Question about differentiability

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The discussion focuses on proving the differentiability of a function f at 0, given the condition |f(x)| ≤ x² for all x. The Squeeze Theorem is employed to establish that f'(0) = 0. The user successfully demonstrates that as h approaches 0, the limit of f(h)/h converges to 0, confirming that f is differentiable at 0 and that its derivative at this point is indeed 0.

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This discussion is beneficial for students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on differentiability and limit theorems. It is also useful for educators and tutors looking for examples of applying the Squeeze Theorem in proofs.

pc2-brazil
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I study Calculus by myself, and I tried to solve the following question.
I got the answer, but is my solution consistent?

Thank you in advance.

1. The problem statement
Let f be a function such that |f(x)| ≤ x² for every x. Show that f is differentiable in 0 and that f'(0) = 0.

2. Relevant theorems
I used the Squeeze Theorem, as suggested by the book I'm using. This theorem states the following: "Suppose the functions f, g and h are defined in an open interval I containing a, except possibly at a, and that f(x) ≤ g(x) ≤ h(x) for every x in I such that x ≠ a. If the limits of both f(x) and h(x) as x approaches a exist and equal L, then the limit of g(x) as x approaches a also exists and equals L.".

The Attempt at a Solution


If [tex]|f(x)| \leq x^2[/tex], then
[tex]-x^2 \leq f(x) \leq x^2[/tex] (1)
Derivative of f at 0:
[tex]f'(0)=\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{f(0+h) - f(0)}{h}[/tex]
But, from (1), we see that f(0) = 0, so this derivative becomes:
[tex]f'(0)=\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{f(h)}{h}[/tex] (2)
From (1), assuming h is approaching zero from positive values:
[tex]-h^2 \leq f(h) \leq h^2[/tex]
[tex]-h \leq \frac{f(h)}{h} \leq h[/tex]
From the Squeeze Theorem, we see that, since the limits of [tex]h[/tex] and [tex]-h[/tex] as h approaches 0 exist and equal 0, then
[tex]\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{f(h)}{h} = 0[/tex]
Substituting this limit in (2), we see that [tex]f'(0)=0[/tex], as desired.
 
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Yep, it's correct.
 
losiu99 said:
Yep, it's correct.
Thank you for confirming.
 

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