can't solve this one

[pdzd]

Let f: R -> R be a differentiable function given by
f(x) = ax + b, if x ∈ (-∞, 0]
f(x) = x³ + x² - 5x + 1, if x ∈ (0, ∞)
The value of a + b is

 

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[topsquark]

Let f: R -> R be a differentiable function given by
f(x) = ax + b, if x ∈ (-∞, 0]
f(x) = x³ + x² - 5x + 1, if x ∈ (0, ∞)
The value of a + b is

Hint: If it's differentiable then what do we know about the derivative of f(x) at x = 0?

-Dan

 

[Steven G]

The function must be continuous at x=0 and the left side derivative must equal the right side derivative.