Proving limit of f(x), f'(x) and f"(x) as x approaches infinity

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The discussion centers on proving the limits of a function \( f(x) \), its first derivative \( f'(x) \), and second derivative \( f''(x) \) as \( x \) approaches infinity, particularly under the condition that \( \lim_{x \to \infty} f(x) = k \). Participants emphasize the necessity of counterexamples to validate or invalidate the original claim, with specific functions like \( f(x) = \frac{1}{x} \sin(x^2) \) and \( f(x) = \arctan(x) \) being discussed. The conclusion drawn is that if \( \lim_{x \to \infty} f(x) = k \) and \( \lim_{x \to \infty} f'(x) = b \), then \( b \) must equal zero.

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  • #31
WWGD said:
Maybe this could move things forward:
Try the mvt with a Telescope:
Find the least integer a' larger than a. Then use
##\Sigma f(a+1)-f(a)=\Sigma f'(a_*) ; a_*\in (a, a+1) ## , etc.( Since ##f## is assumed differentliable in ## ( a, \infty)) ##That would show , by properties of Telescopes, since f' is finite, thst the nth term goes to 0. A similar idea for
I'd appreciate a basis for your doubt Is it not the case that

##Lim _{x \rightarrow \infty} \Sigma_{j=1}^{\infty} (a_{j+1} -a_j) = a_1 - lim_{ j \rightarrow \infty} a_j ##,
which in our case equals ## f(1)- Lim_{ n \rightarrow \infty} f'(x_n)? ##, which converges iff the sequence ##f_n:= f'(x_n) ; x_n:=(a +n) ## converges, or do you oppose it on a different basis?
 
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  • #32
@WWGD that only constructs a single unbounded sequence of points for which the derivative converges to zero. How do you handle the rest of them?
 
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  • #33
Office_Shredder said:
@WWGD that only constructs a single unbounded sequence of points for which the derivative converges to zero. How do you handle the rest of them?
I agree; it was just an idea for a path ahead to show ##Lim_{x \infty}f'(x)=0 ##. I'm working on the details, using sequential continuity , given ##f \in C^2(a, \infty) ##. But maybe I should have been explicit that it was not intented as a worked solution.
 
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