Solving L'Hospital's Rule Homework on f(x)+f'(x)=L

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a differentiable function f on the interval (0, ∞) and the limit of the sum of the function and its derivative as x approaches infinity. Participants explore the implications of the limit condition and the hint provided regarding the function's form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss applying L'Hospital's Rule to the expression involving f(x) and its derivative. There are attempts to manipulate the function into a suitable form for analysis, but some express confusion regarding the hint and its implications. Questions arise about the nature of f(x) and its behavior as it approaches the limits.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing various interpretations and approaches. Some have suggested using L'Hospital's Rule, while others question the validity of the hint and the assumptions about the function's behavior. There is no clear consensus, but several lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constraints of the problem, including the differentiability of f and the specific limit conditions. There is also mention of the need for clarity in the problem statement and the use of LaTeX for mathematical expressions.

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Homework Statement


Given f is differentiable on (0,\infty)
Given lim_{x->\infty} [f(x)+f'(x)]=L
S.T lim f(x)=L and lim f'(x)=0
Hint f(x)=e^{x}f(x)/e^{x}


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


A Lim _{x->\infty} [f(x)+f'(x)]=L
Then for some \epsilon>0
|f(x)+f'(x)-L|<\epsilon


Tried different approaches by substituting for f(x) and f'(x) based on the hint. But did not help. I tried to get it to a L/infinity form so f'(x)=0 but could not.
 
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Use l'hopital rule on f(x) = [e^xf(x)] / e^x
 
its unclear what you're actually asking. f(x)=exp(x)*f(x)*exp(-x) makes no sense to me.

i'd try proof by contradiction and show all such conditions cannot hold.

lets say f(x) is merely an increasing function,
(1) is it possible that a bounded f(x) has nonzero slope everywhere?
(2) is it possible that an unbounded f(x) eventually has zero slope?

[edit: oh okay yeah, use the hint.]
 
Last edited:
rapple said:

Homework Statement


Given f is differentiable on (0,\infty)
Given lim_{x-&gt;\infty} [f(x)+f'(x)]=L
S.T lim f(x)=L and lim f'(x)=0
Hint f(x)=e^{x}f(x)/e^{x}


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


A Lim _{x-&gt;\infty} [f(x)+f'(x)]=L
Then for some \epsilon>0
|f(x)+f'(x)-L|<\epsilon


Tried different approaches by substituting for f(x) and f'(x) based on the hint. But did not help. I tried to get it to a L/infinity form so f'(x)=0 but could not.

Just a side note, you do not have to use separate wraps for Latex, simply use one so that we can understand it better =]
 
JG89 said:
Use l'hopital rule on f(x) = [e^xf(x)] / e^x

How?

I can see that x->infinity, e^xf(x)/e^x is of the infinity . limx->inf f(x)/infinity. Since we don't know anything about f(x) except it s continuous and differentiable on (0,infnty), can i make the conclusion that it is not= 0 hence is of the infnty/infnty form.
Proceeding with that thought:
lim x->infnty f'(x)= limx->infnty [(e^xf(x) +e^x)f'(x))/e^x]. Now this is infnty . L/infnty form. What do I do after.I can see that lim x->infnty f'(x) Not=L but how do I show it is 0.
 

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