Proof derivative equals zero?

1.6k Views Asked by At

I know this must be wrong, but I am confused as to where the mathematical fallacy lies.

Here is the 'proof':

$$f '(x) = \lim_{ h\to0}\frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}$$

L'Hôpital's Rule (The previous limit was $\frac{0}{0}$):

$$ f '(x) = \lim_{ h\to 0}\frac{f '(x+h)-f '(x)} {1} $$

Plugging in $h$:

$$ f '(x) = f '(x+0)-f '(x) $$

Simplifying:

$$ f '(x) = 0 $$

I'm assuming my application of L'Hôpital's rule is fallacious, but it evaluates to an indeterminate form so isn't L'Hôpital's rule still valid?

2

There are 2 best solutions below

1
On BEST ANSWER

Taking the derivative with respect to $h$ gives:

$$f'(x) = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{f'(x + h)}{1}$$

Since $f(x)$ is constant with respect to $h$.

0
On

You differentiated the numerator with respect to $x$ but the denominator with respect to $h$.