Continuity and Differentiability QRT – Quick Revision Tables bring the important concepts, formulas and results of the chapter together in one place. Use these tables for a quick recap while revising, practising questions or preparing for your exams.
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Table 1: Continuity and Differentiability QRT – Continuity Basics
| Concept | Formula / Result |
|---|---|
| Continuity at a Point | A function \displaystyle f is continuous at \displaystyle x=c if \displaystyle \lim_{x\to c}f(x)=f(c) |
| Three Conditions | For continuity at \displaystyle x=c: (i) \displaystyle f(c) must exist, (ii) \displaystyle \lim_{x\to c}f(x) must exist, and (iii) \displaystyle \lim_{x\to c}f(x)=f(c) |
| Left & Right Limits | Continuity at \displaystyle x=c requires \displaystyle \lim_{x\to c^-}f(x)=\lim_{x\to c^+}f(x)=f(c) |
| Continuity on Domain | A real function is continuous if it is continuous at every point in its domain. |
| Interior Point | At an interior point \displaystyle x=c, both sides belong to the domain, so \displaystyle \lim_{x\to c^-}f(x)=\lim_{x\to c^+}f(x)=f(c) |
| Left Endpoint | If \displaystyle f is defined on \displaystyle [a,b], continuity at \displaystyle a means \displaystyle \lim_{x\to a^+}f(x)=f(a) |
| Right Endpoint | If \displaystyle f is defined on \displaystyle [a,b], continuity at \displaystyle b means \displaystyle \lim_{x\to b^-}f(x)=f(b) |
| Singleton Domain | If the domain of \displaystyle f consists of only one point, then \displaystyle f is continuous at that point. |
| Discontinuity | If \displaystyle \lim_{x\to c}f(x)\ne f(c), then \displaystyle f is not continuous at \displaystyle x=c |
| Constant Function | The constant function \displaystyle f(x)=k is continuous at every real number. |
| Identity Function | The identity function \displaystyle f(x)=x is continuous at every real number. |
| Graphical Check | Graphically, a function is continuous at a point if its graph has no break, jump or hole at that point. |
Maths Better Tip… Remember: to check continuity at a point, always compare the left-hand limit, right-hand limit and the function value. All three must be equal. Graphically, think of continuity as the graph having no break, jump or hole at the point.
Table 2: Continuity and Differentiability QRT – Algebra & Discontinuity
| Concept | Formula / Result |
|---|---|
| Sum | If \displaystyle f and \displaystyle g are continuous at \displaystyle c, then \displaystyle f+g is continuous at \displaystyle c. |
| Difference | If \displaystyle f and \displaystyle g are continuous at \displaystyle c, then \displaystyle f-g is continuous at \displaystyle c. |
| Product | If \displaystyle f and \displaystyle g are continuous at \displaystyle c, then \displaystyle fg is continuous at \displaystyle c. |
| Quotient | If \displaystyle f and \displaystyle g are continuous at \displaystyle c and \displaystyle g(c)\ne0, then \displaystyle \frac{f}{g} is continuous at \displaystyle c. |
| Scalar Multiple | If \displaystyle g is continuous, then \displaystyle \lambda g is continuous for any constant \displaystyle \lambda. |
| Reciprocal | If \displaystyle g is continuous, then \displaystyle \frac{1}{g} is continuous wherever \displaystyle g(x)\ne0. |
| Rational Function | A rational function \displaystyle \frac{p(x)}{q(x)}, where \displaystyle p,q are polynomials, is continuous wherever \displaystyle q(x)\ne0. |
| Composition | If \displaystyle g is continuous at \displaystyle c and \displaystyle f is continuous at \displaystyle g(c), then \displaystyle f\circ g is continuous at \displaystyle c. |
| Piecewise Function | At a joining point \displaystyle x=c, check \displaystyle \lim_{x\to c^-}f(x)=\lim_{x\to c^+}f(x)=f(c) for continuity. |
| Greatest Integer Function | The function \displaystyle f(x)=[x] is continuous at non-integer points but discontinuous at every integer. |
| Domain Exclusions | A function may be continuous at every point where it is defined, yet be undefined at certain points. For example, \displaystyle \tan x is continuous wherever \displaystyle \cos x\ne0 |
Maths Better Tip… Remember: algebraic combinations of continuous functions remain continuous wherever the resulting function is defined. For piecewise functions, always check the joining point separately using LHL = RHL = f(c).
