Calculus | Demidovich


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A classic!

Problem 2554 from Demidovich's "Problems in Mathematical Analysis"

Here's the problem:

Prove that the function

$$f(x) = \begincases x \sin \frac1x, & x \neq 0 \ 0, & x = 0 \endcases$$

is differentiable at $x=0$ and find $f'(0)$.

Solution

To prove differentiability at $x=0$, we must show that demidovich calculus

$$\lim_h \to 0 \fracf(0+h) - f(0)h = \lim_h \to 0 \fracf(h)h$$

exists.

For $h \neq 0$,

$$f(h) = h \sin \frac1h$$

So,

$$\fracf(h)h = \sin \frac1h$$

Now,

$$\lim_h \to 0 \sin \frac1h$$

does not exist, but

$$\left| \sin \frac1h \right| \leq 1$$

for all $h \neq 0$. Hence,

$$\lim_h \to 0 \fracf(h)h = 0$$

exists and equals $0$. Therefore, $f'(0) = 0$.

The function $f(x)$ is differentiable at $x=0$, and $f'(0) = 0$.

However, $f(x)$ is not continuously differentiable at $x=0$ since $f'(x)$ does not exist for $x \neq 0$ or is not continuous at $x=0$ in a certain sense;

we could add more!


Week 1 — Foundations & limits

Week 2 — Continuity & monotonicity

Week 3 — Derivatives & applications

Week 4 — Integration & techniques

Week 5 — Sequences and series of functions

Week 6 — Advanced techniques & inequalities

Week 7 — Multivariable basics

Week 8 — Synthesis & proofs


You cannot compare Demidovich to standard textbooks like Stewart or Thomas. Those are texts with problems attached. Demidovich is a problem bank with no hand-holding.

Ask any survivor for their least favorite Demidovich problem, and they will name one. Common candidates: