# Proof of the Morse Lemma in dimension 1

This is the Morse lemma in dimension1 :

Let $M$ be a smooth $1$-manifold and $f: M \longrightarrow \Bbb R$ be a smooth function. Suppose $p$ is a non-degenerate critical point of $f$.

Then there exists a local coordinate system $(y^1)$ in a neighborhood $U \subset M$ of $p$ with $y^1(p) = 0$ satisfying the identity $$f(y^1) = f(p) - (y^1)^2$$ if the Morse index of $f$ at $p$ is $1$ and the identity $$f(y^1) = f(p) + (y^1)^2$$ if the Morse index of $f$ at $p$ is $0$. (Thank's to @Henry T. Horton)

But how to prove it ?

What are the steps I need to check ?

Please , help me

Thank you

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I don't understand, you were looking through Lemma 2.1 in Milnor before and this is simply Lemma 2.2 in Milnor's morse theory where he gives a complete proof. Is there a part of the proof there which you don't understand? –  muzzlator Apr 3 '13 at 11:47
they say:We first show that if there is any such expression for f,then $\lambda$ must be the index of f at p. For any coordinate system $(z^1,...,z^n)$, if $f(q) = f(p) - (z^1(q))^2- ... - (Z^{\lambda}(q))^2 + (z^{\lambda+1})^2 + ... + (Z^n(q))^2$,..., they want to prove what please ? –  Vrouvrou Apr 3 '13 at 13:13
First thing he does is to show that a function written in that form has the desired index. Second thing he does is show that given an index, there is a suitable choice of coordinates to transform the function into a certain form locally. –  muzzlator Apr 3 '13 at 15:21
please who is $q$ in the proof , and in dimension 1 ,i must writ $f(q)=f(p)-z(q)^2$ when $\lambda=1$ and $f(q)=f(p)+z(q)^2$ when $\lambda=0$? –  Vrouvrou Apr 4 '13 at 8:28