Prove: All Derivatives of f at 0 = 0 if Lim f(x)/x^n = 0 as x --> 0

In summary, the conversation discusses how to prove that all derivatives of a function at 0 are 0 if the function is infinitely continuously differentiable and f(0) = 0. The suggested approaches include using induction or Taylor expansion.
  • #1
stukbv
118
0

Homework Statement



if f is infinitely continuously differentiable and f(0) = 0 then prove that all derivatives of f at 0 are 0 iff lim f(x)/x^n = 0 as x --> 0

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I didnt know whether to use induction on this,
I tried a base case so said that f'(0)=0 iff lim (f(x)/x) = 0 as x--> 0
But then it gets messy..
Think i might be on the wrong lines.

Thanks a lot
 
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  • #2
Yes, induction should be the way to go here. Did you already prove the base case? It shouldn't be too hard...
 
  • #3
I don't think induction is the best approach. Try using the Taylor expansion of f instead.

EDIT: never mind, induction also works.
 
  • #4
ideasrule said:
I don't think induction is the best approach. Try using the Taylor expansion of f instead.

EDIT: never mind, induction also works.

If you do Taylor expansion then you necessarily need to do induction. Note that f doesn't necessarily equal it's Taylor series!
 
  • #5
Yeah i can do the base case and that's all proved etc but then i get stuck
 
  • #6
For the induction hypothesis, try to calculate

[tex]\frac{f(x)}{x^n}[/tex]

by taking the Taylor expansion at 0. This will help you to evaluate the limit.
 

FAQ: Prove: All Derivatives of f at 0 = 0 if Lim f(x)/x^n = 0 as x --> 0

What does this statement mean?

This statement is stating that if the limit of f(x)/x^n is equal to 0 as x approaches 0, then all derivatives of f at 0 are also equal to 0.

How does this statement relate to calculus?

This statement is a fundamental concept in calculus known as the derivative definition of a limit. It shows that if a function's limit exists at a point, then all of its derivatives also exist at that point.

Can you provide an example of a function that satisfies this statement?

One example is the function f(x) = x^2. As x approaches 0, the limit of f(x)/x^n is equal to 0 for any value of n. This means that all derivatives of f at 0 are also equal to 0, as stated in the statement.

Is this statement always true?

Yes, this statement is always true. It is a fundamental principle in calculus that is used to prove many other theorems and concepts.

How can this statement be proven?

This statement can be proven using the derivative definition of a limit, which states that the derivative of a function at a point is equal to the limit of the function as x approaches that point. By using this definition and the given conditions, it can be shown that all derivatives of f at 0 must equal 0.

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