[Math] second derivative does not exist at specified points

derivativesexamples-counterexamplesreal-analysis

Would any one give me an example or hint how to construct a function whose second derivative does not exist at some specified points say at n number of points. for first derivative I have the modulas function( i.e $|x|$), I need an example for second.

Best Answer

Really $|x|$ is just a convenient shorthand for what's really a piecewise defined function. If you allow piecewise defined functions, then it's rather easy to come up with examples.

$$f(x)=x^2,x>0$$ $$f(x)=-x^2,x<0$$

does the trick quite nicely at $x=0$. To make a function that has no second derivative at finitely/countably(?) many arbitrary points you can simply shift and add multiple functions like these.

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