Table 3: Continuity and Differentiability QRT – Differentiability Basics
| Concept | Formula / Result |
|---|---|
| Derivative | The derivative of \displaystyle f at a point \displaystyle x is \displaystyle f'(x)=\lim_{h\to0}\frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}, provided the limit exists. |
| Derivative at a Point | At \displaystyle x=c, \displaystyle f'(c)=\lim_{h\to0}\frac{f(c+h)-f(c)}{h}, provided the limit exists. |
| Right-Hand Derivative | \displaystyle R.H.D.=\lim_{h\to0^+}\frac{f(c+h)-f(c)}{h} |
| Left-Hand Derivative | \displaystyle L.H.D.=\lim_{h\to0}\frac{f(c-h)-f(c)}{-h} |
| Differentiability at a Point | A function is differentiable at \displaystyle c if both LHD and RHD are finite and equal. |
| Differentiability in an Interval | A function is differentiable in \displaystyle [a,b] if it is differentiable at every point of the interval, using the right-hand derivative at \displaystyle a and left-hand derivative at \displaystyle b. |
| Differentiable ⇒ Continuous | If \displaystyle f is differentiable at \displaystyle c, then \displaystyle f is continuous at \displaystyle c. |
| Converse is False | A continuous function need not be differentiable. For example, \displaystyle f(x)=|x| is continuous everywhere but is not differentiable at \displaystyle x=0. |
| Corner / Sharp Point | If the left-hand and right-hand derivatives at a point are unequal, the function is not differentiable there. |
| Non-Differentiability | A function is not differentiable at \displaystyle x=c if the left-hand and right-hand derivatives are unequal, or if the derivative does not exist as a finite value. |
| Graphical Check | Graphically, a sharp corner or cusp at a point is an indication that the function may not be differentiable there. |
| Derivative Not Defined | If the defining derivative limit does not exist or is not finite, the function is not differentiable at that point. |
Maths Better Tip… Remember: differentiability is a stronger condition than continuity. If a function is differentiable at a point, it must be continuous there; but continuity alone does not guarantee differentiability.
QRT 4: Differentiation Rules & Standard Derivatives
| Concept | Formula / Result |
|---|---|
| Constant | If \displaystyle y=c, then \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx}=0 |
| Power Rule | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(x^n)=nx^{n-1} |
| Constant Multiple | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\bigl[cf(x)\bigr]=c\,f'(x) |
| Sum / Difference | \displaystyle (u\pm v)'=u'\pm v' |
| Product Rule | \displaystyle (uv)'=uv'+vu' Remember: first × derivative of second + second × derivative of first |
| Quotient Rule | \displaystyle \left(\frac{u}{v}\right)'=\frac{vu'-uv'}{v^2} Remember: \displaystyle \frac{N}{D}\Rightarrow\frac{DN'-ND'}{D^2} |
| Exponential | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(e^x)=e^x |
| General Exponential | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(a^x)=a^x\log a, where \displaystyle a\gt0,\ a\ne1 |
| Logarithmic | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\log x)=\frac{1}{x}, for \displaystyle x\gt0 |
|
Sine
Cosine }
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\sin x)=\cos x |
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\cos x)=-\sin x | |
|
Tangent
Cotangent }
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\tan x)=\sec^2x |
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\cot x)=-\cosec^2x | |
|
Secant
Cosecant }
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\sec x)=\sec x\tan x |
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\cosec x)=-\cosec x\cot x |
Quick Recall: Remember the derivatives in pairs: \displaystyle \sin\leftrightarrow\cos, \displaystyle \tan\leftrightarrow\cot, and \displaystyle \sec\leftrightarrow\cosec. The derivatives of all the co-functions — \displaystyle \cos,\cot,\cosec — carry a negative sign.
