What is the inequality form for a decreasing curve's slope?

In summary, to determine where the slope is decreasing for the function y=2x^3-15x^2+24x, we take the derivative twice and set it equal to zero. This gives us an inequality of 2x-5<0, which simplifies to x<5/2. This means that the slope is decreasing when x is less than 5/2. There is a difference between a decreasing slope and a decreasing function, as the former looks at the rate of change while the latter looks at the overall trend.
  • #1
Teh
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  • #2
We are given:

\(\displaystyle y=2x^3-15x^2+24x\)

Now, to determine where the slope is decreasing, we need to find where the second derivative of $y$ is negative...what do you get for $y''$?
 
  • #3
MarkFL said:
We are given:

\(\displaystyle y=2x^3-15x^2+24x\)

Now, to determine where the slope is decreasing, we need to find where the second derivative of $y$ is negative...what do you get for $y''$?

y'' = 8x-15?
 
  • #4
Teh said:
y'' = 8x-15?

We have:

\(\displaystyle y=2x^3-15x^2+24x\)

Now, using the power rule on each term, we get:

\(\displaystyle y'=6x^2-30x+24\)

And differentiating again:

\(\displaystyle y''=12x-30=6(2x-5)\)

So, we need to solve:

\(\displaystyle 2x-5<0\)

What do you get?
 
  • #5
MarkFL said:
We have:

\(\displaystyle y=2x^3-15x^2+24x\)

Now, using the power rule on each term, we get:

\(\displaystyle y'=6x^2-30x+24\)

And differentiating again:

\(\displaystyle y''=12x-30=6(2x-5)\)

So, we need to solve:

\(\displaystyle 2x-5<0\)

What do you get?

\(\displaystyle x < \frac{5}{2}\)
 
  • #6
Teh said:
\(\displaystyle x < \frac{5}{2}\)

Yes. (Yes)

Do you see the difference between a decreasing slope and a decreasing function? :D
 
  • #7
MarkFL said:
Yes. (Yes)

Do you see the difference between a decreasing slope and a decreasing function? :D
No not really may you explain please
 
  • #8
To find where a function is decreasing, we find the intervals in which the first derivative is negative, and to find where the slope (as represented by the first derivative) is decreasing, we naturally look at where the first derivative of the first derivative (or the second derivative of the original function) is negative. Something is negative when it is less than zero, so that's why we end up with inequalities. :D
 

FAQ: What is the inequality form for a decreasing curve's slope?

What is the slope of a decreasing curve?

The slope of a decreasing curve is a measure of how steep the curve is at any given point. It represents the rate of change of the curve as it moves downwards.

How is the slope of a decreasing curve calculated?

The slope of a decreasing curve is calculated by finding the change in the y-coordinates divided by the change in the x-coordinates between two points on the curve. This is represented mathematically as (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1).

What does a negative slope on a decreasing curve represent?

A negative slope on a decreasing curve represents a decrease in the value of the y-variable as the x-variable increases. This means that the curve is moving downwards from left to right.

How does the slope of a decreasing curve relate to the steepness of the curve?

The slope of a decreasing curve is directly related to the steepness of the curve. A larger slope value indicates a steeper curve, while a smaller slope value indicates a gentler curve.

Can the slope of a decreasing curve ever be positive?

No, the slope of a decreasing curve can never be positive. This is because a decreasing curve always has a negative slope, indicating a downward trend in the data. A positive slope would indicate an upward trend, which is not possible on a decreasing curve.

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