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

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To determine the inequality form for a decreasing curve's slope, the second derivative of the function y = 2x^3 - 15x^2 + 24x is calculated. The second derivative is found to be y'' = 12x - 30, which simplifies to 6(2x - 5). To find where the slope is decreasing, the inequality 2x - 5 < 0 is solved, resulting in x < 2.5. This indicates that the slope of the curve is decreasing for values of x less than 2.5. Understanding the difference between a decreasing slope and a decreasing function is crucial, as the former relates to the second derivative while the latter pertains to the first derivative.
Teh
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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?
 
Teh 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?

$$ x < \frac{5}{2}$$
 
Teh 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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