Maths Better Tip… Remember: in a product, differentiate the first factor and keep the second unchanged, then add the first unchanged times the derivative of the second. For a quotient, use “denominator × derivative of numerator − numerator × derivative of denominator”, all divided by denominator squared.
Table 5: Continuity and Differentiability QRT – Chain Rule & Implicit Differentiation
| Concept | Formula / Result |
|---|---|
| Chain Rule | If \displaystyle y=f(u) and \displaystyle u=g(x), then \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{dy}{du}\frac{du}{dx} |
| Composite Function | If \displaystyle y=f(g(x)), then \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx}=f'(g(x))\,g'(x) |
| Three Functions | If \displaystyle y=f(u),\ u=g(v),\ v=h(x), then \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{dy}{du}\frac{du}{dv}\frac{dv}{dx} |
| Multiple Layers | Start with the outermost layer, move inwards, and multiply each derivative until the last derivative is 1. |
| Power of a Function | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(f^n)=nf^{n-1}f' |
| Exponential of a Function | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(e^f)=e^f f' |
| Logarithm of a Function | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\log f)=\frac{f'}{f}, for \displaystyle f\gt0 |
| Implicit Function | When \displaystyle x and \displaystyle y are related by an equation, \displaystyle y may be treated as a function of \displaystyle x and differentiated implicitly. |
| Implicit Differentiation | Differentiate both sides with respect to \displaystyle x, treating \displaystyle y as a function of \displaystyle x. |
| Derivative of y | While differentiating with respect to \displaystyle x, \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(y)=\frac{dy}{dx} |
| Derivative of yⁿ | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(y^n)=ny^{n-1}\frac{dy}{dx} |
| Finding dy/dx | After differentiating an implicit equation, collect the terms containing \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} and solve for \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} |
Maths Better Tip… Remember: Chain Rule = “differentiate the outer function × differentiate the inner function.” In implicit differentiation, every term involving \displaystyle y must be differentiated with respect to \displaystyle x, so \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} appears naturally.
View or Download the free Continuity and Differentiability QRT – Class 12 Maths PDF for quick revision anytime.
QRT 6: Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions
| Function | Derivative |
|---|---|
|
\displaystyle \sin^{-1}x
\displaystyle \cos^{-1}x }
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\sin^{-1}x)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}, for \displaystyle -1\lt x\lt1 |
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\cos^{-1}x)=-\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}, for \displaystyle -1\lt x\lt1 | |
|
\displaystyle \tan^{-1}x
\displaystyle \cot^{-1}x }
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\tan^{-1}x)=\frac{1}{1+x^2}, for all \displaystyle x\in\mathbb{R} |
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\cot^{-1}x)=-\frac{1}{1+x^2}, for all \displaystyle x\in\mathbb{R} | |
|
\displaystyle \sec^{-1}x
\displaystyle \cosec^{-1}x }
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\sec^{-1}x)=\frac{1}{|x|\sqrt{x^2-1}}, for \displaystyle |x|\gt1 |
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\cosec^{-1}x)=-\frac{1}{|x|\sqrt{x^2-1}}, for \displaystyle |x|\gt1 | |
| Chain Rule Form | If \displaystyle y=f^{-1}(u) and \displaystyle u=u(x), then \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{dy}{du}\frac{du}{dx} |
|
\displaystyle \sin^{-1}u
\displaystyle \cos^{-1}u }
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\sin^{-1}u)=\frac{u'}{\sqrt{1-u^2}} |
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\cos^{-1}u)=-\frac{u'}{\sqrt{1-u^2}} | |
|
\displaystyle \tan^{-1}u
\displaystyle \cot^{-1}u }
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\tan^{-1}u)=\frac{u'}{1+u^2} |
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\cot^{-1}u)=-\frac{u'}{1+u^2} | |
|
\displaystyle \sec^{-1}u
\displaystyle \cosec^{-1}u }
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\sec^{-1}u)=\frac{u'}{|u|\sqrt{u^2-1}} |
| \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\cosec^{-1}u)=-\frac{u'}{|u|\sqrt{u^2-1}} |
Maths Better Tip… Remember the pattern: first find the derivative of the inverse-trigonometric function with respect to its argument, then multiply by the derivative of that argument. Also watch the domain carefully, especially for \displaystyle \sin^{-1}x,\cos^{-1}x,\sec^{-1}x and \displaystyle \cosec^{-1}x.
