Math Problem Statement

Use the definition of the derivative to find the relationship between f'(x) and f(x) for a function that satisfies f(x + y) = f(x)f(y) and lim(x→0) (f(x) - 1) / x = 5.

Solution

The problem provides two key conditions about the function ff:

  1. f(x+y)=f(x)f(y)f(x + y) = f(x) f(y) for all real numbers xx and yy.
  2. limx0f(x)1x=5\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{f(x) - 1}{x} = 5.

We are asked to use the definition of the derivative to find a relationship between f(x)f'(x) and f(x)f(x), where the goal is to find a form like:

f(x)=some constantf(x).f'(x) = \text{some constant} \cdot f(x).

Step 1: Use the given functional equation

From property (1), the equation f(x+y)=f(x)f(y)f(x + y) = f(x) f(y) suggests that ff is an exponential function. This type of functional equation is typically solved by functions of the form f(x)=ekxf(x) = e^{kx}, where kk is a constant.

Step 2: Use the limit to find the constant

We can use property (2) to determine the constant kk. The limit condition is:

limx0f(x)1x=5.\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{f(x) - 1}{x} = 5.

Substitute f(x)=ekxf(x) = e^{kx} into this limit:

limx0ekx1x=5.\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{e^{kx} - 1}{x} = 5.

Using the approximation ekx1+kxe^{kx} \approx 1 + kx for small xx, the limit becomes:

limx01+kx1x=k=5.\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{1 + kx - 1}{x} = k = 5.

Thus, the constant k=5k = 5, and we now have:

f(x)=e5x.f(x) = e^{5x}.

Step 3: Derivative of f(x)f(x)

Now, we differentiate f(x)=e5xf(x) = e^{5x}:

f(x)=5e5x=5f(x).f'(x) = 5e^{5x} = 5 f(x).

Final Answer:

The relationship between f(x)f'(x) and f(x)f(x) is:

f(x)=5f(x).f'(x) = 5 \cdot f(x).

Would you like further clarification or details?

Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What other types of functions satisfy functional equations similar to f(x+y)=f(x)f(y)f(x + y) = f(x) f(y)?
  2. How does the limit condition help us determine the constant kk?
  3. Can you explain why exponential functions are the typical solution to such functional equations?
  4. How would the derivative change if the constant in the exponential function were different from 5?
  5. What would happen if the limit condition were different (e.g., the limit was 3 instead of 5)?

Tip: When working with functional equations, look for patterns that suggest common function types, such as exponentials or polynomials.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Functional equations
Limits
Derivatives
Exponential functions

Formulas

f'(x) = 5f(x)
f(x + y) = f(x)f(y)
lim(x→0) (f(x) - 1) / x = 5

Theorems

Functional equation solution theorem
Limit definition of derivative
Exponential function properties

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate