Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals3h 25m
4. Applications of Derivatives
Differentials
Problem 53
Textbook Question
Suppose f'(x) < 2, for all x ≥ 2, and f(2) = 7. Show that f(4) < 11.

1
Understand the problem: We are given that the derivative of the function f, denoted as f'(x), is less than 2 for all x greater than or equal to 2. This means the function is increasing at a rate slower than 2 units per unit increase in x.
Use the Mean Value Theorem: This theorem states that for a continuous function f on the interval [a, b] and differentiable on (a, b), there exists some c in (a, b) such that f'(c) = (f(b) - f(a)) / (b - a).
Apply the Mean Value Theorem to the interval [2, 4]: Here, a = 2 and b = 4. According to the theorem, there exists some c in (2, 4) such that f'(c) = (f(4) - f(2)) / (4 - 2).
Substitute the given values: We know f(2) = 7, so f'(c) = (f(4) - 7) / 2. Since f'(x) < 2 for all x ≥ 2, it follows that (f(4) - 7) / 2 < 2.
Solve the inequality: Multiply both sides of the inequality (f(4) - 7) / 2 < 2 by 2 to get f(4) - 7 < 4. Then, add 7 to both sides to find f(4) < 11.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Derivative and its Interpretation
The derivative of a function, denoted f'(x), represents the rate of change of the function f(x) at a given point. If f'(x) < 2 for all x ≥ 2, it indicates that the slope of the tangent line to the curve of f(x) is always less than 2, meaning the function is increasing at a rate slower than 2 units per unit increase in x.
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Mean Value Theorem
The Mean Value Theorem states that if a function is continuous on a closed interval [a, b] and differentiable on the open interval (a, b), then there exists at least one point c in (a, b) such that f'(c) equals the average rate of change of the function over that interval. This theorem can be used to relate the values of f at different points based on the behavior of its derivative.
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Inequalities and Function Behavior
Understanding inequalities is crucial in analyzing function behavior. In this case, since f'(x) < 2, we can infer that the increase in f(x) from x = 2 to x = 4 is less than 2 times the change in x, which is 2. Therefore, f(4) must be less than f(2) + 2 * (4 - 2) = 7 + 4 = 11, leading to the conclusion that f(4) < 11.
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