QRT 7: Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
| Concept | Formula / Result |
|---|---|
| Exponential Function | \displaystyle f(x)=a^x, where \displaystyle a\gt0,\ a\ne1 |
| Natural Exponential | The exponential function with base \displaystyle e is \displaystyle f(x)=e^x |
| Derivative of \displaystyle e^x | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(e^x)=e^x |
| Derivative of \displaystyle a^x | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(a^x)=a^x\log a, where \displaystyle a\gt0,\ a\ne1 |
| Logarithmic Function | The logarithmic function with base \displaystyle a is \displaystyle f(x)=\log_a x, where \displaystyle a\gt0,\ a\ne1,\ x\gt0 |
| Natural Logarithm | The log function with base \displaystyle e: \displaystyle \log_e x=\log x=\ln x, for \displaystyle x\gt0 |
| Logarithm as Inverse | \displaystyle y=\log_a x\iff a^y=x, where \displaystyle a\gt0,\ a\ne1 |
| Derivative of \displaystyle \log x | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\log x)=\frac{1}{x}, for \displaystyle x\gt0 |
| Derivative of \displaystyle \log_a x | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\log_a x)=\frac{1}{x\log a}, where \displaystyle a\gt0,\ a\ne1 |
| Exponential Chain Rule | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\left(e^{f(x)}\right)=e^{f(x)}f'(x) |
| Logarithmic Chain Rule | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\left(\log f(x)\right)=\frac{f'(x)}{f(x)}, wherever \displaystyle f(x)\gt0 |
| Change of Base | \displaystyle \log_a x=\frac{\log x}{\log a}, where \displaystyle a\gt0,\ a\ne1,\ x\gt0 |
| Important Log Laws | \displaystyle \log(ab)=\log a+\log b; \displaystyle \log\left(\frac{a}{b}\right)=\log a-\log b; \displaystyle \log(a^n)=n\log a |
Maths Better Tip… Remember: \displaystyle e^x differentiates to itself, while \displaystyle a^x gives an extra factor of \displaystyle \log a. For logarithms, always remember the domain condition \displaystyle x\gt0 before applying the standard derivative.
Table 8: Continuity and Differentiability QRT – Logarithmic Differentiation
| Concept | Formula / Result |
|---|---|
| When to Use | Logarithmic differentiation is useful when the function contains products, quotients or variable powers that are difficult to differentiate directly. |
| Basic Step | Put \displaystyle y=f(x), take logarithm on both sides, simplify using logarithm laws, then differentiate. |
| Key Transformation | If \displaystyle y=f(x), then \displaystyle \log y=\log f(x) |
| Differentiate \displaystyle \log y | \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\log y)=\frac{1}{y}\frac{dy}{dx} |
| Variable Power | If \displaystyle y=[f(x)]^{g(x)}, then \displaystyle \log y=g(x)\log f(x) before differentiating. |
| General Result (Chain + Product) | For \displaystyle y=[f(x)]^{g(x)}, \displaystyle \frac{y'}{y}=g'(x)\log f(x)+g(x)\frac{f'(x)}{f(x)} |
| Power Function | If \displaystyle y=x^n, logarithmic differentiation gives \displaystyle \frac{y'}{y}=\frac{n}{x}, hence \displaystyle y'=nx^{n-1} |
| Product Form | For \displaystyle y=uv, \displaystyle \log y=\log u+\log v, so \displaystyle \frac{y'}{y}=\frac{u'}{u}+\frac{v'}{v} |
| Quotient Form | For \displaystyle y=\frac{u}{v}, \displaystyle \log y=\log u-\log v, so \displaystyle \frac{y'}{y}=\frac{u'}{u}-\frac{v'}{v} |
| Example: \displaystyle x^x | If \displaystyle y=x^x, then \displaystyle \log y=x\log x, giving \displaystyle y'=x^x(1+\log x), for \displaystyle x\gt0 |
| Final Step | After finding \displaystyle \frac{y'}{y}, multiply by \displaystyle y to obtain \displaystyle y' |
Maths Better Tip… Remember the flow: take log → expand using log laws → differentiate → find \displaystyle \frac{y'}{y} → multiply by \displaystyle y. It is especially powerful when both the base and exponent contain \displaystyle x.
