Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Proof derivative equals zero?



I know this must be wrong, but I am confused as to where the mathematical fallacy lies.




Here is the 'proof':



f(x)=limh0f(x+h)f(x)h



L'Hôpital's Rule (The previous limit was 00):



f(x)=limh0f(x+h)f(x)1




Plugging in h:



f(x)=f(x+0)f(x)



Simplifying:



f(x)=0



I'm assuming my application of L'Hôpital's rule is fallacious, but it evaluates to an indeterminate form so isn't L'Hôpital's rule still valid?


Answer




Taking the derivative with respect to h gives:



f(x)=limh0f(x+h)1



Since f(x) is constant with respect to h.


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