1. ## Differentiable Functions

I came across this proof in my notes and I could use some help getting started.

Let $n\in \mathbb{N}$. Then, prove that $x^n$ is differentiable at any point $x$ and $(x^n)'=nx^{n-1}$.

I know how to prove ones that are simpler such as $f(x)=x$ but this one is a bit harder for me to figure out.

2. Is...

$\displaystyle (x+h)^{n} = \sum_{k=0}^{n} \binom{n}{k}\ h^{k}\ x^{n-k}$ (1)

... so that...

$\displaystyle \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{(x+h)^{n} - x^{n} }{h} = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \sum_{k=1}^{n} \binom{n}{k}\ h^{k-1}\ x^{n-k} = n\ x^{n-1}$ (2)

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

3. Thank you for your answer. However, this is much different notation then what my professor uses in class. I will show you the proof that he gave for a simpler problem and then maybe we can modify your solution to fit his notation...

Let $f(x)=x$. Prove that $f(x)$ is differentiable at every point $x$ and $f'(x)=1$.

Proof:
$\frac{f(x)-f(a)}{x-a}=\frac{x-a}{x-a}=1\rightarrow 1$ as $x\rightarrow a$.

4. for the differentiability, the quotient $\dfrac{x^n-a^n}{x-a}$ exists for $x\to a$ since $x-a$ always divides $x^n-a^n,$ that's an algebra fact.

as for computing its derivative, you were given a proof above.

5. Originally Posted by Krizalid
for the differentiability, the quotient $\dfrac{x^n-a^n}{x-a}$ exists for $x\to a$ since $x-a$ always divides $x^n-a^n,$ that's an algebra fact.

as for computing its derivative, you were given a proof above.
To add to the two previous posters note that $\displaystyle \frac{x^n-a^n}{x-a}=a^{n-1}\frac{\left(\frac{x}{a}\right)^n-1}{\frac{x}{a}-1}=a^{n-1}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}\left(\frac{x}{a}\right)^{n-1}$. As $x\to a$ it's pretty clear this goes to $na^{n-1}$.