Solution
Related Formula
Continuity at x=c: x → c^- f(x) = x → c^+ f(x) Differentiability at x=c: x → c^- f'(x) = x → c^+ f'(x)Core Logic
Rewrite the piecewise function without absolute values:
f(x) = cases (1)/(x) & , x ≥ 2 ax² + 2b & , -2 < x < 2 -(1)/(x) & , x ≤ -2 casesStep 1: Applying Continuity
For f(x) to be continuous at x = 2:
x → 2^- (ax² + 2b) = x → 2^+ (1)/(x) a(2)² + 2b = (1)/(2) ⇒ 4a + 2b = (1)/(2) (1)Because the function is even, continuity at x = -2 yields the exact same equation: 4a + 2b = 1/2.
Step 2: Applying Differentiability
Find the derivative f'(x) for piecewise sections:
f'(x) = cases -(1)/(x²) & , x > 2 2ax & , -2 < x < 2 (1)/(x²) & , x < -2 casesFor f(x) to be differentiable at x = 2:
x → 2^- (2ax) = x → 2^+ (-(1)/(x²)) 4a = -(1)/(4) ⇒ a = -(1)/(16)Step 3: Finding variables and final target
Substitute a back into equation (1):
4(-(1)/(16)) + 2b = (1)/(2) -(1)/(4) + 2b = (1)/(2) ⇒ 2b = (3)/(4) ⇒ b = (3)/(8)We need to evaluate 48(a + b):
48(-(1)/(16) + (3)/(8)) = 48((-1 + 6)/(16)) = 48((5)/(16)) = 3 × 5 = 15Pattern Recognition
Piecewise differentiability forces simultaneous linear equations matching function values and their first derivatives at boundary limits.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Maths: Continuity and Differentiability