Proving $2P(x)>P'(x)$ with Continuous Third Derivative of $P(x)$

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Calculus Challenge
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the inequality \(2P(x) > P'(x)\) for a real function \(P\) with a continuous third derivative, where \(P(x), P'(x), P''(x),\) and \(P'''(x)\) are all positive. The condition \(P(x) > P'''(x)\) for all \(x\) is established as a crucial premise for the proof. The participants explore the implications of the continuous third derivative and the positivity of the function and its derivatives to arrive at the conclusion definitively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of real functions and their derivatives
  • Knowledge of continuous functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with inequalities in calculus
  • Concept of higher-order derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Mean Value Theorem on derivatives
  • Explore the role of continuous derivatives in function behavior
  • Investigate other inequalities involving higher-order derivatives
  • Learn about the applications of Taylor series in proving inequalities
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, calculus students, and anyone interested in advanced calculus concepts, particularly those studying inequalities and properties of functions with continuous derivatives.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Let $P$ be a real function with a continuous third derivative such that $P(x),\,P'(x),\,P''(x),\,P'''(x)$ are greater than zero for all $x$.

Suppose that $P(x)>P'''(x)$ for all $x$, prove that $2P(x)>P'(x)$ for all $x$.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Solution proposed by other:

For simplicity, we will show $2P(0)>P'(0)$. Applying this result to $P(x+c)$ shows that $2P(c)>P'(c)$ for all $c$.

Since $P'(x)$ is positive, $P$ is an increasing function. Thus for $x\le 0$, $P'''(x)< P(x)\le P(0)$. Integrating $P'''(x)\le P(0)$ from $x$ to 0 gives $P''(x)\le P''(0)+P(0)x$ for $x\le 0$, and integrating again gives the second inequality in $0<P'(x)\le P'(0)+P''(0)x+P(0)\dfrac{x^2}{2}$. Thus the polynomial $P'(0)+P''(0)x+P(0)\dfrac{x^2}{2}$ has no negative zeros. It also has no nonnegative zeros (because all its coefficients are positive). Therefore its discriminant $P''(0)^2-2P(0)P'(0)$ must be negative.

In a similar vein, since $P'''$ is positive, $P''$ is increasing. Thus for $x\le 0$, $P''(x)\le P''(0)$, so $P'(x)\le P'(0)+P''(0)x$ and $0<P(x)\le P(0)+P'(0)x+P''(0)\dfrac{x^2}{2}$.

Again, the discriminant of the quadratic must be negative: $P'(0)^2-2P(0)P''(0)<0$.

Combining these conclusion, we obtain $P'(0)^4<4P(0)^2P''(0)^2<8P(0)^3P'(0)$, which implies $2P(x)>P'(x)$ for all $x$..
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K