$: x$x$ is the largest because higher odd powers of negative fractions decrease rapidly (x > x³ > x⁵...$x > x^3 > x^5...$).
For -1 ≤ x < 0$-1 \le x < 0$: x²¹$x^{21}$ is largest (closest to zero from below).
For 0 ≤ x < 1$0 \le x < 1$: x$x$ is largest.
For x ≥ 1$x \ge 1$: x²¹$x^{21}$ is largest.
f(x) = cases x, & x < -1 x²¹, & -1 ≤ x < 0 x, & 0 ≤ x < 1 x²¹, & x ≥ 1 cases$$f(x) = \begin{cases} x, & x < -1 \\ x^{21}, & -1 \le x < 0 \\ x, & 0 \le x < 1 \\ x^{21}, & x \ge 1 \end{cases}$$
Step 1: Continuity and Differentiability Checks
At critical intersection boundaries x = -1, 0, 1$x = -1, 0, 1$, f(x)$f(x)$ matches continuous values perfectly, so n = 0$n = 0$.
Now check derivative transitions f'(x)$f'(x)$:
f'(x) = cases 1, & x < -1 21x²⁰, & -1 < x < 0 1, & 0 < x < 1 21x²⁰, & x > 1 cases$$f'(x) = \begin{cases} 1, & x < -1 \\ 21x^{20}, & -1 < x < 0 \\ 1, & 0 < x < 1 \\ 21x^{20}, & x > 1 \end{cases}$$
At x = -1$x = -1$: LHD = 1$\text{LHD} = 1$, RHD = 21(-1)²⁰ = 21 Non-differentiable$\text{RHD} = 21(-1)^{20} = 21 \implies \text{Non-differentiable}$.
At x = 0$x = 0$: LHD = 0$\text{LHD} = 0$, RHD = 1 Non-differentiable$\text{RHD} = 1 \implies \text{Non-differentiable}$.
At x = 1$x = 1$: LHD = 1$\text{LHD} = 1$, RHD = 21(1)²⁰ = 21 Non-differentiable$\text{RHD} = 21(1)^{20} = 21 \implies \text{Non-differentiable}$.
Step 2: Conclusion
Thus, the function is non-differentiable at exactly 3 points (x = -1, 0, 1$x = -1, 0, 1$), so m = 3$m = 3$.
Since n = 0$n = 0$:
m + n = 3 + 0 = 3$$m + n = 3 + 0 = 3$$
Pattern Recognition
Maximum boundary tracking curves for standard power elements always form continuous shapes but introduce non-differentiable sharp corners at every intersection crossover point.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Mathematics: Limits, Continuity and Differentiability