Table 9: Continuity and Differentiability QRT – Parametric Differentiation
| Concept | Formula / Result |
|---|---|
| Parametric Form | If \displaystyle x=f(t) and \displaystyle y=g(t), then both \displaystyle x and \displaystyle y are expressed in terms of the parameter \displaystyle t |
| First Derivative | \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{\frac{dy}{dt}}{\frac{dx}{dt}}, provided \displaystyle \frac{dx}{dt}\ne0 |
| Equivalent Form | \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{dy}{dt}\frac{dt}{dx} |
| Step 1 | Differentiate \displaystyle y=g(t) with respect to \displaystyle t to find \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dt} |
| Step 2 | Differentiate \displaystyle x=f(t) with respect to \displaystyle t to find \displaystyle \frac{dx}{dt} |
| Step 3 | Divide \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dt} by \displaystyle \frac{dx}{dt} to obtain \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} |
| Second Derivative | \displaystyle \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=\frac{\frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)}{\frac{dx}{dt}} |
| Alternative Form | \displaystyle \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)=\frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)\frac{dt}{dx} |
| Caution | For the second derivative, do not simply divide \displaystyle \frac{d^2y}{dt^2} by \displaystyle \frac{d^2x}{dt^2}. First differentiate \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} with respect to \displaystyle t, then divide by \displaystyle \frac{dx}{dt} |
Maths Better Tip… Remember: in parametric differentiation, first differentiate both \displaystyle x and \displaystyle y with respect to \displaystyle t, then divide. For the second derivative, differentiate \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} with respect to \displaystyle t and divide once again by \displaystyle \frac{dx}{dt}.
Table 10: Continuity and Differentiability QRT – Second Order & Higher Derivatives
| Concept | Formula / Result |
|---|---|
| Second Derivative | If \displaystyle y=f(x), the second derivative is \displaystyle \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right) |
| Common Notations | The second derivative may be written as \displaystyle f''(x),\quad y'',\quad \frac{d^2y}{dx^2},\quad D^2y |
| Successive Differentiation | First find \displaystyle y', then differentiate \displaystyle y' again with respect to \displaystyle x to obtain \displaystyle y'' |
| Third Derivative | \displaystyle \frac{d^3y}{dx^3}=\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\right) |
| nth Derivative | The \displaystyle nth derivative is denoted by \displaystyle \frac{d^ny}{dx^n} or \displaystyle f^{(n)}(x) |
| Product: First Derivative | If \displaystyle y=uv, then \displaystyle y'=uv'+vu' |
| Product: Second Derivative | If \displaystyle y=uv, then \displaystyle y''=uv''+2u'v'+u''v |
| Parametric Second Derivative | If \displaystyle x=f(t),\ y=g(t), then \displaystyle \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=\frac{\frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)}{\frac{dx}{dt}} |
| Important Condition | For the parametric second derivative, \displaystyle \frac{dx}{dt}\ne0 is required at the point under consideration. |
| Constant Second Derivative | If \displaystyle y=ax^2+bx+c, then \displaystyle \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=2a |
| Linear Function | If \displaystyle y=ax+b, then \displaystyle \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=0 |
| Higher Derivatives | Higher derivatives are obtained successively: \displaystyle y',\ y'',\ y''',\ldots, by differentiating the preceding derivative. |
Maths Better Tip… Remember: the second derivative is simply the derivative of the first derivative. In parametric form, differentiate \displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} with respect to \displaystyle t and divide by \displaystyle \frac{dx}{dt}.
Quick Questions — Test Yourself
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Continue Your Revision
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📘 Continuity and Differentiability QRT – Class 12 Maths
10 Quick Revision Tables + Quick Q&A



