Why does it work only when h tends to zero?

  • Thread starter mpx86
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Work Zero
In summary, the conversation discusses finding a function that when increased by a constant h at x, results in a function that is x times its original value at x. This is achieved by using the shift operator E and differential operator D. The conversation also touches on the use of Taylor series and the definition of derivatives. It is noted that the function only yields the correct answer when h tends to zero, most likely due to the definition of derivatives. However, there may be other factors at play and the answer may not be complete as it is not from a textbook.
  • #1
mpx86
10
0
why does it work only when h tends to zero?

[itex]\hat{}\[\begin{array}{l}
f(x + h) = xf(x)\\
Ef(x) = xf(x)\\
E = x\\
\ln E = hD\\
\ln x = hD\\
f(x) = y\\
y\ln x = hDy\\
y\ln x = h\frac{{dy}}{{dx}}\\
\int {} \ln xdx = h\int {} dy/y\\
x\log x/e = h\ln y + \ln c\\
x\log x/e = h\ln y/C\\
(x/h)\ln x/e = \ln y/C\\
C(x/e)\frac{{x/h}}{1} = y = f(x)\\
f(x + h) = C((x + h)/e)\frac{{(x + h)/h}}{1}\\
f(x + h)/f(x) = (((x + h)/e)\frac{{(x + h)/h}}{1})/(x/e)\frac{{x/h}}{1}\\
f(x + h)/f(x) = ((x + h)/x)\frac{{x/h}}{1})*((x + h)/e)\\
f(x + h)/f(x) = (1 + h/x)\frac{{x/h}}{1}*((x + h)/e)\\
\mathop {\lim }\limits_{h \to 0} f(x + h)/f(x) = \mathop {\lim }\limits_{h \to 0} e*((x + h)/e)\\
\mathop {\lim }\limits_{h \to 0} f(x + h)/f(x) = \mathop {\lim }\limits_{h \to 0} (x + h)\\
\mathop {\lim }\limits_{h \to 0} f(x + h)/f(x) = x\\
\\

\end{array}\][/itex]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
f(x+h)/f(x)=x only when h tends to zero
however shouldn't it work for any value of h as it wasnt assumed that h was zero in the first step ...
where is the problem?
 
  • #3
What are you trying to do?
 
  • #4
PURPOSE
to find a function such that when it is increased by h(Constant) at x it becomes x times it value at x

E and D
E is shift operator such that Ef(x)=f(x+h) , E^2 f(x)=f(x+2h) and so on s.t. E^nf(x)=f(x+nh)
D is differtial operator that is d/dx...

STEP 4

using taylors series

e^hD= E

i am asking why does it yields correct answer only when h tends to zero ...we haven't assumed it to be tending to zero in our initial assumption... why does it yields h tending to zero at the end...

i thing it is due to defination of derivatives (which we have used in our derivation) which has been defined for h tending to zero... besides it just doesn't look like the complete answer... this is a question done by me and is not written in any textbook (yielding more chances for error)...
 

1. Why is the concept of "limit" important in understanding why something works only when h tends to zero?

The concept of "limit" is important because it allows us to approach a certain value or point without actually reaching it. This is crucial in understanding why something works only when h tends to zero because h cannot actually equal zero, but we can get infinitely close to it. The limit helps us understand the behavior of a function as it approaches a certain value, in this case, zero.

2. How does the concept of "limit" relate to the behavior of a function as h tends to zero?

The concept of "limit" is directly related to the behavior of a function as h tends to zero. This is because the limit allows us to analyze the behavior of a function as it approaches a certain value, in this case, zero. By taking the limit as h tends to zero, we can determine if the function is continuous, has a discontinuity, or exhibits other types of behavior at that point.

3. Why is it important to specify that h tends to zero, rather than just being equal to zero?

It is important to specify that h tends to zero because this indicates that we are approaching the value of zero, but not actually reaching it. This is crucial in understanding why something works only when h tends to zero because h cannot actually equal zero in many mathematical equations. By specifying that h tends to zero, we can still understand the behavior of the function as it gets infinitely close to zero.

4. How does the concept of "limit" apply to real-world applications?

The concept of "limit" can be applied to real-world applications in many ways. For example, in physics, we use limits to study the behavior of a system as it approaches certain values, such as the speed of light or the speed of sound. In engineering, limits are often used to determine the maximum load a structure can withstand. In finance, limits are used to analyze the behavior of a stock as it approaches a certain value. Overall, the concept of "limit" helps us understand the behavior of a system as it approaches a specific value or point.

5. Can we ever truly reach the limit of a function as h tends to zero?

No, we can never truly reach the limit of a function as h tends to zero because taking the limit means approaching a value, but not actually reaching it. This is the fundamental principle of limits - we can get infinitely close to a certain value, but we can never actually reach it. Therefore, h can approach zero, but it can never actually equal zero in most mathematical equations.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
338
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
942
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
788
  • Calculus
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top