/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 58 Use the limit definition of deri... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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Use the limit definition of derivative to show that \(f^{\prime}(0)\) does not exist if \(f(x)=\sqrt[5]{x^{2}}\).

Short Answer

Expert verified
The derivative \(f^{\prime}(0)\) does not exist because the limit \(\lim_{{h \to 0}} h^{-3/5}\) does not exist.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Function

The function given is \(f(x) = \sqrt[5]{x^2}\). This function can be rewritten using exponents as \(f(x) = x^{2/5}\).
02

Limit Definition of Derivative

The derivative of a function \(f\) at point \(a\) is given by \(f^{\prime}(a) = \lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{f(a + h) - f(a)}{h}\). We need to find \(f^{\prime}(0)\), so \(a = 0\).
03

Substitute into the Derivative Formula

Substituting the given function into the limit definition for \(a = 0\), we have:\[f^{\prime}(0) = \lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{(h^2)^{1/5} - 0}{h} = \lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{h^{2/5}}{h} = \lim_{{h \to 0}} h^{-3/5}\]
04

Evaluate the Limit

The expression \(h^{-3/5}\) simplifies to \(\frac{1}{h^{3/5}}\). As \(h\) approaches 0, this expression approaches infinity or negative infinity depending on the direction of \(h\) approaching 0. This indicates that the limit does not exist.
05

Conclusion on the Existence of Derivative

Since the limit \(\lim_{{h \to 0}} h^{-3/5}\) does not exist, \(f^{\prime}(0)\) does not exist. This implies the derivative of \(f(x) = \sqrt[5]{x^2}\) at \(x=0\) does not exist.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Non-Existence of Derivative
Understanding when and why a derivative does not exist at a certain point is crucial in calculus. A derivative typically fails to exist at points where a function is discontinuous or has sharp corners or cusps. In our exercise, we are dealing with the function \(f(x) = \sqrt[5]{x^2}\) and the non-existence of \(f^{\prime}(0)\). The derivative is rooted in the concept of limits, particularly how functions change as inputs become infinitely small. If the change becomes unpredictable or undefined, then the derivative does not exist. The example function initially transforms into \(f(x) = x^{2/5}\). Attempting to calculate the derivative at zero involves evaluating \(\lim_{{h \to 0}} h^{-3/5}\). This limit yields an infinite result as \(h\) approaches zero, as there is no finite value the function settles to. In essence, this tells us that the rate of change at this point is not stable or defined, thereby confirming the derivative's absence.
Evaluating Limits
Limits are foundational in calculus and lie at the heart of defining derivatives. To find a derivative using its definition, limits must be evaluated accurately. Let's look at what happens in our exercise with \(\lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{h^{2/5}}{h}\). First, observe how exponent rules simplify this expression to \(h^{-3/5}\). Evaluating this limit involves seeing what happens as \(h\) gets infinitesimally close to zero. As \(h\) tends towards zero, the expression \(\frac{1}{h^{3/5}}\) shows that values grow without bound since dividing by a very small number results in a very large number. The essence of limits in derivatives is observing a function's behavior in infinitely small neighborhoods around a point. Whether a limit converges, diverges, or becomes infinite greatly affects the derivative's existence.
Exponent Rules
Exponentiation rules are important for manipulating functions into forms suitable for limit evaluation. In the exercise, converting \(\sqrt[5]{x^2}\) to \(x^{2/5}\) utilizes these rules: using fractional exponents to represent roots is common. Consider transforming \(\frac{h^{2/5}}{h}\) into \(h^{-3/5}\). First, realize that dividing exponents with the same base actually subtracts their powers, according to the exponent rule \(a^m / a^n = a^{m-n}\). Hence, \(h^{2/5} \div h^1 = h^{2/5 - 1} = h^{-3/5}\). Grasping exponent rules, including how to deal with negative and fractional exponents, is incredibly helpful in calculus. They provide a systematic way to simplify complex expressions, especially when working with limits and derivatives.

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