Which Interval Shows f' Always Increasing?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying intervals where the derivative of a function, f', is always increasing. Participants analyze specific points on a graph to determine the behavior of the function and its derivative.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that point e is the only interval where the slope is always increasing.
  • Others argue that point e is a point, not an interval, and question the interpretation of "always increase" in relation to a point.
  • A later reply acknowledges the previous point about e being a point and asserts that at point e, the slope is indeed increasing.
  • One participant details the behavior of the function at various points: at point a, the function is decreasing; at point b, there is a cusp where f' does not exist; at point c, the function is increasing but f' is decreasing; at point d, the function is decreasing; and at point e, the function is increasing and f' is increasing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the interpretation of point e as an interval and the meaning of "always increasing." While some support point e as the correct answer, others challenge the clarity of the question and the definitions used.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the interpretation of points versus intervals and the definitions of increasing behavior in the context of derivatives.

karush
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View attachment 9411image due to macros in overleaf

well apparently all we can do is solve this by observation
which would be the slope as x moves in the positive direction
e appears to be the only interval where the slope is always increasing
 

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karush said:
image due to macros in overleaf

well apparently all we can do is solve this by observation
which would be the slope as x moves in the positive direction
e appears to be the only interval where the slope is always increasing

You have not correctly understood or interpreted the question. e is a point, not an interval.

"always increase" doesn't mean anything for a point. Either it's increasing at that point or it isn't.
 
Ok good point

Well at point e the slope is increasing
 
At point a the function is decreasing so f' is negative, not positive. At point b there is a cusp so f' does not even exist there. At point c the function is increasing so f' is positive but the graph is "flattening" so f' is decreasing, not increasing. At point d the function is decreasing so f' is negative, not positive. At point e the function is increasing so f' is positive and the graph is getting steeper so f' is increasing. Yes, e is the correct answer.
 

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