Proving a function is differetiable in R

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In summary, f(x) is a differentiable function in R with a derivative of |x-y|. This is shown by the inequality | f(x) - f(y) | \leq |x-y|^2 \forall x,y \in \Re, which implies that the limit of the function as x -> y exists. Additionally, differentiability implies continuity, as shown using the epsilon-delta definition of limit with epsilon=delta. However, derivatives are not always positive, as shown by the example of y=-x.
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Simfish
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f(x) is a function with...

[tex]| f(x) - f(y) | \leq |x-y|^2 \forall x,y \in \Re [/tex]

(a) prove differentiability in R, find f'
(b) prove f continuous

====

my steps;

(a) [tex]\frac{| f(x) - f(y) |}{|x-y|} \leq |x-y|[/tex]

Then by the definition of differentiability as stated in Apostol "Mathematica Analysis pg. 104, f is differentiable if the limit of the function as x -> y exists.

So by the inequality, as x -> y, we know that the limit is bounded and therefore must exist. The value of the limit is simply |x-y|, so is that always the derivative of the function? (or could it be |x|)? Since the derivative, after all, must always be positive?

(b) differentiability implies continuity
 
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Using epsilon-delta definition of limit, let epsilon=delta to show the limit of f(x)-f(y)/(x-y) is zero. that is as x goes to y.

derivatives aren't always positive. consider y=-x.

(-1)^n n a natural number is bounded but has no limit.
 
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FAQ: Proving a function is differetiable in R

What does it mean for a function to be differentiable in R?

For a function to be differentiable in R, it means that it has a derivative at every point in its domain. This means that the function is smooth and has a tangent line at every point, allowing us to measure how the function changes at that point.

How can I prove that a function is differentiable in R?

To prove that a function is differentiable in R, we need to show that the limit of the difference quotient, also known as the derivative, exists at every point in the function's domain. This can be done using the definition of differentiability, or by using the differentiability rules such as the sum, product, and quotient rules.

Are all continuous functions differentiable in R?

No, not all continuous functions are differentiable in R. While all differentiable functions are also continuous, the converse is not always true. There are functions that are continuous at every point but do not have a derivative at certain points, making them not differentiable in R.

Can a function be differentiable at a point but not on an interval?

Yes, a function can be differentiable at a point but not on an interval. This means that the function has a derivative at that specific point, but it may not be differentiable on the entire interval due to discontinuities or sharp changes in the function.

How is differentiability related to smoothness of a function?

Differentiability and smoothness of a function are closely related. A differentiable function is also smooth, meaning it has a continuous derivative. However, a smooth function may not necessarily be differentiable if the derivative does not exist at certain points. In other words, differentiability is a stronger condition than smoothness.

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