Increasing and decreasing function in certain interval

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The discussion focuses on determining the minimum (m) and maximum (M) values of the function γ(x) defined in various forms based on the properties of increasing function P(x) and decreasing function Q(x) over the interval a ≤ x ≤ b. For γ(x) = P(x) - Q(x), the values of m and M are derived correctly. The participants agree that questions (a) and (d) can be answered without assuming the functions are in the first quadrant, while question (b) remains unsolvable due to the lack of information on the relationship between P(x) and Q(x). The use of logarithms to analyze the functions is deemed unnecessary, and the focus is directed back to the original functions. Overall, the conversation emphasizes verifying calculations and clarifying assumptions regarding the functions involved.
harimakenji
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Homework Statement


P(x) is an increasing function and Q(x) is a decreasing function in interval a ≤x≤b, x is positive. P(x) and Q(x) are located in 1st quadrant. Another function γ(x) satisfies m≤γ(x)≤M.
Find the value of m and M if:
a. γ(x) = P(x) - Q(x)
b. γ(x) = P(x) . Q(x)
c. γ(x) = [P(x)]2 – [Q(x)]2
d. γ(x) = 1/P(X) +Q(x)
e. γ(x)= (P(x))/(Q(x))-(Q(x))/(P(x))



Homework Equations


Maybe differentiation


The Attempt at a Solution


P(x) is increasing function = P'(x) is positive and P(a) < P(b)
Q(x) is decreasing function = Q'(x) is negative and Q(a) > Q(b)

a. γ'(x) = P'(x) - Q'(x). Since Q'(x) is negative, γ'(x) will be positive so γ(x) is increasing function.
m = P(a) - Q(b) and M = P(b) - Q(b). Is this correct?

b. γ'(x) = P'(x).Q(x) + P(x).Q'(x). I can not determine whether γ'(x) is positive or negative so I don't understand how to find m and M

c. γ'(x) = 2 P(X) P'(x) - 2 Q(x) Q'(x). The value of γ'(x) is positive so m = P2(a) - Q2(a) and M = P2(b) - Q2(b). Is this correct?

d. γ'(x) = -P'(x) / P2(x) + Q'(x). The value of γ'(x) is negative so m = 1/P(b) + Q(b) and M = 1/P(a) + Q(a). Is this correct?

e. γ'(x) = \frac{P&#039;(x).Q(x)-P(x).Q&#039;(x)}{Q^{2}(x)} - \frac{Q&#039;(x).P(x)-P&#039;(x).Q(x)}{P^{2}}. The value of γ'(x) is positive so m = (P(a))/(Q(a))-(Q(a))/(P(a)) and M = (P(b))/(Q(b))-(Q(b))/(P(b)). Is this correct?

Please help me to verify my answer and guide me how to solve (b). Thank you very much.
 
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hi harimakenji! :smile:

your a c d and e look fine

i don't see how you can solve b … it could be anything (wcihi you can see more clearly by taking logs: A = log P, B = logQ, so A is any increasing function, B is any decreasing function, and you want max and min of A + B)
 
tiny-tim said:
hi harimakenji! :smile:

your a c d and e look fine

i don't see how you can solve b … it could be anything (wcihi you can see more clearly by taking logs: A = log P, B = logQ, so A is any increasing function, B is any decreasing function, and you want max and min of A + B)

Hi tiny-tim. Thank you for the response

I don't really get what you are trying to tell me by using the logs. And one more thing, actually the real question doesn't mention anything about P(x) and Q(x) being in the first quadrant. I just added it myself.

If there is no information about the first quadrant, I think we can only answer questions (a) and (d). Do you have the same opinion?

Thank you very much
 
hi harimakenji! :smile:
harimakenji said:
If there is no information about the first quadrant, I think we can only answer questions (a) and (d). Do you have the same opinion?

yes

(and forget the logs, it doesn't matter)
 
tiny-tim said:
hi harimakenji! :smile:


yes

(and forget the logs, it doesn't matter)

Ok, I will forget about the logs for now.

Thank you very much for your help
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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