Decreasing Functions: S Correct, R Doubtful

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of decreasing functions, specifically examining two statements regarding the behavior of sine and cosine functions, as well as the implications of a function's derivative in relation to its decreasing nature.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the correctness of statements regarding decreasing functions and their derivatives, questioning the relationship between a function being decreasing and its derivative being negative.

Discussion Status

Some participants affirm the correctness of statement S while expressing doubts about statement R. There is an ongoing exploration of examples to clarify the concepts, with some participants suggesting that both statements may not be correct.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the definitions and implications of decreasing functions and their derivatives, with some confusion noted regarding the distinction between a derivative being negative and the derivative itself being a decreasing function.

zorro
Messages
1,378
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Consider the following statements S and R
S : Both sinx and cosx are decreasing functions in the interval (π/2,π)
R : If a differentiable function decreases in an interval (a,b), then its derivative also decreases in (a,b)

Which of the following is/are true?
a) Both S and R are wrong
b) Both S and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of S
c) R is wrong
d) S is correct



The Attempt at a Solution



S is correct.
I have doubt regarding R.
A function is decreasing iff its derivative is less than 0. I am confused between the 'decreasing of derivative' and 'derivative being less than 0'. Are both same?

I think b and d are correct.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
S is indeed correct.
Now, you said that a function decreases iff it's derivative is less than 0. Now, can you find a function which is less than 0, but increases nonetheless?
 
Consider f(x)= x^2 on [-1, 0]. It is decreasing. What is its derivative. Is it decreasing also?
 
I got it. Thanks
The answers are c) and d)
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K