Math Problem Statement

The function f(x) has 3 properties: a) f(x) = 0 1 2 b) limx→0 f(x) x = 1 c) f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) + x 2 y + xy2 . Use these properties and the h-definition to find f 0 (0)

Solution

We are tasked with finding the derivative f(0)f'(0) using the three properties of the function f(x)f(x):

  1. f(0)=0f(0) = 0
  2. limx0f(x)x=1\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{f(x)}{x} = 1
  3. f(x+y)=f(x)+f(y)+x2y+xy2f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) + x^2y + xy^2

To find f(0)f'(0), we will use the limit definition of the derivative:

f(0)=limh0f(h)f(0)hf'(0) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(h) - f(0)}{h}

Since f(0)=0f(0) = 0, this simplifies to:

f(0)=limh0f(h)hf'(0) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(h)}{h}

From property (2), we know:

limx0f(x)x=1\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{f(x)}{x} = 1

Thus, using this result, we conclude:

f(0)=1f'(0) = 1

Therefore, the derivative of f(x)f(x) at x=0x = 0 is:

f(0)=1f'(0) = 1

Would you like further details on any step or concept used? Here are 5 questions that may deepen your understanding:

  1. How does the h-definition of a derivative work in general?
  2. What does the property limx0f(x)x=1\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{f(x)}{x} = 1 imply about the function near x=0x = 0?
  3. Why does the expression f(x+y)=f(x)+f(y)+x2y+xy2f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) + x^2y + xy^2 help us analyze the structure of f(x)f(x)?
  4. Can we infer anything about the higher-order derivatives of f(x)f(x) from this?
  5. How can we generalize this process to find f(a)f'(a) for any aa?

Tip: When solving limit-based problems, carefully examine how given conditions (like limx0f(x)x=1\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{f(x)}{x} = 1) connect with definitions of derivative.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivatives
Limits

Formulas

f'(0) = lim(h → 0) [f(h) - f(0)] / h
lim(x → 0) [f(x) / x] = 1

Theorems

Limit Definition of Derivatives

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Calculus