Understanding a proof of inexistence of max nor min

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the proof of the non-existence of local maximum or minimum values for a specific function defined on the interval [0, ∞). Participants explore the conditions under which a function may fail to attain extreme values at critical points, particularly focusing on the behavior of the function at the endpoint x=0.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the function defined as ##f(x)=\begin{cases}{x\sin{\left(\dfrac{1}{x}\right)}}&\text{if}& x>0\\0 & \text{if}& x=0\end{cases}## is continuous on ##[0,\infty)## and differentiable on ##(0,\infty)##, but lacks local maximum or minimum at x=0.
  • Another participant suggests that the proof could benefit from more specific details, particularly regarding the values of ##f(y_n)## and ##f(x_n)## in relation to ##f(0)##.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the proof's logic, particularly the step involving the choice of ##n_h## and its implications for the conditions defining local extrema.
  • One participant points out a potential typo in the inequality related to the choice of ##n_h##, suggesting it may complicate understanding the proof.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the continuity and differentiability of the function but express differing levels of understanding regarding the proof's steps and implications. There is no consensus on the clarity of the proof or the correctness of the inequalities presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for clearer explanations of the mathematical steps involved in the proof, particularly regarding the conditions for local extrema and the implications of the inequalities used.

mcastillo356
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TL;DR
I've got a proof of the inexistence of a local maximum value nor a local minimum value at the origin of coordinates for a certain function, and need advice to understand it
Although a function cannot have extreme values anywhere other than at endpoints, critical points, and singular points, it need not have extreme values at such points. It is more difficult to draw the graph of a function whose domain has an endpoint at which the function fails to have an extreme value
A function with no max or min at an endpoint. Let
##f(x)=\begin{cases}{x\sin{\left(\dfrac{1}{x}\right)}}&\text{if}& x>0\\0 & \text{if}& x=0\end{cases}##
Show that ##f## is continuous on ##[0,\infty)## and differentiable on ##(0,\infty)## but it has neither a local maximum nor a local minimum value at the endpoint ##x=0##
I've already proven it is continuous on ##[0,\infty)## and differentiable on ##(0,\infty)##, and here is the proof that it has not loc min or loc max:
Background
A function ##f## has not a maximum local value ##f(x_0)## at ##x_0## in its domain if for all ##h>0## can always be found ##x\in{\mathfrak{D}(f)}##, such that ##|x-x_0|<h## and ##f(x)>f(x_0)##
A function ##f## has not a minimum local value ##f(x_1)## at ##x_1## in its domain if for all ##h>0## can always be found ##x\in{\mathfrak{D}(f)}##, such that ##|x-x_1|<h## and ##f(x)<f(x_1)##
##x_n=\dfrac{1}{\dfrac{\pi}{2}+2\pi\;n}##
##y_n=\dfrac{1}{-\dfrac{\pi}{2}+2\pi\;n}##
Proof I don't understand:

For all ##n \in \mathbb{N}## we have ##x_n > 0## and ##y_n > 0## , therefore ##x_n , y_n \in [0,+\infty)##.
Let ##h > 0## .Exists one ##n_h \in \mathbb{N}## such that ##n_h > \dfrac{1}{h}## . Then for all ##n \geq n_h## we have:
##n \geq n_h > h##. Then ##x_n < \dfrac{1}{n} \leq \dfrac{1}{n_h} < h## and ##y_n < \dfrac{1}{n} \leq \dfrac{1}{n_h} < h##
No matter how small is ##h## we have ##f(y_n) < f(0) < f(x_n)## . And is proven that ##f(0)## cannot be maximum nor minimum.
 
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There could be more specific detail in the end of the proof. Like:
##f(y_n) = -y_n \lt 0 =f(0) \lt x_n = f(x_n)##
What part do you not understand?
 
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I have actually proven it, based on the same basis. I know eventually ##f(y_n)<f(0)<f(x_n)##, but in a Spanish math forum I stumbled across this algebra. This proof is smarter than mine, shorter, direct, but incomprehensible

For all ##n \in \mathbb{N}## we have ##x_n > 0## and ##y_n > 0## , therefore ##x_n , y_n \in [0,+\infty)##.
Right
Let ##h > 0## .Exists one ##n_h \in \mathbb{N}## such that ##n_h > \dfrac{1}{h}## . Then for all ##n \geq n_h## we have:
##n \geq n_h > h##. Then ##x_n < \dfrac{1}{n} \leq \dfrac{1}{n_h} < h## and ##y_n < \dfrac{1}{n} \leq \dfrac{1}{n_h} < h##
This quote is imposible for me to understand. How does it fit the conditions of
mcastillo356 said:
A function ##f## has not a maximum local value ##f(x_0)## at ##x_0## in its domain if for all ##h>0## can always be found ##x\in{\mathfrak{D}(f)}##, such that ##|x-x_0|<h## and ##f(x)>f(x_0)##
A function ##f## has not a minimum local value ##f(x_1)## at ##x_1## in its domain if for all ##h>0## can always be found ##x\in{\mathfrak{D}(f)}##, such that ##|x-x_1|<h## and ##f(x)<f(x_1)##

No matter how small is ##h## we have ##f(y_n) < f(0) < f(x_n)## . And is proven that ##f(0)## cannot be maximum nor minimum.
Right
 
From post #1:
mcastillo356 said:
A function ##f## has not a maximum local value ##f(x_0)## at ##x_0## in its domain if for all ##h>0## can always be found ##x\in{\mathfrak{D}(f)}##, such that ##|x-x_0|<h## and ##f(x)>f(x_0)##
mcastillo356 said:
Right
Let ##h > 0## .Exists one ##n_h \in \mathbb{N}## such that ##n_h > \dfrac{1}{h}## . Then for all ##n \geq n_h## we have:
##n \geq n_h > h##. Then ##x_n < \dfrac{1}{n} \leq \dfrac{1}{n_h} < h## and ##y_n < \dfrac{1}{n} \leq \dfrac{1}{n_h} < h##
This inequality seems to have a typo in it: ##n \geq n_h > h##, and likely should be ##n \geq n_h > \frac 1 h##. The inequality as stated is certainly true, but makes the subsequent work harder to understand.
 
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Thanks, PF!
 

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