Chapter 2: Problem 63
Use a graphing utility to make rough estimates of the intervals on which \(f^{\prime}(x)>0,\) and then find those intervals exactly by differentiating. $$ f(x)=x-\frac{1}{x} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The intervals are \((-\infty, 0)\cup(0,\infty)\).
Step by step solution
01
Differentiate the Function
Given the function \( f(x) = x - \frac{1}{x} \). We need to find the derivative \( f'(x) \). Using standard differentiation rules: the derivative of \( x \) is \( 1 \) and the derivative of \( -\frac{1}{x} \) is \( \frac{1}{x^2} \). Thus, \( f'(x) = 1 + \frac{1}{x^2} \).
02
Set the Derivative Greater Than Zero
We need to find the intervals where \( f'(x) > 0 \). Thus, we set the inequality: \[ 1 + \frac{1}{x^2} > 0 \].
03
Interpret the Inequality
The inequality \( 1 + \frac{1}{x^2} > 0 \) is always true because \( \frac{1}{x^2} \) is always non-negative (and positive when \( x eq 0 \)), and adding \( 1 \) ensures that the value is greater than \( 0 \). Thus, \( f'(x) > 0 \) for all \( x eq 0 \).
04
Identify the Exact Interval
Given that \( f'(x) = 1 + \frac{1}{x^2} \) is greater than zero for all \( x eq 0 \), the exact intervals where \( f'(x) > 0 \) are \( (-\infty, 0) \cup (0, \infty) \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Differentiation
Differentiation is a core concept in calculus, allowing us to find the rate at which a function is changing at any point. When we differentiate a function, we are essentially finding its derivative. Derivatives help us understand how functions behave and where they increase or decrease.
In the given exercise, the function is \( f(x) = x - \frac{1}{x} \). To differentiate this function, we apply standard rules of differentiation:
In the given exercise, the function is \( f(x) = x - \frac{1}{x} \). To differentiate this function, we apply standard rules of differentiation:
- The derivative of \( x \) is \( 1 \).
- The derivative of \(-\frac{1}{x}\) can be rewritten as \(-x^{-1}\). Using the power rule, its derivative is \(\frac{1}{x^2}\).
Graphing utility
A graphing utility is a powerful tool for visualizing mathematical concepts. It allows students to plot functions and their derivatives to make interpretations based on visual data. Graphing can help in estimating where a function is increasing or decreasing, based on the slope of the tangent line at different points on the graph.
To solve the exercise, using a graphing utility helps to:
To solve the exercise, using a graphing utility helps to:
- Plot the function \( f(x) = x - \frac{1}{x} \).
- Estimate the intervals where its derivative \( f'(x) \) is positive.
- Visualize the behavior of the function around critical points such as \( x = 0 \).
Inequalities
Inequalities are vital in calculus to determine the behavior of functions over different intervals. In this exercise, we derive the inequality \( 1 + \frac{1}{x^2} > 0 \) from the derivative \( f'(x) = 1 + \frac{1}{x^2} \).
Solving this inequality involves basic principles:
Solving this inequality involves basic principles:
- Recognize that \( \frac{1}{x^2} \) is always non-negative because squaring any real number, except zero, gives a positive result.
- Addition of \( 1 \) means the combined result will always be greater than zero, no matter the value of \( x \) (except at \( x = 0 \)).
Intervals
Intervals are sections of the number line where we evaluate particular behaviors of functions, such as increasing or decreasing trends. When we analyze the derivative \( f'(x) = 1 + \frac{1}{x^2} \), it tells us that outside of \( x = 0 \), the function is always increasing.
Here's how we establish the intervals for \( f'(x) > 0 \):
Here's how we establish the intervals for \( f'(x) > 0 \):
- The function is undefined at \( x = 0 \), thus we exclude this point. No information about slope is provided there.
- For any \( x eq 0 \), \( f'(x) = 1 + \frac{1}{x^2} \) ensures a positive result.