Proving $2P(x)>P'(x)$ with Continuous Third Derivative of $P(x)$

In summary, a function having a continuous third derivative means that the function is smooth and has no sudden changes or discontinuities. Proving that $2P(x)>P'(x)$ is important because it helps us understand the behavior of the function and its derivatives. The inequality $2P(x)>P'(x)$ is a result of the function's continuous third derivative and indicates that the function is concave up. However, the inequality may not hold for all values of $x$. To prove it, we can use the mean value theorem or the second derivative test.
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Let $P$ be a real function with a continuous third derivative such that $P(x),\,P'(x),\,P''(x),\,P'''(x)$ are greater than zero for all $x$.

Suppose that $P(x)>P'''(x)$ for all $x$, prove that $2P(x)>P'(x)$ for all $x$.
 
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Solution proposed by other:

For simplicity, we will show $2P(0)>P'(0)$. Applying this result to $P(x+c)$ shows that $2P(c)>P'(c)$ for all $c$.

Since $P'(x)$ is positive, $P$ is an increasing function. Thus for $x\le 0$, $P'''(x)< P(x)\le P(0)$. Integrating $P'''(x)\le P(0)$ from $x$ to 0 gives $P''(x)\le P''(0)+P(0)x$ for $x\le 0$, and integrating again gives the second inequality in $0<P'(x)\le P'(0)+P''(0)x+P(0)\dfrac{x^2}{2}$. Thus the polynomial $P'(0)+P''(0)x+P(0)\dfrac{x^2}{2}$ has no negative zeros. It also has no nonnegative zeros (because all its coefficients are positive). Therefore its discriminant $P''(0)^2-2P(0)P'(0)$ must be negative.

In a similar vein, since $P'''$ is positive, $P''$ is increasing. Thus for $x\le 0$, $P''(x)\le P''(0)$, so $P'(x)\le P'(0)+P''(0)x$ and $0<P(x)\le P(0)+P'(0)x+P''(0)\dfrac{x^2}{2}$.

Again, the discriminant of the quadratic must be negative: $P'(0)^2-2P(0)P''(0)<0$.

Combining these conclusion, we obtain $P'(0)^4<4P(0)^2P''(0)^2<8P(0)^3P'(0)$, which implies $2P(x)>P'(x)$ for all $x$..
 
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FAQ: Proving $2P(x)>P'(x)$ with Continuous Third Derivative of $P(x)$

What does it mean for a function to have a continuous third derivative?

A function having a continuous third derivative means that the third derivative of the function exists and is continuous at every point in its domain. This indicates that the function is smooth and has no sudden changes or discontinuities.

Why is proving $2P(x)>P'(x)$ important?

Proving that $2P(x)>P'(x)$ is important because it allows us to understand the behavior of the function $P(x)$ and its derivatives. This inequality is often used in various mathematical proofs and has practical applications in fields such as physics and engineering.

What is the relationship between the third derivative and the inequality $2P(x)>P'(x)$?

The inequality $2P(x)>P'(x)$ is a result of the function $P(x)$ having a continuous third derivative. This relationship indicates that the third derivative of $P(x)$ is greater than its first derivative, which implies that the function is concave up.

Can the inequality $2P(x)>P'(x)$ hold for all values of $x$?

No, the inequality $2P(x)>P'(x)$ may not hold for all values of $x$. It depends on the specific function $P(x)$ and its third derivative. There may be certain values of $x$ for which the inequality does not hold, but overall the inequality is true for the majority of values of $x$.

How can we prove $2P(x)>P'(x)$ with a continuous third derivative?

To prove $2P(x)>P'(x)$ with a continuous third derivative, we can use the mean value theorem or the second derivative test. These techniques involve finding the critical points of the function and evaluating the sign of the third derivative at those points. If the third derivative is positive, then the function is concave up and the inequality holds.

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