Chapter 8: Problem 101
Are the statements true or false? If a statement is true, explain how you know. If a statement is false, give a counterexample. If \(f\) is differentiable on the interval \([0,10],\) then the arc length of the graph of \(f\) on the interval [0,1] is less than the arc length of the graph of \(f\) on the interval [1,10].
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding the Problem
Recall Arc Length Formula
Analyzing the Formula for Both Intervals
Construct a Counterexample
True or False Evaluation
Conclusion
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Differentiable Function
- They must be continuous. If a function is not continuous, it cannot be differentiable. There's no point in even checking for a derivative at spots where the function jumps or is undefined.
- They typically have smooth graphs without any corners or cusps. This smoothness means the function doesn’t just have tangents (derivatives) everywhere, but these tangents change gradually.
- Examples include polynomial functions like \( f(x) = x^2 \) and trigonometric functions like \( g(x) = \sin(x) \) over their regular intervals. Functions like \( f(x) = |x| \) have places where they aren't differentiable (in this case, \( x = 0 \)).
Arc Length Formula
- The term \( f'(x) \) represents the derivative of the function \( f(x) \). It measures how quickly or slowly \( f(x) \) changes as \( x \) changes.
- The expression \( \sqrt{1 + (f'(x))^2} \) adjusts our standard linear arc length formula to account for the function's rate of change. This ensures that the curve's length is accurately measured, including all its bends and wobbles.
- Integrating this expression over the interval \([a, b]\) adds up the infinitely small arc segments, resulting in the total arc length.
Integral Calculus
- Integral calculus allows the summation of infinitely small data points. This is key in finding the total arc length, where we integrate the infinitesimally small linear arc lengths \( \sqrt{1 + (f'(x))^2} \, dx \).
- Through integration, we incorporate the entire behavior of the function’s derivative across an interval, providing a holistic view of the curve's length.
- Applications go beyond arc length, helping solve real-world problems involving areas, volumes, and other concepts where summation is crucial.
Counterexample
- This function oscillates rapidly within the small interval, leading to a much longer arc length than one might expect given the interval's small numerical distance.
- Comparatively, a function that remains constant or doesn't change much within \([1,10]\), like \( f(x)=0 \), proves the original claim false due to its minimal arc length in a longer numerical interval.
- By illustrating these properties, counterexamples prove to be extremely useful tools in mathematical problem-solving, allowing us to better understand the limitations of broad statements.