Let function ƒ be Differentiable

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differentiability of a function ƒ and its implications under the Intermediate Value Theorem. A function g(x) is defined as g(x) = f(x) - x²/2, which is differentiable on the interval [0,1]. The derivative g'(x) is bounded by -1 ≤ g'(x) ≤ 1, demonstrating that even if f' is not continuous, it still adheres to the Intermediate Value Theorem due to Darboux's theorem. This theorem asserts that the derivative of a differentiable function, while potentially discontinuous, maintains certain properties akin to continuity.

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  • Understanding of the Intermediate Value Theorem
  • Familiarity with Darboux's theorem
  • Basic knowledge of calculus and function analysis
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  • Explore the implications of differentiability on function behavior
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sergey_le
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Homework Statement
Let function ƒ be Differentiable in the interval [0,1] so that 0≤f'(x)≤1 for all x in the interval [0,1].
Prove that there is a point x in [0,1] so that f'(x)=x.
Relevant Equations
Intermediate value theorem
What I've tried is:
I have defined a function g(x)=f(x)-x^2/2. g Differentiable in the interval [0,1] As a difference of function in the interval.
so -x≤g'(x)≤1-x for all x∈[0,1] than -1≤g'(x)≤0 or 0≤g'(x)≤1 .
Then use the Intermediate value theorem .
The problem is I am not given that f' is continuous
 
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Interesting problem. First, it looks like you need continuity to apply the intermediate value theorem, but in fact you don't. Here you know that ##f## is differentiable, so ##f'## is still 'sufficiently nice', in the following sense:

##f'## may be discontinuous, but it still satisfies the intermediate value theorem. This is known as Darboux's theorem. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darboux's_theorem_(analysis) for two short elementary proofs.
 
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Math_QED said:
Interesting problem. First, it looks like you need continuity to apply the intermediate value theorem, but in fact you don't. Here you know that ##f## is differentiable, so ##f'## is still 'sufficiently nice', in the following sense:

##f'## may be discontinuous, but it still satisfies the intermediate value theorem. This is known as Darboux's theorem. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darboux's_theorem_(analysis) for two short elementary proofs.
Thanks
 

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