First derivative test to find where the function is increasing, and decreasing
I have this function: .
and I want to find increasing intervals, and decreasing intervals. Here's what I did:
- I've found domain in which the function is defined, and this is what I got: .
0 and 1 are critical points in which the function isn't defined (i.e if , the log is undefined, and if , the fraction is undefined).
- I've computed first derivative, and this is what I got (I've used quotient rule):
I've rewritten it, as follows: .
the denominator is always positive so the sign depends only on the numerator. (I think the problem is in this step) on a line, I've chosen 4 different random numbers, 1/4, 1/2, 3/2, 2, and I've put each number in the first derivative, and this is what I got:
- in the first interval (from 0, to 1/4), the original function is decreasing (minus sign)
- same for the other intervals
I don't have the full solution of the exercise, therefore I don't knwo if my solution is correct, but I think is strange that in this function there aren't increasing intervals.
- I think the problem is in the first derivative, but I'm sure I've used the quotient rule correctly.