Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-533

Applications of Derivatives 533

Hence, f ( x) is increasing on ]a , b[.

The result may now be extended to the case when f ¢( x) = 0 at a finite
number of points.
COROLLARY 2 If f ¢( x) < 0 for all x Î]a , b[, except for a finite number of points where
f ¢( x) = 0, then f ( x) is decreasing on ]a , b[.
PROOF It is similar to that of Corollary 1.
Two Important Results
I. (i) If f ¢( x) ³ 0 for all x Î]a , b[ then f ( x) is increasing on [a , b].
(ii) If f ¢( x) > 0 for all x Î]a , b[ then f ( x) is strictly increasing
on [a , b].
II. (i) If f ¢( x) £ 0 for all x Î]a , b[ then f ( x) is decreasing on
[a , b].
(ii) If f ¢( x) < 0 for all x Î]a , b[ then f ( x) is strictly decreasing on
[a , b].

SOLVED EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1 Show that the function f ( x) = ( x 3 - 6x 2 + 12x - 18) is an increasing

function on R. [CBSE 2002C]
SOLUTION f ( x) = ( x 3 - 6x 2 + 12x - 18)
Þ f ¢( x) = 3 x 2 - 12x + 12
= 3( x 2 - 4x + 4) = 3( x - 2) 2 ³ 0 for all x Î R.
Thus, f ¢( x) ³ 0 for all x Î R.
Hence, f ( x) is an increasing function on R.
EXAMPLE 2 Show that the function f ( x) = ex is strictly increasing on R.
SOLUTION f ( x) = ex Þ f ¢( x) = ex .
Case I When x > 0
æ x2 x 3 ö
In this case, ex = ç1 + x + + + ¼÷ > 1
ç 2! 3 ! ÷
è ø
Þ ex > 0 for all x > 0
Þ f ¢( x) > 0 for all x > 0.
Case II When x = 0
In this case, ex = e0 = 1 > 0
Þ f ¢( x) > 0 when x = 0.
Case III When x < 0
Let x = - y , where y is positive.
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-534

534 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12

1 1
Then, ex = e- y = y
= > 0.
e (a +ve quantity)
So, f ¢( x) > 0 when x < 0.
Thus, from all the cases, we have f ¢( x) > 0 for all x Î R.
Hence, f ( x) is strictly increasing for all x Î R.
EXAMPLE 3 Show that f ( x) = e1/x is a strictly decreasing function for all x > 0.

1
SOLUTION f ( x) = e1/x Þ f ¢( x) = - e1/x < 0 for all x > 0
x2
[Q x 2 > 0 and e1/x > 0 when x > 0].
Thus, f ¢( x) < 0 for all x > 0.
Hence, f ( x) is strictly decreasing for all x > 0.
EXAMPLE 4 Show that f ( x) = ( x - 1) ex + 1 is a strictly increasing function for all
x > 0.
SOLUTION f ( x) = ( x - 1) ex + 1 Þ f ¢( x) = ( x - 1) ex + ex
Þ f ¢( x) = x ex > 0 for all x > 0
[Q x > 0 and ex > 0 when x > 0].
Thus, f ¢( x) > 0 for all x > 0.
Hence, f ( x) is a strictly increasing function for all x > 0.
EXAMPLE 5 Show that the function f ( x) = ( x - sin x) is increasing for all x Î R.
SOLUTION f ( x) = ( x - sin x)
Þ f ¢( x) = (1 - cos x) ³ 0 for all x Î R [Q - 1 £ cos x £ 1]
Þ f ¢( x) ³ 0 for all x Î R.
Hence, f ( x) = ( x - sin x) is increasing for all x Î R.
ù pé
EXAMPLE 6 Show that the function f ( x) = cos2 x is strictly decreasing on ú 0, ê ×
û 2ë
SOLUTION f ( x) = cos2 x
ù pé
Þ f ¢( x) = - 2 cos x sin x = - (sin 2x) < 0 in ú 0, ê
û 2ë
[Q sin 2x > 0 in the 1st quadrant]
ù pé
Þ f ¢( x) < 0 for all x Î ú 0, ê ×
û 2ë
2 ù pé
Hence, f ( x) = cos x is strictly decreasing on ú 0, ê ×
û 2ë

