Can l'Hopital's Rule Be Generalized for Differentiable Maps Between Manifolds?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of a generalization for l'Hopital's Rule in analysis for differentiable maps between differentiable manifolds. The participants consider the definition of division between two functions and propose a potential identity for it. They also suggest a limit formula for the generalization of l'Hopital's Rule.
  • #1
Mandelbroth
611
24
I had a wild thought.

Out of curiosity, is anyone aware of a kind of generalization for l'Hopital's Rule from analysis for differentiable maps between differentiable manifolds? I'm having trouble formulating if I could do it or not, because (as far as I know), if I have ##f,g:M\to N##, with ##f## and ##g## differentiable and ##M## and ##N## differentiable, ##f(x)/g(x)## is not, in general, defined.

Again, I don't know if it can be generalized. Ideas are certainly welcome, since I'll probably be stuck thinking about it until I prove something does work or doesn't work.
 
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  • #2
Maybe there's something like:

[itex]\lim_{x\rightarrow 0} \frac{||f(x)||}{||g(x)||} = \frac{||\nabla f(0)||}{||\nabla g(0)||}[/itex]

But it's just a guess, I didn't confirm this.
Anyway, you can't define division between two functions unless they are scalars, obviously.

Edit: Well, you can define some sort of division but it wouldn't be like the case we know from calculus.
 
  • #3
It seems to me that the next identity should be fulfilled.

If ##f(x_1,\cdots , x_m)=(f_1,\cdots, f_n)## and ##g(x_1,\cdots,x_m)=(g_1,\cdots,g_n)##, then:

##||f||/||g|| = \sqrt{f^2_1+\cdots+f^2_n}/\sqrt{g^2_1+\cdots + g^2_n}##

Now it seems to me to be plausible that:
##\lim_{x\to 0} ||f||/||g|| = \frac{\sqrt{(grad \ f_1)^2+\cdots + (grad \ f_n )^2}}{\sqrt{(grad \ g_1)^2+\cdots + (grad \ g_n )^2}}(at \ x=0)##
 

FAQ: Can l'Hopital's Rule Be Generalized for Differentiable Maps Between Manifolds?

What is l'Hopital's Rule?

L'Hopital's Rule is a mathematical rule that helps to evaluate limits of indeterminate forms by using derivatives. It was developed by the French mathematician Guillaume de l'Hopital in the 17th century.

What is an indeterminate form?

An indeterminate form is a mathematical expression in which the limit cannot be determined just by plugging in the values of the variables. Examples of indeterminate forms include 0/0, ∞/∞, and 0*∞.

When can l'Hopital's Rule be applied?

L'Hopital's Rule can only be applied when the limit of an indeterminate form is in the form of 0/0 or ∞/∞. It cannot be used for other types of limits.

What is the process for using l'Hopital's Rule?

To use l'Hopital's Rule, the original limit must be rewritten as a fraction with the numerator and denominator both in terms of x. Then, take the derivative of both the numerator and denominator and evaluate the limit again. This process can be repeated if necessary.

Are there any limitations to using l'Hopital's Rule?

Yes, there are several limitations to using l'Hopital's Rule. It can only be used for certain types of indeterminate forms and it may not always give the correct answer. Additionally, it cannot be used for limits that involve trigonometric functions or logarithmic functions.

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