Contradiction of statement regarding monotonicity

In summary, the conversation discusses a statement about a function f(x) and its behavior at infinity, and a solution that contradicts the statement using a piecewise function. Another example is also mentioned and will be included in the argument to prove the statement.
  • #1
oferon
30
0
Hi all!
We were given to proove or falsify the following statement:

Given [tex]f(x)>0 \,\ ,\,x>0 \,\,\,\,,\lim_{x\to\infty}f(x)=0[/tex]
Then f(x) is strictly decreasing at certain aεℝ for every x>a

Now in their solution they contradicted the statement with:
[tex]\newcommand{\twopartdef}[4]
{
\left\{
\begin{array}{ll}
#1 & \mbox{if } #2 \\
#3 & \mbox{if } #4
\end{array}
\right. } f(x) = \twopartdef { \frac{1}{2x} } {x \,\,\, rational} {\frac{1}{x}} {x \,\,\, irrational}[/tex]

Now i thought of another one: [tex] f(x)=\frac{sin(x)+2}{x^2} [/tex]
Is that a good example? Thank you!
 
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  • #2
oferon said:
Hi all!
We were given to proove or falsify the following statement:

Given [tex]f(x)>0 \,\ ,\,x>0 \,\,\,\,,\lim_{x\to\infty}f(x)=0[/tex]
Then f(x) is strictly decreasing at certain aεℝ for every x>a

Now in their solution they contradicted the statement with:
[tex]\newcommand{\twopartdef}[4]
{
\left\{
\begin{array}{ll}
#1 & \mbox{if } #2 \\
#3 & \mbox{if } #4
\end{array}
\right. } f(x) = \twopartdef { \frac{1}{2x} } {x \,\,\, rational} {\frac{1}{x}} {x \,\,\, irrational}[/tex]

Now i thought of another one: [tex] f(x)=\frac{sin(x)+2}{x^2} [/tex]
Is that a good example? Thank you!

Yes, that's a nice example too. If it is something to hand in you would want to include an argument to show that it isn't strictly decreasing for x large enough.
 
  • #3
Will do. Thank you!
 

FAQ: Contradiction of statement regarding monotonicity

What is monotonicity?

Monotonicity refers to the property of a function or sequence where the values either consistently increase or decrease as the input value increases.

How can a statement about monotonicity be contradictory?

A statement about monotonicity can be contradictory if it claims that a function or sequence is both increasing and decreasing at the same time, which is not possible.

What are some common examples of contradiction of statement regarding monotonicity?

An example of contradiction of statement regarding monotonicity is saying that a function is strictly increasing but also has a local maximum, which would mean it is not strictly increasing.

How can a contradiction of statement regarding monotonicity be resolved?

A contradiction of statement regarding monotonicity can be resolved by carefully examining the function or sequence and identifying any errors or inconsistencies in the statement. It may also require rephrasing the statement to accurately reflect the monotonicity of the function or sequence.

Why is understanding monotonicity important in science?

Understanding monotonicity is important in science because it allows us to make accurate predictions and conclusions about the behavior of functions and sequences. It also helps us identify errors or flaws in scientific statements and arguments.

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