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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the limits of a function \( f(x) \) and its derivatives \( f'(x) \) and \( f''(x) \) as \( x \) approaches infinity, particularly in the context of horizontal asymptotes. Participants explore whether the assumption that \( \lim_{x \to \infty} f'(x) = \lim_{x \to \infty} f''(x) = 0 \) holds true under certain conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of having a horizontal asymptote and question the validity of the original poster's assumptions. There is mention of looking for counterexamples to challenge the initial claim, and some participants express skepticism about the assertion that the limits of the derivatives approach zero.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have suggested looking for counterexamples, while others have pointed out potential misunderstandings regarding the original question. There is no clear consensus, and the discussion remains open-ended with multiple lines of reasoning being examined.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need to clarify the conditions under which the limits are being discussed, and some express uncertainty about the mathematical foundations required to address the problem effectively. There are references to specific functions and their behaviors at infinity, as well as the limitations of certain mathematical tools like L'Hôpital's rule and Taylor series in this context.

  • #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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