Chapter 2: Problem 50
Determine whether \(f^{\prime}(0)\) exists. $$ f(x)=\left\\{\begin{array}{ll}{x^{2} \sin \frac{1}{x}} & {\text { if } x \neq 0} \\ {0} & {\text { if } x=0}\end{array}\right. $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Yes, \(f'(0)\) exists and is 0.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Definition of Derivative
The derivative of a function at a point, say at \(x = 0\), is defined as \(f'(0) = \lim_{h\to 0}\frac{f(h) - f(0)}{h}\). To find whether \(f'(0)\) exists, we need to check if this limit exists.
02
Substitute Values into the Limit Definition
Since \(f(0) = 0\), the formula becomes \(f'(0) = \lim_{h\to 0}\frac{f(h)}{h}\). For \(h eq 0\), \(f(h) = h^2 \sin \frac{1}{h}\), so \(f'(0) = \lim_{h\to 0}\frac{h^2 \sin \frac{1}{h}}{h}\).
03
Simplify the Expression
Simplifying the expression \( f'(0) = \lim_{h\to 0} h \sin \frac{1}{h}\). Since \( \sin \frac{1}{h} \) is bounded between -1 and 1, we can assert that \(-h \leq h \sin \frac{1}{h} \leq h\).
04
Apply the Squeeze Theorem
Since \(-h \leq h \sin \frac{1}{h} \leq h\), and \(\lim_{h \to 0} -h = 0\) and \(\lim_{h \to 0} h = 0\), by the Squeeze Theorem, we also have \(\lim_{h \to 0} h \sin \frac{1}{h} = 0\).
05
Conclude the Existence of the Derivative
Since \(\lim_{h \to 0} h \sin \frac{1}{h} = 0\), it follows that \(f'(0) = 0\). Therefore, \(f'(0)\) exists and is equal to 0.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Squeeze Theorem
The Squeeze Theorem is a fundamental concept in calculus that helps us find the limit of a function trapped between two other functions that have the same limit. In simple terms, it's like squeezing something between two fixed objects to get it to a specific point. Here’s how it works:
- If you have two functions, say, \(g(x)\) and \(h(x)\), and they "sandwich" a third function \(f(x)\) such that \(g(x) \leq f(x) \leq h(x)\), for all x in some interval around a point (except possibly at the point itself), the Squeeze Theorem can be applied.
- If \(\lim_{x \to a} g(x) = L\) and \(\lim_{x \to a} h(x) = L\), it follows that \(\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L\) as well, even if \(f(x)\) is not defined at \(x = a\).
Limit Definition of Derivative
The limit definition of a derivative provides the foundation for understanding and calculating derivatives. It essentially captures how a function changes as its input changes and serves as a formal definition of the rate of change of the function.
- The derivative \(f'(a)\) of a function \(f(x)\) at a point \(x = a\) is defined as \(\lim_{h\to 0}\frac{f(a+h) - f(a)}{h}\).
- This expression measures the slope of the tangent line to the curve \(f(x)\) at a specific point \(x = a\).
Piecewise Function
A piecewise function is defined differently over various intervals of its domain. It's like a rulebook with different rules depending on the situation. Piecewise functions are invaluable in modeling real-world scenarios where a function only applies under certain conditions.
- Each "piece" of the function applies to a specific interval of the input variable \(x\).
- In our exercise, \(f(x)\) is defined as: \(f(x) = \begin{cases} x^2 \sin \frac{1}{x}, & \text{if } x eq 0\ 0, & \text{if } x = 0 \end{cases}\).
Calculus Problem Solving
When tackling calculus problems, particularly those involving derivatives and limits, it’s essential to follow a logical and systematic approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to enhance your problem-solving skills:
- Understand the problem: Read the whole problem and understand what is being asked. In our case, it was about finding if the derivative \(f'(0)\) exists.
- Apply definitions: Use the definitions relevant to the problem. For derivatives, apply the limit definition to understand what needs to be computed.
- Simplify and analyze functions: Substitute values carefully and simplify the expressions whenever possible. Check if special techniques like the Squeeze Theorem can help.
- Conclude with exactness: After calculations and simplifications, draw a firm conclusion based on the established theory; we concluded that \(f'(0) = 0\) exists.