ù pé
EXAMPLE 7 Show that f ( x) = log sin x is (a) strictly increasing on ú 0, ê and
ùp é û 2ë
(b) strictly decreasing on ú , p ê ×
û 2 ë
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-535

Applications of Derivatives 535

SOLUTION f ( x) = log sin x

1
Þ f ¢( x) = × cos x Þ f ¢( x) = cot x ¼(i)
sin x
ù pé
(a) We know that for each x Î ú 0, ê ,
û 2ë
f ¢( x) = cot x > 0.
ù pé
\ f ( x) is strictly increasing in ú 0, ê ×
û 2ë
ùp é
(b) We know that for each x Î ú , p ê ,
û 2 ë
f ¢( x) = cot x < 0.
ùp é
\ f ( x) is strictly decreasing in ú , p ê ×
û 2 ë
EXAMPLE 8 Show that the function f ( x) = sin x is
ù pé
(a) strictly increasing on ú 0, ê
û 2ë
ùp é
(b) strictly decreasing on ú , p ê
û 2 ë
(c) neither increasing nor decreasing on ]0, p [
SOLUTION f ( x) = sin x Þ f ¢( x) = cos x.
ù pé
(a) We know that for each x Î ú 0, ê , cos x > 0.
û 2ë
ù pé
\ f ¢( x) > 0 for all x Î ú 0, ê ×
û 2ë
ù pé
Hence, f ( x) is increasing on ú 0, ê ×
û 2ë
ùp é
(b) We know that for each x Î ú , p ê , cos x < 0.
û 2 ë
ùp é
\ f ¢( x) < 0 for all x Î ú , p ê ×
û 2 ë
ùp é
Hence, f ( x) is decreasing on ú , p ê ×
û 2 ë
(c) It follows from the above two results that f ( x) = sin x is
ù pé ùp é
increasing on ú 0, ê and decreasing on ú , p ê ×
û 2ë û 2 ë
So, it is neither increasing nor decreasing on ]0, p[.
EXAMPLE 9 Show that the function f ( x) = ( x 2 - x + 1) is neither increasing nor
decreasing on ]0, 1[.
SOLUTION f ( x) = ( x 2 - x + 1) Þ f ¢( x) = ( 2x - 1).
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-536

536 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12

1
Now, f ¢( x) > 0 Û ( 2x - 1) > 0 Û x> ×
2
ù1 é
\ f ( x) is increasing when x Î ú , 1 ê ×
û2 ë
1
And, f ¢( x) < 0 Û ( 2x - 1) < 0 Û x< ×
2
ù 1é
\ f ( x) is decreasing when x Î ú 0, ê ×
û 2ë
Hence, the given function is neither increasing nor decreasing on
]0, 1[.
EXAMPLE 10 Prove that the function f ( x) = 10x is strictly increasing on R.
SOLUTION f ( x) = 10x Þ f ¢( x) = (10x ) (log 10) > 0 for all x Î R.
Hence, f ( x) = 10x is strictly increasing on R.
EXAMPLE 11 Show that f ( x) = tan -1(cos x + sin x) is a strictly increasing function
æ pö
on the interval ç 0, ÷ × [CBSE 2007]
è 4ø
SOLUTION f ( x) = tan -1(cos x + sin x)
1 d
Þ f ¢( x) = 2
× (cos x + sin x)
1 + (cos x + sin x) dx
( - sin x + cos x)
=
(1 + cos2 x + sin 2 x + 2 sin x cos x)
(cos x - sin x)
=
( 2 + sin 2x)
p
Now, when 0 < x < , we have cos x > sin x and sin 2x > 0.
4
\ (cos x - sin x) > 0 and ( 2 + sin 2x) > 0.
p
\ f ¢( x) > 0 for all x when 0 < x < ×
4
æ pö
Hence, f ( x) is strictly increasing in ç 0, ÷ ×
è 4ø
EXAMPLE 12 Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = 10 - 6x - 2x 2 is
(a) strictly increasing (b) strictly decreasing.
SOLUTION f ( x) = 10 - 6x - 2x 2
æ 3ö
Þ f ¢( x) = - 6 - 4x = - 2 ( 3 + 2x) = - 4 ç x + ÷ ¼(i)
è 2ø
(a) f ( x) is strictly increasing
Û f ¢( x) > 0
æ 3ö
Û - 4 çx + ÷ > 0 [from (i)]
è 2ø
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-537

