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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the inequality form for the slope of a decreasing curve, specifically focusing on the second derivative of a cubic function. Participants explore the relationship between the first and second derivatives to identify intervals where the slope is decreasing.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose finding the second derivative of the function $$y=2x^3-15x^2+24x$$ to determine where the slope is decreasing.
  • One participant calculates the second derivative as $$y''=12x-30$$ and simplifies it to $$6(2x-5)$$.
  • Participants discuss solving the inequality $$2x-5<0$$ to find the interval where the slope is decreasing, leading to the conclusion that $$x < \frac{5}{2}$$.
  • There is a clarification about the distinction between a decreasing slope and a decreasing function, with one participant asking for further explanation.
  • Another participant explains that to find where a function is decreasing, the first derivative must be negative, while the second derivative indicates where the slope itself is decreasing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of using the second derivative to find where the slope is decreasing, but there is some confusion regarding the distinction between a decreasing slope and a decreasing function, which remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of decreasing functions and slopes, and the implications of inequalities derived from the second derivative. There are also unresolved questions about the conceptual differences between decreasing slopes and decreasing functions.

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?
 
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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