Is f(x) Increasing for Positive x and a in (0,1)?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving that the function f(x) = [(x+2)(1-a^(x+1))] / [1-(x+2)(1-a)a^(x+1)-a^(x+2)] is increasing for positive real values of x, where a is a real number in the interval (0,1). The first derivative f'(x) has been derived as f'(x) = 1 - a^(x+1) - a^(x+2) + (x+1)(x+2)log(a)(a^(x+1) - a^(x+2)) + a^(2x+3). The main challenge is comparing log(a) with the powers of a to establish that f'(x) > 0, which is essential for proving that f(x) is increasing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically derivatives
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of the behavior of exponential functions, particularly with bases in (0,1)
  • Proficiency in LaTeX for mathematical notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of logarithmic functions, especially log(a) for a in (0,1)
  • Learn about the implications of the first derivative test in calculus
  • Explore techniques for proving inequalities involving exponential and logarithmic functions
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Mathematicians, calculus students, and anyone interested in the analysis of functions and their behavior, particularly in the context of real-valued functions with parameters in specific intervals.

lys111
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I am supposed to show f(x) is increasing in x when x is real and positive.

f(x)= [(x+2)*(1-a^(x+1)] / [1-(x+2)*(1-a)*a^(x+1)-a^(x+2)]

a is any real in (0,1); x is real and positive

I have taken and first derivative of f(x):

f'(x)=1-a^(x+1)-a^(x+2)+(x+1)*(x+2)*log(a)*(a^(x+1)-a^(x+2))+a^(2x+3)

The problem is I cannot compare log(a) with the power of a. Can any of you genius help me with a proof as to showing f'(x) >0? Or maybe there is some other way to show f(x) is increasing in positive x?
 
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lys111 said:
f(x)= [(x+2)*(1-a^(x+1)] / [1-(x+2)*(1-a)*a^(x+1)-a^(x+2)]
Please clarify the bracketing, preferably with LaTex. Is it
##f(x)=\frac{(x+2)*(1-a^{x+1})}{1-(x+2)*(1-a)*a^{x+1}-a^{x+2}}## ?
 
Yes, it is. I am sorry about the typing/.

f(x)=[itex]\frac{(x+2)*(1-a^{x+1})}{1-(x+2)*(1-a)*a^{x+1}-a^{x+2}}[/itex]
 

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