Applications of Derivatives 537

æ 3ö -3
Û çx + ÷ < 0 Û x< ×
è 2ø 2
ù -3 é
\ f ( x) is strictly increasing on the interval ú - ¥ , ×
û 2 êë
(b) f ( x) is strictly decreasing
Û f ¢( x) < 0
æ 3ö
Û - 4 çx + ÷ < 0 [from (i)]
è 2ø
æ 3ö
Û çx + ÷ > 0
è 2ø
-3
Û x> ×
2
ù -3 é
\ f ( x) is strictly decreasing on the interval ú , ¥ ê×
û 2 ë
ù -3 é
Hence, f ( x) is strictly increasing on the interval ú - ¥ , and
û 2 êë
ù -3 é
strictly decreasing on ú , ¥ ê×
û 2 ë
EXAMPLE 13 Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = -2x 3 - 9x 2 - 12x + 1
is (a) strictly increasing (b) strictly decreasing.
SOLUTION f ( x) = -2x 3 - 9x 2 - 12x + 1
Þ f ¢( x) = -6x 2 - 18x - 12 = - 6( x 2 + 3 x + 2) = - 6( x + 2)( x + 1) ¼(i)
(a) f ( x) is strictly increasing
Û f ¢( x) > 0
Û - 6( x + 2)( x + 1) > 0 [from (i)]
Û ( x + 2)( x + 1) < 0
Û - 2 < x < -1
Û x Î ] - 2, -1[.
\ f ( x) is strictly increasing on the interval ] - 2, -1[.
(b) f ( x) is strictly decreasing
Û f ¢( x) < 0
Û - 6( x + 2)( x + 1) < 0 [from (i)]
Û ( x + 2)( x + 1) > 0
Û [( x + 2) > 0 and ( x + 1) > 0]
or [( x + 2) < 0 and ( x + 1) < 0]
Û (x > -2 and x > -1) or (x < -2 and x < -1)
Û ( x > -1) or ( x < -2)
Û x Î ] -1, ¥ [ or x Î ] -¥ , - 2[
Û x Î ] -¥ , - 2[ È ] -1, ¥ [.
\ f ( x) is strictly decreasing on ] - ¥ , - 2[ È ] -1, ¥ [.
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-538

538 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12

EXAMPLE 14 Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = 2x 3 - 15 x 2 + 36x + 6

is (a) increasing (b) decreasing. [CBSE 2004C, ‘05, ‘09C]
SOLUTION f ( x) = 2x 3 - 15 x 2 + 36x + 6
Þ f ¢( x) = 6x 2 - 30x + 36 = 6( x 2 - 5 x + 6) = 6( x - 3)( x - 2) ¼(i)
(a) f ( x) is increasing
Û f ¢( x) ³ 0
Û 6( x - 3)( x - 2) ³ 0 [from (i)]
Û ( x - 3)( x - 2) ³ 0
Û [( x - 3) ³ 0 and ( x - 2) ³ 0]
or [( x - 3) £ 0 and ( x - 2) £ 0]
Û [x ³ 3 and x ³ 2] or [x £ 3 and x £ 2]
Û [x ³ 3] or [x £ 2]
Û x Î [ 3 , ¥ [ or x Î ] - ¥ , 2]
Û x Î ] - ¥ , 2] È [ 3 , ¥ ].
\ f ( x) is increasing on ] - ¥ , 2] È [ 3 , ¥ [.
(b) f ( x) is decreasing
Û f ¢( x) £ 0
Û 6( x - 3)( x - 2) £ 0 [from (i)]
Û ( x - 3)( x - 2) £ 0
Û 2£x £ 3
Û x Î [2, 3].
\ f ( x) is decreasing on [2, 3].
Hence, f ( x) is increasing on ] - ¥ , 2] È [ 3 , ¥ [ and decreasing on
[2, 3].
EXAMPLE 15 Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = x 3 + 2x 2 - 1 is
(a) increasing (b) decreasing.
SOLUTION f ( x) = x + 2x 2 - 1
3

