Which Interval Shows f' Always Increasing?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying the interval where the derivative f' is always increasing. Participants clarify that point e is the only location where the slope is consistently increasing, while other points (a, b, c, and d) exhibit either decreasing slopes or undefined derivatives. Specifically, point a has a negative slope, point b features a cusp where f' does not exist, point c shows a positive but decreasing slope, and point d has a negative slope. Thus, point e is confirmed as the correct answer.

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  • Understanding of calculus concepts, particularly derivatives and slopes.
  • Familiarity with the behavior of functions at critical points.
  • Knowledge of how to analyze increasing and decreasing functions.
  • Ability to interpret graphical representations of functions.
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  • Study the concept of critical points in calculus.
  • Learn about the first and second derivative tests for function behavior.
  • Explore graphical analysis techniques for identifying increasing and decreasing intervals.
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Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians analyzing function behavior, and anyone interested in understanding the properties of derivatives and their implications on function graphs.

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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