Prove the inverse function theorem

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on proving the inverse function theorem under specific conditions. It establishes that if f' exists and is continuous on an interval (a,b) with f'(x) ≠ 0, then f is one-to-one and onto an interval (c,d), making its inverse continuously differentiable on (c,d). The proof by contradiction confirms that if f is not one-to-one, f' must equal zero or change signs, leading to a contradiction. The second part of the discussion explores how the failure of the condition f'(x) ≠ 0 can lead to the inverse function not being continuous, emphasizing the relationship between the derivatives of f and its inverse. Overall, the discussion highlights the critical role of the derivative's non-zero condition in ensuring the continuity and differentiability of inverse functions.
wany
Messages
72
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Suppose that f' exists and is continuous on a nonempty, open interval (a,b) with f'(x) \neq 0 for all x \in (a,b).
I already proved that f is 1-1 on (a,b) and takes (a,b) onto some open interval (c,d).
(i)Show that f^{-1} is continuously differentiable on (c,d).
(ii)Using the function f(x)=x^3 show that (i) is false if the assumption f'(x) \neq 0 fails to hold for some x \in (a,b).

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Just to make sure to prove that f is 1-1 I did this through:
Proof by contradiction: suppose f is not 1-1 on (a,b)
therefore the slope must change signs or be 0 for some x in (a,b). So f' must be 0 or change signs. Since f' is continuous f' will =0 for some value. But this is a contradiction. So f has to be 1-1.
since f' exists on (a,b), f:(a,b) \rightarrow (c,d).(i)By definition, since f' is continuous on (a,b) then f is continuously differentiable on (a,b).
The Inverse Function Theorem let's us say since f' exists and is continuous on (a,b), that is for any x \in (a,b), f'(x)=y such that y \in (c,d).
Then from this can we say that f^{-1} is differentiable on (c,d) or is another step required, such that f is onto (c,d)?

(ii) so I am not sure how to do this but we must show that at some point the derivative of f=0 implies that the inverse of f will not be continuous.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


You need to relate (f^{-1})' to f' and use the properties of f'.
 


So by the inverse function theorem we know that (f^{-1})'(c)=\frac{1}{f'(a)}
assuming that c=f(a)
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K