æ 4ö
Þ f ¢( x) = 3 x 2 + 4x = 3 x ç x + ÷ ¼(i)
è 3ø
(a) f ( x) is increasing
Û f ¢( x) ³ 0
æ 4ö
Û 3x ç x + ÷ ³ 0 [from (i)]
è 3ø
æ 4ö
Û x çx + ÷ ³ 0
è 3ø
æ 4ö æ 4ö
Û [x ³ 0 and ç x + ÷ ³ 0] or [x £ 0 and ç x + ÷ £ 0]
è 3ø è 3ø
4 4
Û [x ³ 0 and x ³ - ] or [x £ 0 and x £ - ]
3 3
æ 4ö
Û ( x ³ 0) or ç x ³ - ÷
è 3ø
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-539

Applications of Derivatives 539

4
Û x Î [0, ¥ [ or x Î ] - ¥ , - ]
3
ù 4ù
Û x Î ú - ¥ , - ú È [0, ¥ [.
û 3û
ù 4ù
\ f ( x) is increasing on ú - ¥ , - ú È [0, ¥ [.
û 3û
(b) f ( x) is decreasing
Û f ¢( x) £ 0
æ 4ö
Û 3x ç x + ÷ £ 0 [from (i)]
è 3ø
æ 4ö
Û x çx + ÷ £ 0
è 3ø
4
Û - £x£0
3
é 4 ù
Û x Î ê - , 0ú ×
ë 3 û
é 4 ù
\ f ( x) is decreasing on ê - , 0ú ×
ë 3 û
ù 4ù
Hence, f ( x) is increasing on ú - ¥ , - ú È [0, ¥ [ and decreasing
û 3û
é 4 ù
on ê - , 0ú ×
ë 3 û
EXAMPLE 16 Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = x 3 + 3 x 2 - 105 x + 25
is (a) increasing (b) decreasing.
SOLUTION f ( x) = x 3 + 3 x 2 - 105 x + 25
Þ f ¢( x) = 3 x 2 + 6x - 105 = 3( x 2 + 2x - 35) = 3( x + 7)( x - 5) ¼(i)
(a) f ( x) is increasing
Û f ¢( x) ³ 0
Û 3( x + 7)( x - 5) ³ 0 [from (i)]
Û ( x + 7)( x - 5) ³ 0
Û [( x + 7) ³ 0 and ( x - 5) ³ 0] or [( x + 7) £ 0 and ( x - 5) £ 0]
Û [x ³ - 7 and x ³ 5] or [x £ - 7 and x £ 5]
Û ( x ³ 5) or ( x £ - 7)
Û x Î [5 , ¥ [ or x Î ] - ¥ , - 7]
Û x Î ] - ¥ , - 7] È [5 , ¥[.
\ f ( x) is increasing on ] - ¥ , - 7] È [5 , ¥[ .
(b) f ( x) is decreasing
Û f ¢( x) £ 0
Û 3( x + 7)( x - 5) £ 0 [from (i)]
Û ( x + 7)( x - 5) £ 0
Û -7 £ x £ 5
Û x Î [ - 7 , 5].
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-540

