Derivative increasing without bounds

In summary, when a derivative increases without bounds, it means that the rate of change of a function is continuously increasing without limit. This can indicate rapid growth, but it can also lead to instability or errors. A derivative can only increase without bounds over an interval, not at a single point. This is different from a derivative approaching infinity, which means the rate of change is getting closer to infinity but may not reach it. Real-world applications of a derivative increasing without bounds include exponential growth models and physical phenomena such as gravity.
  • #1
apiwowar
96
0
if f'(x) > 0 for all real values of x then x increases without bounds. I thought that was true but in the back of the book it says false and uses f(x)=2x/sqrt(x2+2) as an example. i worked out the derivative and got f'(x) = 4/(x2+2)3/2.

how does that show that the first sentence is false? I'm quite confused abou this
 
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  • #2
You got the derivative right. And it's always positive, yes. But f(x) doesn't increase without bound. It approaches 2 as x->inf. Can you show that?
 
  • #3
asymptotes :D
 

1. What does it mean for a derivative to increase without bounds?

When a derivative increases without bounds, it means that the rate of change of a function is continuously increasing, with no limit. This can be visualized as a graph with a constantly steepening slope, approaching infinity.

2. Is a derivative increasing without bounds always a good thing?

Not necessarily. While it may indicate that a function is growing at a rapid rate, it can also mean that the function is becoming increasingly unstable or unpredictable. In some cases, a derivative increasing without bounds can lead to mathematical inconsistencies or errors.

3. Can a derivative increase without bounds at a specific point?

No, a derivative can only increase without bounds over an interval, not at a single point. This is because the derivative represents the average rate of change over an interval, and at a single point, the rate of change is undefined.

4. How is a derivative increasing without bounds different from a derivative approaching infinity?

A derivative increasing without bounds means that the rate of change is continuously increasing without limit. On the other hand, a derivative approaching infinity means that the rate of change is getting closer and closer to infinity, but may not necessarily reach it.

5. What are some real-world applications of a derivative increasing without bounds?

A derivative increasing without bounds can be seen in exponential growth models, such as population growth or compound interest. It can also be observed in physical phenomena, such as the acceleration of a falling object under the influence of gravity.

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