If $f(x) = \begin{cases} ax+b, & 0 < x \le 1 \\ 2x^2-x, & 1 < x < 2 \end{cases}$ is a differentiable function in $(0, 2)$, then find the values of $a$ and $b$.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → $a = 3, b = -2$ ##
$f(x) = \begin{cases} ax + b; & 0 < x \le 1 \\ 2x^2 - x; & 1 < x < 2 \end{cases}$
$∴f(1) = a + b \quad \dots(i)$
$∴f'(1^+) = f'(1^-)$
$\lim\limits_{h \to 0^+} \frac{f(1+h) - f(1)}{h} = \lim\limits_{h \to 0^-} \frac{f(1-h) - f(1)}{h}$
$\lim\limits_{h \to 0^+} \frac{2(1+h)^2 - (1+h) - (a+b)}{h} = \lim\limits_{h \to 0^-} \frac{a(1-h) + b - (a+b)}{h}$
$\lim\limits_{h \to 0} \frac{2h^2 + 3h + 1 - a - b}{h} = \lim\limits_{h \to 0} \frac{-ah}{h} = a$
$\lim\limits_{h \to 0^+} \frac{2h^2 + 3h + 1 - a - b}{h} = a$
$f(x)$ is also continuous at $x = 1$.
$∴\lim\limits_{x \to 1^+} f(x) = f(1) = \lim\limits_{x \to 1^-} f(1)$
$∴a + b = 1 \quad \dots(ii)$
$\lim\limits_{h \to 0^+} \frac{2h^2 + 3h + 1 - 1}{h} = a$
$\lim\limits_{h \to 0} \frac{h(2h + 3)}{h} = a$
$\lim\limits_{h \to 0} (2h + 3) = a$
$a = 3$
From $(ii)$,
$3 + b = 1 ⇒b = -2$
$∴a = 3 \text{ and } b = -2$