Topic: fallacy list of topics
start over

4 items are filed under this topic.

		Page 1/1

	The derivative of y=x^x		2010-04-09
		From David: So, its David, and I was wondering about the derivative of y=x^x. I have often seen it be shown as x^x(ln(x)+1), but when I did it through limits it turned out differently. Here's what I did: It is commonly know that df(x)/dx of a function is also the limit as h->0 of f(x+h)-f(x)/h. To do this for x^x you have to start with lim h->0 ((x+h)^(x+h)-x^x)/h. The binomial theorem then shows us that this is equal to lim h->0 (x^(x+h)+(x+h)x^(x+h-1)h+...-x^x)/h This is also equal to lim a->0 lim h->0 (x^(x+a)+(x+h)x^(x+h-1)h...-x^x)/h. Evaluating for a=0 you get lim h->0 (x^x+(x+h)x^(x+h-1)h...x^x)/h Seeing as the last 2 terms on the numerator cancel out you can simplify to a numerator with h's is each of the terms, which you can then divide by h to get: lim h->0 (x+h)x^(x+h-1)... which when evaluated for h=0 gives us: x(x^(x-1)). This statement is also equal to x^x. This contradicts the definition of the derivative of x^x that is commonly shown. So, my question is: can you find any flaws in the logic of that procedure? I do not want to be shown how to differentiate x^x implicitly because I already know how to do that. Answered by Robert Dawson.
	A riddle		2003-11-19
		From Sarah: Ok, our teacher gave us this riddle, and I cannot for the life of me figure it out. He said that there are three problems with the following proof: Answered by Penny Nom.
	A proof that 1=2		2000-09-19
		From sporky: Why does the proof for 1=2 not work? x = 1 x2 = 1 x = x2 1 = 2x (derivitive) 1 = 2(1) 1 = 2 ??? please tell me where the false logic is. Answered by Walter Whiteley.
	2 = 1		2000-02-16
		From Chuck Kennedy: Question: Assume a=b Multiply both sides by a, a2=ab Subtract b2, a2-b2=ab-b2 Factor (a-b)(a+b)=b(a-b) Cancel like factors a+b=b Substitue b for a b+b=b Then 2b=b Therefore 2=1 Question; Were is the mistake? Answered by Claude Tardif.

		Page 1/1