Limits, Differentiability, Continuity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the properties of differentiable functions, specifically addressing the implications of a discontinuous derivative at a point "a". It concludes that if a function f is differentiable at "a" but f' is discontinuous, then the one-sided limits of f' as x approaches a from both sides cannot exist simultaneously. This is supported by Theorem 7, which relates continuity and the existence of limits, and is further explored through Darboux's Theorem for part b of the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differentiability and continuity in calculus
  • Familiarity with Theorem 7 regarding limits and derivatives
  • Knowledge of Darboux's Theorem and its implications
  • Ability to construct proofs, including proof by contradiction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Theorem 7 in detail, focusing on its application to differentiability
  • Research Darboux's Theorem and its role in the context of discontinuous derivatives
  • Practice constructing proofs by contradiction in calculus
  • Explore examples of functions that are differentiable but have discontinuous derivatives
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, particularly those studying the properties of differentiable functions and their derivatives, as well as educators seeking to clarify these concepts in a teaching context.

mscbuck
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Homework Statement


Suppose that f is differentiable in some interval containing "a", but that [tex]f'[/tex] is discontinuous at a.

a.) The one-sided limits lim f'(x) as x[tex]\rightarrow[/tex] a+ and lim f'(x) as x[tex]\rightarrow[/tex]a- cannot both exist

b.)These one-sided limits cannot both exist even in the sense of being +Inf or -Inf


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



For a.), I think I shall begin trying to take a manipulation of Theorem 7 in our book, which states that if f is continuous at a, and that f'(x) exists for all x in some interval containing a (except for perhaps at x - a), and if the lim f'(x) as x--> a exists, then f'(a) exists and f'(a) = lim f'(x) as x-->a

Is that the right place to start looking for proving part a.)? It seems that it's saying many of the same things, except our problem states that f is NOT continuous at a, but is differnetiable in some interval that contains A. I see what it says just reading it, but having some trouble putting it down onto paper

For part b.) I was told to use Darboux's Theorem, but am having trouble figuring out what it can say to help me prove part B.

Thanks!
 
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Would a proof by contradiction work better? Could we suppose that f' is indeed continuous at a hopefully to find something? I'm trying right now but not really getting anywhere :/
 

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