Addition formula for f(x+y) using mean-value theorem

In summary: That looks right. You'll have to check for yourself and make sure it works. But it looks good to me.There is a way to do this question without considering E(b) itself. Did you get a chance to try this out?In summary, we are asked to find the addition formulae for f(x+y) and g(x+y) given that f and g are two differentiable functions with f(0)=0, g(0)=1 and f'(x)=g(x) and g'(x)=-f(x). We are then asked to compute F'(x) and F''(x) for a fixed y in R, and let E(x) = [F(x)]^2 +
  • #1
mathmathmad
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0

Homework Statement


suppose f and g are two differentiable functions with f(0)=0, g(0)=1 and f'(x)=g(x) and g'(x)=-f(x). For a fixed y in R put

F(x) = f(x+y) - f(x)f(y) - g(x)f(y)

Compute F'(x) and F''(x)
Then let

E(x) = [F(x)]^2 + [F'(x)]^2


Apply Mean Value Theorem to E and hence prove the addition formulae for f(x+y) and g(x+y)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I don't think what I've computed it correct, can anyone kindly please check?
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/5237/rimg0036.jpg
 
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  • #2
First thing I notice is that you take a derivative with respect to y in F'(x). You are holding y fixed... that is treat it like a constant. It is equivalent to taking the partial derivative w.r.t. x.

Hope this gets you somewhere.
 
  • #3
that's what I thought but I was unsure about it
does that mean f(y) and g(y) will be treated as constants?
and is it correct that derivative of [F(x)]^2 is 2F(x).F'(x)?
 
  • #4
Yes to all of the above :).
 
  • #5
I'm still stuck :( got loads of fs f's f''s with x y @_@ squares and all.. T_T
 
  • #6
mathmathmad said:
I'm still stuck :( got loads of fs f's f''s with x y @_@ squares and all.. T_T

Post your stuff. I'll take a look.
 
  • #7
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/3946/rimg0001m.jpg
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/5116/rimg0003a.jpg
it's messy though...
 
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  • #8
I would say everything looks great after the first page you posted.

Before getting started on the second page, have a look at the last line on your first page. You see the expression:

[tex] (F(c) + F''(c)) ?[/tex]

Using the fact that f'(x) = g(x) and g'(x) = -f(x), and considering your formulas on lines 1 and 3 of the first page, you should be able to simplify this expression considerably.

Once you move on from here, you should consider taking a = 0 for your MVT and then use your information about f(0) and g(0) to further simplify the problem.

Unfortunately, I have to run! Good luck :).
 
  • #9
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/5700/rimg0001.jpg
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/5554/rimg0002q.jpg

still stuck :(
 
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  • #10
You should be able to find (provided you follow the steps given above) that E(b) = 0. Are you able to get this?
 
  • #11
yeah.. so the addtion formula of f(x+y) = f(x)g(y) + f(y)g(x) right? =)
 

Related to Addition formula for f(x+y) using mean-value theorem

1. What is the mean-value theorem used for in the addition formula for f(x+y)?

The mean-value theorem is used to prove the existence of a specific value between two given points in a function. In the addition formula for f(x+y), it is used to show that the sum of two functions at a given point is equal to the sum of their individual values at two other points.

2. How is the mean-value theorem applied to the addition formula for f(x+y)?

The mean-value theorem is applied by first defining two functions, f(x) and g(x), and their sum, f(x+y). Then, the mean-value theorem is used to find the average rate of change of f(x+y) between two points, which is equal to the sum of the average rates of change of f(x) and g(x) between the same two points.

3. Can the mean-value theorem be used for any two functions in the addition formula for f(x+y)?

Yes, the mean-value theorem can be applied to any two functions in the addition formula for f(x+y), as long as the functions are continuous on the interval between the two points being considered.

4. Is the mean-value theorem necessary for the addition formula for f(x+y)?

No, the mean-value theorem is not necessary for the addition formula for f(x+y). It is only used to prove the formula and show that it holds true for any two continuous functions on a given interval.

5. How does the addition formula for f(x+y) relate to the addition formula for f(x) and f(y)?

The addition formula for f(x+y) is a generalization of the addition formula for f(x) and f(y). It shows that the sum of two functions at a given point is equal to the sum of their individual values at two other points. This can be seen as a combination of the addition formula for f(x) and the addition formula for f(y).

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