Prove Derivatives of All Orders Exist for g(x)

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter sparkster
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derivative
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that all derivatives of the function g(x) = e^{-1/x} for x > 0 and g(x) = 9 for x ≤ 0 exist. The primary challenge arises at x = 0, where the limit of the difference quotient from the left is 0, while the right limit involves the expression (1/x^2)e^{-1/x}. The user initially struggles with the limit's existence but ultimately finds that applying l'Hôpital's rule confirms that the limit approaches zero as x approaches zero. This establishes that all derivatives exist at x = 0.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits and continuity in calculus.
  • Familiarity with l'Hôpital's rule for evaluating indeterminate forms.
  • Knowledge of exponential functions and their behavior near zero.
  • Basic principles of mathematical induction for proving derivative existence.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of l'Hôpital's rule in detail, particularly for limits involving exponential functions.
  • Explore the concept of differentiability and continuity at points of discontinuity.
  • Learn about mathematical induction techniques for proving properties of derivatives.
  • Investigate the behavior of functions defined piecewise, especially at transition points.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, calculus instructors, and anyone interested in advanced calculus concepts related to derivatives and limits.

sparkster
Messages
153
Reaction score
0
Let g(x)=e^{-\frac{1}{x}} for x > 0 and g(x)=9 for x \le 0. I want to prove that derivatives of all orders exist.

Now I know that the only possible problem is at 0. The limit of the difference quotient from the left is obviously going to be 0. The limit from the right is going to be \frac{1}{x^2}e^{-\frac{1}{x}}.

But I don't see how this limit exists.

edit: I just checked on maple and it says the limit as x->0 of the above derivative is undefined. What am I doing wrong?

Also, I figure I'm going to use induction to prove f^n, but I can't even get the case where n=1.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
x-2e-1/x=e-2ln(x)-1/x.

The exponent ->-oo, so the exponential goes to 0. This will be true for any inverse power of x as a coefficient.
 
ex-xian said:
Let g(x)=e^{-\frac{1}{x}} for x > 0 and g(x)=9 for x \le 0
edit: I just checked on maple and it says the limit as x->0 of the above derivative is undefined. What am I doing wrong?

Taking the limit from both sides, when the above expression is only the correct value for f one side.
 
mathman said:
x-2e-1/x=e-2ln(x)-1/x.

The exponent ->-oo, so the exponential goes to 0. This will be true for any inverse power of x as a coefficient.

Can you elaborate? As x goes to 0, -2ln(x)-1/x gives the indeterminate oo-oo. I don't see how to manipulate it to get -oo.

DeadWolfe said:
Taking the limit from both sides, when the above expression is only the correct value for f one side.
I already know the left side derivative is 0. I just need to show the right side is also 0.
 
-2ln(x)-1/x=(-2xln(x)-1)/x.
Since xln(x)->0 as x->0, my assertion follows.
 
\lim_{x\rightarrow 0}\frac{1}{x^2}e^{-\frac{1}{x}}

To evaluate this, let y=\frac{1}{x} and then you have

\lim_{x\rightarrow 0}\frac{1}{x^2}e^{-\frac{1}{x}}=\lim_{y\rightarrow \infty}y^2 e^{-y}=\lim_{y\rightarrow \infty}\frac{y^2}{ e^{y}}

Which I think you can see does go to zero. If you still need something even more solid, you can use l'Hopital's rule twice for the y limit
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K