Continuity/Differentiability Question

• Jun 13th 2011, 04:39 AM
worc3247
Continuity/Differentiability Question
Suppose $f:[a,b] \rightarrow \mathbb{R}$ is differentiable on [a,b] (with one sided derivatives at the end points). Show that if $f\prime(a)<0 then the minimum of f is attained at a point $c \in (a,b)$. Note: You may not assume the derivative of f is continuous.

My first thoughts was just to use IVT on the derivative until I saw the note, now I'm not sure what to do. Any help where to start?
• Jun 13th 2011, 05:24 AM
girdav
We know that the minimum is attained at a point $c\in \left[a,b\right]$. We only have to show that it can't be at $a$ or $b$. If the minimum is attained at $a$ for example then exists $h_0>0$ such that if $0 then $\frac{f(a+h)-f(a)}h<0$. Now, don't forgive that $h$ is positive in order to find a contradiction.
• Jun 13th 2011, 07:04 AM
worc3247
Quote:

Originally Posted by girdav
$\frac{f(a+h)-f(a)}h<0$

Is this inequality the wrong way round? Should it not be >?
• Jun 13th 2011, 07:08 AM
girdav
Quote:

Originally Posted by worc3247
Is this inequality the wrong way round? Should it not be >?

No, since $f'(a)<0$. Then I use the definition of a limit.
• Jun 13th 2011, 07:15 AM
worc3247
Ok thanks :)
• Jun 13th 2011, 08:42 PM
JG89
Re: Continuity/Differentiability Question
And just so you know, the IVT property also holds for derivatives, regardless of differentiability.