540 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12

\ f ( x) is decreasing on [ - 7 , 5] ×
Hence, f ( x) is increasing on ] - ¥ , - 7] È [5 , ¥[ and decreasing
on [ - 7 , 5].
EXAMPLE 17 Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = 5 + 36x + 3 x 2 - 2x 3
is (a) increasing (b) decreasing.
SOLUTION f ( x) = 5 + 36x + 3 x 2 - 2x 3
Þ f ¢( x) = 36 + 6x - 6x 2 = - 6( x 2 - x - 6) = - 6( x + 2)( x - 3) ¼(i)
(a) f ( x) is increasing
Û f ¢( x) ³ 0
Û - 6( x + 2)( x - 3) ³ 0 [from (i)]
Û ( x + 2)( x - 3) £ 0
Û -2£ x £ 3
Û x Î [ - 2, 3].
\ f ( x) is increasing on [ - 2, 3].
(b) f ( x) is decreasing
Û f ¢( x) £ 0
Û - 6( x + 2)( x - 3) £ 0 [from (i)]
Û ( x + 2)( x - 3) £ 0
Û [( x + 2) ³ 0 and ( x - 3) ³ 0] or [( x + 2) £ 0 and ( x - 3) £ 0]
Û [x ³ - 2 and x ³ 3] or [x £ -2 and x £ 3]
Û ( x ³ 3) or ( x £ -2)
Û x Î [ 3 , ¥ [ or x Î ] - ¥ , - 2]
Û x Î ] - ¥ , - 2] È [ 3 , ¥[.
\ f ( x) is decreasing on ] - ¥ , - 2] È [ 3 , ¥[.
Hence, f ( x) is increasing on [-2, 3] and decreasing on
] - ¥ , - 2] È [ 3 , ¥[.
EXAMPLE 18 Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = ( x + 1) 3( x - 3) 3 is
(a) increasing (b) decreasing. [CBSE 2001C]
SOLUTION f ( x) = ( x + 1) 3( x - 3) 3
d d
Þ f ¢( x) = ( x + 1) 3 × ( x - 3) 3 + ( x - 3) 3 × ( x + 1) 3
dx dx
= ( x + 1) 3 × 3( x - 3) 2 + ( x - 3) 3 × 3( x + 1) 2
= 3( x + 1) 2( x - 3) 2[( x + 1) + ( x - 3)]
= 6( x + 1) 2( x - 3) 2( x - 1) ¼(i)
(a) f ( x) is increasing
Û f ¢( x) ³ 0
Û 6( x + 1) 2( x - 3) 2( x - 1) ³ 0 [from (i)]
Û ( x - 1) ³ 0
Û x ³1
Û x Î [1, ¥ [.
\ f ( x) is increasing on [1, ¥ [.
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-541

Applications of Derivatives 541

(b) f ( x) is decreasing
Û f ¢( x) £ 0
Û 6( x + 1) 2( x - 3) 2( x - 1) £ 0 [from (i)]
Û ( x - 1) £ 0 Û x £ 1
Û x Î ] - ¥ , 1].
\ f ( x) is decreasing on ] - ¥ , 1].
Hence, f ( x) is increasing on [1, ¥ [ and decreasing on ] - ¥ , 1].
4 x2 + 1
EXAMPLE 19 Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = , ( x ¹ 0) is
x
(a) increasing (b) decreasing. [CBSE 2004]

4 x2 + 1
SOLUTION f ( x) = ,x¹0
x
æ 1ö
Þ f ( x) = ç 4x + ÷ , x ¹ 0
è xø
æ 1 ö
Þ f ¢( x) = ç 4 - 2 ÷
è x ø
( 4x 2 - 1)
Þ f ¢( x) = ¼(i)
x2
(a) f ( x) is increasing
( 4 x 2 - 1)
Û f ¢( x) ³ 0 Û ³0 [from (i)]
x2
Û ( 4x 2 - 1) ³ 0 [Q x 2 > 0]
æ 1ö æ 1ö
Û ( 2x - 1)( 2x + 1) ³ 0 Û 2 ç x - ÷ × 2 ç x + ÷ ³ 0
è 2ø è 2ø
æ 1öæ 1ö
Û çx - ÷çx + ÷ ³ 0
è 2ø è 2ø
éæ 1ö æ 1ö ù
Û ê ç x - 2 ÷ ³ 0 and ç x + 2 ÷ ³ 0ú
ëè ø è ø û
éæ 1ö æ 1ö ù
or ê ç x - 2 ÷ £ 0 and ç x + 2 ÷ £ 0ú
ëè ø è ø û
é 1 1ù é 1 1ù
Û êë x ³ 2 and x ³ - 2 úû or êë x £ 2 and x £ - 2 úû
æ 1ö æ 1ö
Û ç x ³ ÷ or ç x £ - ÷
è 2ø è 2ø
é1 é ù 1ù
Û x Î ê , ¥ ê or x Î ú - ¥ , - ú
ë2 ë û 2û
ù 1ù é1 é
Û x Îú - ¥, - ú È ê , ¥ ê ×
û 2û ë 2 ë
ù 1ù é1 é
\ f ( x) is increasing on ú - ¥ , - ú È ê , ¥ ê ×
û 2û ë 2 ë
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-542

