Proving Inequality: y^5+y^2-7y+5\geq 0 for y\geq 1

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The discussion centers on proving the inequality y^5 + y^2 - 7y + 5 ≥ 0 for y ≥ 1. Participants analyze the function f(y) and its derivative f'(y) to determine its behavior, noting that f(1) = 0. It is established that f'(y) = 5y^4 + 2y - 7 is non-negative for y ≥ 1, indicating that f(y) is increasing in this interval. There is some debate about whether f(y) can be negative for y > 1, but the consensus is that since the function is increasing from zero at y = 1, it must remain non-negative thereafter. The conversation also touches on the appropriateness of the problem's classification within calculus topics.
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Homework Statement



Prove that: y^5+y^2-7y+5\geq 0 ,for all y\geq 1

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



y^5\geq 1 and y^2\geq 1 => y^5+y^2\geq 2.

Also -7y+5\leq -2 , and then?
 
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evagelos said:

Homework Statement



Prove that: y^5+y^2-7y+5\geq 0 ,for all y\geq 1



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



y^5\geq 1 and y^2\geq 1 => y^5+y^2\geq 2.

Also -7y+5\leq -2 , and then?
If f(y) = y5 + y2 - 7y + 5, note that f(1) = 0.

Look at f'(y) to determine where f is increasing and decreasing for y >= 1.
 
Mark44 said:
If f(y) = y5 + y2 - 7y + 5, note that f(1) = 0.

Look at f'(y) to determine where f is increasing and decreasing for y >= 1.

O.K

f'(y)=5y^4+2y-7\geq 0 for y\geq 1 .

But how can this effect our f(y) ??
 
f'(y) gives the slope at a point (y, f(y)) on the graph of f. If f'(y) > 0, the graph of f is increasing. If f'(y) < 0, the graph of f is decreasing.

We know that f(1) = 0. Is the graph of f going up or down from there?

BTW, this seems to be a calculus problem, so it should have been posted in the Calculus & Beyond section, not the Precalculus section.
 
Write f(y) in terms of x=y-1≥0.

ehild
 
Mark44 said:
f'(y) gives the slope at a point (y, f(y)) on the graph of f. If f'(y) > 0, the graph of f is increasing. If f'(y) < 0, the graph of f is decreasing.

We know that f(1) = 0. Is the graph of f going up or down from there?

BTW, this seems to be a calculus problem, so it should have been posted in the Calculus & Beyond section, not the Precalculus section.


you can have f(y)<0 and f'(y)>=0 ,so we cannot get a contradiction
 
If the graph is always increasing, and its value at the leftmost point (y=1) is 0, then can it be negative to the right (y>1)? You can also follow ehild's suggestion to get a more direct answer.
 
ehild said:
Write f(y) in terms of x=y-1≥0.

ehild

Like this?

(x+1)^5+(x+1)^2-7(x+1)+5
 
Expand.
 
  • #10
evagelos said:
Like this?

(x+1)^5+(x+1)^2-7(x+1)+5

This is really the long way around. You have the derivative -- f'(y) = 5y4 + 2y - y. It's a very simple matter to show that f'(y) >= 0 for y >= 1, hence the graph is increasing for y >= 1, and you're pretty much done.
 
  • #11
Factor the polynomial. Mathemtica gives:

<br /> y^{5} + y^{2} -7y+5 = (y - 1)^{2} \, g_{3}(y)<br />

where g_{3}(y) is a polynomial of 3rd digree. What are the extremal values of the polynomial g_{3}(y) in the interval y \ge 1?
 
  • #12
Mark44 said:
This is really the long way around.
It is not that difficult to expand, knowing the coefficients of (x+1)5 from Pascal's Triangle.

(x+1)5=x5+5x4+10x3+10x2+5x+1

ehild
 
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