Determining whether a curve is increasing or decreasing at a given point (1 Viewer)

boongsta

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Determine whether the curve is increasing or decreasing at the given point:

a) y = x^4 - x^3 at (1,0)

b) y = 8x^2 + 11x - 4 at (-2,6)

c) y= -3/x at (3,-1)

thanks in advance
 

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boongsta said:
Determine whether the curve is increasing or decreasing at the given point:

a) y = x^4 - x^3 at (1,0)

b) y = 8x^2 + 11x - 4 at (-2,6)

c) y= -3/x at (3,-1)

thanks in advance
If the curve is increasing, the derivative is positive. If the curve is decreasing, the derivative is negative. In these questions, derive the functions to find their gradient, then substitute in the x value given to find if its positive or negative. I'll do the first one:


a) y = x4 - x3 at (1,0)

dy/dx = 4x3 - 3x2

When x = 1, dy/dx = 4(1) - 3(1)

= 1

Therefore the curve is increasing as the derivative is positive.


I_F
 

boongsta

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awesome thanks bruva I thought that was how you did it but I'm sure unsure of why they give us a y value ... whats the point
 

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boongsta said:
awesome thanks bruva I thought that was how you did it but I'm sure unsure of why they give us a y value ... whats the point
It requires a little more intepretation. If they say "where x=2", that pretty easy, but if they say "at the point (2,5)", it makes you have to think that little bit more.


I_F
 

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