542 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12

(b) f ( x) is decreasing
( 4x 2 - 1)
Û f ¢( x) £ 0 Û £0 [from (i)]
x2
Û ( 4x 2 - 1) £ 0 [Q x 2 > 0]
æ 1ö æ 1ö
Û ( 2x - 1)( 2x + 1) £ 0 Û 2 ç x - ÷ × 2 ç x + ÷ £ 0
è 2ø è 2ø
æ 1ö æ 1ö
Û çx - ÷ çx + ÷ £ 0
è 2ø è 2ø
1 1
Û - £x£
2 2
é 1 1ù
Û x Îê- , ú ×
ë 2 2û
é 1 1ù
\ f ( x) is decreasing on ê - , ú ×
ë 2 2û
ù 1ù é1 é
Hence, f ( x) is increasing on ú - ¥ , - ú È ê , ¥ ê and decreasing
û 2û ë 2 ë
é 1 1ù
on ê - , ú ×
ë 2 2û
x
EXAMPLE 20 Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = 2 is
( x + 1)
(a) increasing (b) decreasing. [CBSE 2003]
x
SOLUTION f ( x) =
( x 2 + 1)
d d
( x 2 + 1) × ( x) - x × ( x 2 + 1)
dx dx ( x 2 + 1) × 1 - x × 2x
Þ f ¢( x) = =
( x 2 + 1) 2 ( x 2 + 1) 2
(1 - x 2)
Þ f ¢( x) = ¼(i)
( x 2 + 1) 2
(a) f ( x) is increasing
Û f ¢( x) ³ 0
(1 - x 2)
Û ³0 [from (i)]
( x 2 + 1) 2
Û (1 - x 2) ³ 0 [Q ( x 2 + 1) 2 > 0]
Û - (1 - x 2) £ 0 Û ( x 2 - 1) £ 0
Û ( x - 1)( x + 1) £ 0
Û -1 £ x £ 1
Û x Î [ - 1, 1].
\ f ( x) is increasing on [ - 1, 1].
(b) f ( x) is decreasing
Û f ¢( x) £ 0
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-543

Applications of Derivatives 543

(1 - x 2)
Û £0 [from (i)]
( x 2 + 1) 2
Û (1 - x 2) £ 0 [Q ( x 2 + 1) 2 > 0]
Û - (1 - x 2) ³ 0
Û ( x 2 - 1) £ 0 Û ( x - 1)( x + 1) ³ 0
Û [( x - 1) ³ 0 and ( x + 1) ³ 0] or [( x - 1) £ 0 and ( x + 1) £ 0]
Û [x ³ 1 and x ³ - 1] or [x £ 1 and x £ - 1]
Û ( x ³ 1) or ( x £ - 1)
Û x Î [1, ¥ [ or x Î ] - ¥ , - 1]
Û x Î ] - ¥ , - 1] È [1, ¥ [.
\ f ( x) is decreasing on ] - ¥ , - 1] È [1, ¥ [.
Hence, f ( x) is increasing on [ - 1, 1] and decreasing on
] - ¥ , - 1] È [1, ¥ [.
EXAMPLE 21 Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = ( x + 2) e- x is
(a) increasing (b) decreasing. [CBSE 2000C]
SOLUTION f ( x) = ( x + 2) e- x
Þ f ¢( x) = - ( x + 2) e- x + e- x × 1
Þ f ¢( x) = - ( x + 1) e- x ¼(i)
(a) f ( x) is increasing
Û f ¢( x) ³ 0
Û - ( x + 1) e- x ³ 0 [from (i)]
-x
Û ( x + 1) e £0
Û ( x + 1) £ 0 [Q e- x > 0]
Û x £ -1 Û x Î ] -¥ , -1].
\ f ( x) is increasing on ] -¥ , -1].
(b) f ( x) is decreasing
Û f ¢( x) £ 0
Û - ( x + 1) e- x £ 0 [from (i)]
Û ( x + 1) e- x ³ 0
Û ( x + 1) ³ 0 [Q e- x > 0]
Û x ³ -1
Û x Î [ -1, ¥ [.
\ f ( x) is decreasing on [ -1, ¥ [.
Hence, f ( x) is increasing on ] -¥ , -1] and decreasing on [ -1, ¥ [.
x
EXAMPLE 22 Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = log (1 + x) - is
(1 + x)
(a) increasing (b) decreasing. [CBSE 2000C]
x
SOLUTION f ( x) = log (1 + x) -
(1 + x)
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-544

