A proof about maximum point, critical point and differentiation

In summary, if $a$ is a local maximum point for a continuous function $f$ on a set $E\subset\mathbb{R}^n$, then either $f$ is differentiable at $a$ and $Df(a) = 0$, or $f$ is not differentiable at $a$. This means that for a global maximum point of $f$ on $E$, either it is a critical point of $f$ or an element of the boundary of $E$.
  • #1
i_a_n
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Let $E\subset\mathbb{R}^n$ and $f: E\rightarrow\mathbb{R}$ be a continuous function. Prove that if $a$ is a local maximum point for $f$, then either $f$ is differentiable at $x = a$ and $Df(a) = 0$ or $f$ is not differentiable at $x = a$. Deduce that if $f$ is differentiable on $E^o$, then a global maximum point of f is either a critical point of f or an element of $∂E$.It's a little bit about optimization but stil analysis. Well I have no idea about this question and I think I need a proof. Thank you!
 
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If a is the local maximum then

either f is differentiable at a, or its not.

if f is differentiable at a.

Then for a neighborhood $U$ containing a, f(x) = f(a) + Df(a)(x-a)

Since by def of local max, for any $\epsilon > 0$, |x-a|<$\epsilon$ implies
f(x) $\leq$ f(a).

f(a) + Df(a)|(x-a)| $\leq$ f(a) for a small neighborhood around a.

so Df(a)|x-a| $\leq $ 0, or Df(a) = 0.

If f is differentiable on the interior of a set $E$, and if there exists an open ball located in $E$ which contains the global max a, a type of local max, then i showed earlier Df(a) = 0 (thus a critical point). If there exists no such open ball which contains point a, it is in the closure of E.
 

FAQ: A proof about maximum point, critical point and differentiation

What is a maximum point in calculus?

A maximum point is a point on a graph where the function reaches its highest value. In other words, it is the peak or highest point on the graph.

What is a critical point?

A critical point is a point on a graph where the derivative of the function is equal to 0 or does not exist. This means that the slope of the function at that point is either flat or undefined.

How is differentiation related to maximum and critical points?

Differentiation is the process of finding the derivative of a function. The derivative can help us identify the maximum and critical points on a graph. The maximum point occurs when the derivative changes from positive to negative, and the critical point occurs when the derivative is equal to 0 or undefined.

Can a function have multiple maximum or critical points?

Yes, a function can have multiple maximum or critical points. This can occur when the function has multiple peaks or when the derivative changes from positive to negative or vice versa multiple times.

How can we use the derivative to find the maximum or critical points of a function?

We can use the derivative to find the maximum or critical points of a function by setting the derivative equal to 0 and solving for the x-value. This x-value will correspond to the critical point. Additionally, we can also use the second derivative test to determine if the critical point is a maximum or minimum point.

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