Limiting formula for differentiable function

In summary, the limiting formula for a differentiable function describes how the derivative of a function at a point can be defined as the limit of the average rate of change of the function as the interval approaches zero. Mathematically, this is expressed as \( f'(a) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(a+h) - f(a)}{h} \), where \( f'(a) \) represents the derivative at point \( a \). This concept is fundamental in calculus and provides a precise way to understand how functions change at specific points.
  • #1
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Homework Statement
Please see below
Relevant Equations
Please see below
For this problem and solution,
1718654014506.png


I'm confused how ##x \in (c - \delta, c + \delta)## is the same as ##0 <| x - c| <\delta##.


I think it is the same as ##c - \delta < x < c + \delta## which we break into parts ##c - \delta < x \implies \delta > -(x - c)## and ##x < c + \delta \implies x - c < \delta##. Thus recombining the two inequalities using the definition of absolute value we get ##| x - c| < \delta## don't we please?

Thanks for any help!
 
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  • #2
ChiralSuperfields said:
Homework Statement: Please see below
Relevant Equations: Please see below

I'm confused how x∈(c−δ,c+δ) is the same as 0<|x−c|<δ.
[tex]c-\delta<x<c+\delta[/tex]
[tex]-\delta<x-c<\delta[/tex]
1718684755906.png
 
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  • #3
anuttarasammyak said:
[tex]c-\delta<x<c+\delta[/tex]
[tex]-\delta<x-c<\delta[/tex]View attachment 347061
Thank you for your reply @anuttarasammyak !

But ain't [tex]c-\delta<x<c+\delta[/tex] same as ##| x - c| <\delta##?

Thanks!
 
  • #4
ChiralSuperfields said:
But ain't c−δ<x<c+δ same as |x−c|<δ?
Do you observe that from c−δ<x<c+δ,
[tex]-\delta<x-c<\delta[/tex]
by adding -c to all the terms ?
 
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  • #5
anuttarasammyak said:
Do you observe that from c−δ<x<c+δ,
[tex]-\delta<x-c<\delta[/tex]
by adding -c to all the terms ?
Thank you, yes!
 
  • #6
[itex]|x - c| < \delta[/itex] means that [itex]x[/itex] is at most [itex]\delta[/itex] away from [itex]c[/itex]. Thus, [itex]c - \delta < x < c + \delta[/itex]. Of course it also means that [itex]c[/itex] is at most [itex]\delta[/itex] away from [itex]x[/itex], so that [itex]x - \delta< c < x + \delta[/itex].
 
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  • #7
Notice , for ##x \neq 0##, ##|x|>0##. So you're only excluding the option ##x=c##.
 
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FAQ: Limiting formula for differentiable function

What is a limiting formula for a differentiable function?

A limiting formula for a differentiable function describes the behavior of a function as it approaches a particular point. It is often expressed using the definition of the derivative, which states that the derivative of a function at a point is the limit of the average rate of change of the function as the interval approaches zero.

How is the limit used to define the derivative of a function?

The derivative of a function f at a point x is defined as the limit: f'(x) = lim (h → 0) [(f(x + h) - f(x)) / h]. This formula captures the instantaneous rate of change of the function at that point, provided the limit exists.

What conditions must a function meet to be differentiable at a point?

For a function to be differentiable at a point, it must be continuous at that point, and the limit that defines the derivative must exist. This means that the left-hand limit and the right-hand limit of the difference quotient must both approach the same value as h approaches zero.

Can a function be continuous but not differentiable?

Yes, a function can be continuous at a point but not differentiable there. A classic example is the absolute value function f(x) = |x| at x = 0. It is continuous at that point, but the derivative does not exist because the slope of the tangent line approaches different values from the left and right.

What is the significance of the differentiability of a function?

Differentiability is significant because it implies that a function has a well-defined tangent line at a point, which means it can be locally approximated by a linear function. Additionally, differentiability indicates that the function behaves smoothly without any sharp corners or discontinuities in the vicinity of that point.

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