Calculus: Early Transcendentals 9th Edition

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1337613924
ISBN 13: 978-1-33761-392-7

Chapter 2 - Section 2.7 - Derivatives and Rates of Change - 2.7 Exercises - Page 152: 57

Answer

$f'(0)$ does not exist.

Work Step by Step

$f(x) = x~sin(\frac{1}{x})~~~$ if $x\neq 0$ $f(x) = 0~~~~~~~$ if $x = 0$ We can try to evaluate $f'(0)$ using Definition 4: $\lim\limits_{h \to 0} \frac{f(0+h)-f(0)}{h}$ $=\lim\limits_{h \to 0} \frac{(0+h)~sin(\frac{1}{0+h})-0}{h}$ $=\lim\limits_{h \to 0} \frac{h~sin(\frac{1}{h})}{h}$ $=\lim\limits_{h \to 0} sin(\frac{1}{h})$ As $h$ approaches $0$, the value of $sin(\frac{1}{h})$ moves back and forth continuously between $1$ and $-1$. The function does not converge on one single point. Therefore, the limit does not exist. $f'(0)$ does not exist.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.