Mvt differentiation proof question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the differentiability of the function g(x) = (x - x_0) * f(x) at the point x_0, where f is a continuous function at x_0. Participants are exploring the application of the Mean Value Theorem (MVT) and the definition of the derivative in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the continuity of f and its implications for differentiability. There are attempts to apply the MVT and Cauchy's MVT, but some participants question the validity of these applications given that f is only continuous. The definition of the derivative is also referenced, with participants considering how to express g's derivative using limits.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and suggestions on how to approach the proof. Some have proposed using the definition of the derivative directly, while others are attempting to manipulate the limit expressions for g. There is no explicit consensus yet, but various lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the continuity of f at x_0, and participants are navigating the implications of this continuity for the differentiability of g. The discussion includes considerations of one-sided derivatives and the limits involved in the proof.

transgalactic
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suppose f is a continues function on point x_0
prove that g(x)=(x-x_0)*f(x) differentiable on x_0??
calculate g'(x_0)

i tried to think like this:
if f(x) is continues on x_0 then lim f(x) as x->x_0 equals f(x_0)

mvt says f'(c)=[f(a)-f(b)]
cauchys mvt says f'(c)/g'(c)=[f(a)-f(b)]/[g(a)-g(b)]

??
 
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Obviously those mvt formula you wrote don't make sense a priori since f is only assumed continuous and not differentiable.

Try doing something with the definition of the derivative of g instead.
 
the definition of a derivative is
lim f(x)=[f(x+x_0) -f(x_0)]/[x-x_0]
as x->x_0

what should i do with it?
 
If you write that limit out for g, what do you get?
 
by definition if x->x_0
then the limit formula is
[g(x)-g(x_0)]/[x-x_0]

i only know this
but i don't know
what to do next?
how to combine things into a logical thing
that proves what it asks
 
Well, yes, this is the formula for the derivative of g at x_0, but you also know that

g(x)=(x-x_0)*f(x).

So what do you get when you substitute this expression into the definition of g'(x_0) and take the limit?
 
i did the definition of one sided derivative
[itex] g_ - '(x) = \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to x_0 - } \frac{{(x - x_0 )f'(x) - (x_0 - x_0 )f'(x)}}{{x - x_0 }} = \frac{{(x - x_0 )f(x)}}{{x - x_0 }} \\ [/itex]
[itex] g_ + '(x) = \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to x_0 + } \frac{{(x - x_0 )f'(x) - (x_0 - x_0 )f'(x)}}{{x - x_0 }} = \frac{{(x - x_0 )f(x)}}{{x - x_0 }} [/itex]

can i cut the numenaor and the denominator by x-x_0
and then each side will equal f(x)
so the limit is f(x_0) which is known that its continues so it equals from both side
so the limits equal

is this a correct proof.
 
Last edited:

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