University Calculus: Early Transcendentals (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321999584
ISBN 13: 978-0-32199-958-0

Chapter 3 - Section 3.2 - The Derivative as a Function - Exercises - Page 127: 55

Answer

If $f$ is differentiable at $x=x_0$ then $-f$ is also differentiable at $x=x_0$.

Work Step by Step

$f$ is differentiable at $x=x_0$ means that $$\lim_{h\to0}\frac{f(x_0+h)-f(x_0)}{h}$$ has a defined value. Now about $-f$, the derivative of $-f$, $(-f)'$, at $x=x_0$ has the following formula: $$(-f)'=\lim_{h\to0}\frac{(-f)(x_0+h)-(-f)(x_0)}{h}=\lim_{h\to0}\frac{-f(x_0+h)-(-f(x_0))}{h}$$ $$(-f)'=\lim_{h\to0}-\frac{f(x_0+h)-f(x_0)}{h}=-\lim_{h\to0}\frac{f(x_0+h)-f(x_0)}{h}$$ Since $\lim_{h\to0}\frac{f(x_0+h)-f(x_0)}{h}$, as said above, has a defined value, $(-f)'=-\lim_{h\to0}\frac{f(x_0+h)-f(x_0)}{h}$ also has a defined value. This means $-f$ is also differentiable at $x=x_0$.
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