A function f[x] and a point x=a. If f'[a]>0, is it possible f[a]<=f[x]

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of a function f[x] at a specific point x=a, particularly in relation to its derivative f'[a] being greater than zero. Participants are exploring whether it is possible for f[a] to be less than or equal to f[x] for all other values of x.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the implications of a positive derivative at a point and whether it indicates that the point is a maximum. There is also a discussion about the nature of the function and its behavior beyond the point a.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing examples and questioning each other's interpretations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the implications of the derivative, but there is no explicit consensus on the conditions under which f[a] could be less than or equal to f[x].

Contextual Notes

There are discussions about the nature of maxima and minima, as well as the behavior of periodic functions, which may influence the interpretation of the problem. The original poster expresses difficulty in visualizing the scenario.

CAG
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You've got a function f[x] and a point x=a.
If f'[a]>0, is it possible that f[a]<=f[x] a for all other x's?
Why?

Having a problems visualize this, any help would be great
 
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If f'[a] is positive, the function is increasing at a. For f[a]<=f[x] to be true, "a" needs to be a maxima.
 
Poncho said:
If f'[a] is positive, the function is increasing at a. For f[a]<=f[x] to be true, "a" needs to be a maxima.

Do you mean minima?

...and by the way, if it was a minima, f'(a) would be 0. So since f'(a)>0, what does that tell you about x<a?
 
I good example would be [tex]f(x) = \sin x[/tex] the derivative of which is [tex]f'(x) = \cos x[/tex]. If [tex]a = 0[/tex] then [tex]f'(0) = \cos 0 = 1[/tex] indicating the function is rising. However, since sine is a repeating function, it will go to a maximum of 1, and fall down again. So f(a) <= f(x) for all x > a is not true if f(x) repeats on the segment a < x < inf.
 

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