Differantiation proof question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a limit expression related to the second derivative of a function, specifically focusing on the differentiability of the function at a point x_0. The problem involves understanding the correct formulation of the limit that defines the second derivative.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definition of the derivative and its application to the function f. There are attempts to clarify the correct limit expression for the second derivative, with some participants questioning the original formulation provided. Others suggest using different forms of the derivative definition and consider the implications of differentiability.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various interpretations of the limit and derivative definitions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct limit to use, and there is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to the proof without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are conflicting views on the limit's formulation, with some insisting it should approach zero rather than infinity. Additionally, there is a mention of the need for clarity regarding the definition of g'(x_0) in the context of differentiability.

transgalactic
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f(x) is differentiable twice at x_0
prove that:

<br /> f&#039;&#039;(x_0 ) = \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to \infty } {{f(x_0 + h) - 2f(x_0 ) + f(x_0 - h)} \over {h^2 }}<br />
 
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If g(x) is differentiable at x_0, what is the definition of g'(x_0) ?
Now apply this to g := f'.
 


transgalactic said:
f(x) is differentiable twice at x_0
prove that:

<br /> f&#039;&#039;(x_0 ) = \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to \infty } {{f(x_0 + h) - 2f(x_0 ) + f(x_0 - h)} \over {h^2 }}<br />

The limit should be as h approaches 0. You have it as x approaches \infty, which makes no sense, and besides, x doesn't even appear in the limit expression.
 
this is the correct function:
<br /> <br /> f&#039;&#039;(x_0 ) = \mathop {\lim }\limits_{h \to \infty } {{f(x_0 + h) - 2f(x_0 ) + f(x_0 - h)} \over {h^2 }}<br /> <br />

i don't know what means g'(x_0)
if g(x) is differentiable at x_0
??
 
transgalactic said:
this is the correct function:
<br /> <br /> f&#039;&#039;(x_0 ) = \mathop {\lim }\limits_{h \to \infty } {{f(x_0 + h) - 2f(x_0 ) + f(x_0 - h)} \over {h^2 }}<br /> <br />
No it's still not the correct function... the limit should be h \to 0 and not h \to \infty.

i don't know what means g'(x_0)
if g(x) is differentiable at x_0
??

Come on, you should know the definition of the derivative! Look it up in your textbook if you need to.

Have you never seen the justification for the definition (with the first order approximation of the function and stuff)?
 
i know tailor series approximations but its not telling
what means g'(x_0)
if g(x) is differentiable at x_0
??
 
Surely you have seen

g&#039;(x_0) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{g(x_0 + h) - g(x_0)}{h}
or equivalently
g&#039;(x_0) = \lim_{x \to x_0} \frac{g(x) - g(x_0)}{|x - x_0|}
?
 
its a proof for a differentiability of a functions
so if its differential twice at point x_0 then

<br /> f&#039;&#039;(x_0) = \lim_{x \to x_0} \frac{f&#039;(x) - f&#039;(x_0)}{|x - x_0|}<br />
and i input f'(x_0) expression
 
You better use the other one (with h) :P
 
  • #10
i tried to solve it but i can't get to the asked expression
<br /> g&#039;(x_0) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{g(x_0 + h) - g(x_0)}{h}\\<br />
<br /> g&#039;&#039;(x_0) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{g&#039;(x_0 + h) - g&#039;(x_0)}{h}\\<br />
<br /> g&#039;&#039;(x_0) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{\frac{g(x_0 + 2h) - g(x_0+h)}{h} - \frac{g(x_0 + h) - g(x_0)}{h}}{h}\\<br />
<br /> g&#039;&#039;(x_0) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{{g(x_0 + 2h) - g(x_0+h)} - {g(x_0 + h) - g(x_0)}}{h^2}\\<br />
<br /> g&#039;&#039;(x_0) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{{g(x_0 + 2h) - 2g(x_0+h)} { - g(x_0)}}{h^2}\\<br />
??
 
  • #11
It is also true that the derivative can be calculated as
g&#039;(x_0)= \lim_{h\rightarrow 0}\frac{g(x_0+ h/2)- g(x_0- h/2)}{h}
(this is the "centered" formula)_
Try using that.
 
  • #12
It seems to me a more direct (and easy) method for tackling this problem involves applying L'Hôpital's Rule: the top approaches 0 as h approaches 0, as does the bottom. We know f is differentiable, so differentiate the top and bottom with respect to h. We can now consider the following limit (if it exists):

\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{f&#039;(x_{0}+h) - f&#039;(x_{0}-h)}{2h}

As f is twice differentiable, and we have both numerator and denominator approaching 0, we can apply L'Hôpital's Rule again to end with:

\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{f&#039;&#039;(x_{0}+h) + f&#039;&#039;(x_{0}-h)}{2}

which exists and equals f''(x0).
 

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