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• Formal Definition: A function is decreasing on an interval if for any two
numbers
, we have
.
• Example:
o Consider .
o If , then .
o If , then .
o As x increases, f(x) decreases.
• Graphical View: The graph slopes downward from left to right.
3. Extreme Points (Maximum and Minimum)
Extreme points are the “peaks” and “valleys” of a function.
• Maximum Point: The highest value of the function in a given interval.
• Minimum Point: The lowest value of the function in a given interval.
• Example:
o Consider
.
o The graph is a parabola opening upwards.
o At , . This is the minimum point.
o The function has no maximum because it goes to infinity as x increases.
• Another Example:
o For
, the parabola opens downward.
o At , . This is the maximum point.
o The function has no minimum because it goes to negative infinity.
In summary:
• Increasing function → values rise with x.
• Decreasing function → values fall with x.
• Extreme points → special points where the function reaches a peak (maximum) or a
valley (minimum).
(b) Derivative Problem
We are asked to differentiate:
Step 1: Simplify the Expression
Let’s denote:
So,