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 and its derivatives as x approaches infinity, particularly under the assumption that the function has a horizontal asymptote. Participants express skepticism about the initial claim that both the first and second derivatives approach zero if the function approaches a constant. Counterexamples are proposed, including functions like arctan(x), which demonstrate that the limits of the derivatives do not necessarily exist or equal zero. The conversation emphasizes the importance of rigor in mathematical proofs and the need to clarify assumptions before proceeding with a proof. Overall, the complexity of the problem suggests it may be beyond the current understanding of some participants.
  • #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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