What is the inequality form for a decreasing curve's slope?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the inequality form for the slope of the curve defined by the polynomial function \(y=2x^3-15x^2+24x\). The second derivative, calculated as \(y''=12x-30\), indicates where the slope is decreasing. The inequality \(2x-5<0\) leads to the conclusion that the slope is decreasing for \(x < \frac{5}{2}\). This analysis distinguishes between a decreasing slope and a decreasing function, emphasizing the importance of the second derivative in this context.

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We are given:

$$y=2x^3-15x^2+24x$$

Now, to determine where the slope is decreasing, we need to find where the second derivative of $y$ is negative...what do you get for $y''$?
 
MarkFL said:
We are given:

$$y=2x^3-15x^2+24x$$

Now, to determine where the slope is decreasing, we need to find where the second derivative of $y$ is negative...what do you get for $y''$?

y'' = 8x-15?
 
the said:
y'' = 8x-15?

We have:

$$y=2x^3-15x^2+24x$$

Now, using the power rule on each term, we get:

$$y'=6x^2-30x+24$$

And differentiating again:

$$y''=12x-30=6(2x-5)$$

So, we need to solve:

$$2x-5<0$$

What do you get?
 
MarkFL said:
We have:

$$y=2x^3-15x^2+24x$$

Now, using the power rule on each term, we get:

$$y'=6x^2-30x+24$$

And differentiating again:

$$y''=12x-30=6(2x-5)$$

So, we need to solve:

$$2x-5<0$$

What do you get?

$$ x < \frac{5}{2}$$
 
the said:
$$ x < \frac{5}{2}$$

Yes. (Yes)

Do you see the difference between a decreasing slope and a decreasing function? :D
 
MarkFL said:
Yes. (Yes)

Do you see the difference between a decreasing slope and a decreasing function? :D
No not really may you explain please
 
To find where a function is decreasing, we find the intervals in which the first derivative is negative, and to find where the slope (as represented by the first derivative) is decreasing, we naturally look at where the first derivative of the first derivative (or the second derivative of the original function) is negative. Something is negative when it is less than zero, so that's why we end up with inequalities. :D
 

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