544 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12

ì 1 (1 + x) × 1 - x × 1 ü
Þ f ¢( x) = í - ý
î(1 + x) (1 + x) 2 þ
ì 1 1 ü (1 + x - 1)
=í - ý=
î(1 + x ) (1 + x) 2 þ (1 + x) 2
x
Þ f ¢( x) = ¼(i)
(1 + x) 2
(a) f ( x) is increasing
Û f ¢( x) ³ 0
x
Û ³0 [from (i)]
(1 + x) 2
Û x³0 [Q (1 + x) 2 ³ 0]
Û x Î [0, ¥ [.
(b) f ( x) is decreasing
Û f ¢( x) £ 0
x
Û £0 [from (i)]
(1 + x) 2
Û x£0
Û x Î ] -¥ , 0].
Hence, f ( x) is increasing on [0, ¥ [ and decreasing on ] -¥ , 0].
EXAMPLE 23 Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = (sin x - cos x),
0 < x < 2p, is (a) increasing (b) decreasing. [CBSE 2000C, ‘09, ‘11]
SOLUTION f ( x) = (sin x - cos x), 0 < x < 2p
æ 1 1 ö
Þ f ¢( x) = (cos x + sin x) = 2 ç cos x + sin x ÷
è 2 2 ø
æ p p ö
Þ f ¢( x) = 2 ç sin cos x + cos sin x ÷
è 4 4 ø
æ p ö
Þ f ¢( x) = 2 sin ç + x ÷ … (i)
è4 ø
p æp ö æp ö
Now, 0 < x < 2p Þ < ç + x ÷ < ç + 2p ÷
4 è4 ø è4 ø
p æp ö 9p
Þ < ç + x÷ < ¼(ii)
4 è4 ø 4
(a) f ( x) is increasing
Û f ¢( x) ³ 0
æp ö
Û 2 sin ç + x ÷ ³ 0 [from (i)]
è4 ø
æp ö
Û sin ç + x ÷ ³ 0
è4 ø
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-545

Applications of Derivatives 545

ìp æ p ö ü ì æp ö 9p ü
Û í < ç + x ÷ £ p ý or í2p £ ç + x ÷ < ý
î4 è 4 ø þ î è4 ø 4þ
ì 3p ü ì7 p ü
Û í0 < x £ ý or í £ x < 2p ý
î 4 þ î4 þ
ù 3p ù é 7p é
Û x Î ú 0, or x Î ê , 2p ê
û 4 úû ë 4 ë
ù 3p ù é 7p é
Û x Î ú 0, È , 2p ê ×
û 4 úû êë 4 ë
ù 3p ù é 7p é
\ f ( x) is increasing on ú 0, È , 2p ê ×
û 4 úû êë 4 ë
(b) f ( x) is decreasing
Û f ¢( x) £ 0
æp ö
Û 2 sin ç + x ÷ £ 0 [from (i)]
è 4 ø
æp ö
Û sin ç + x ÷ £ 0
è4 ø
æp ö
Û p £ ç + x ÷ £ 2p
è4 ø
3p 7p
Û £x£
4 4
é 3p 7p ù
Û x Îê , ×
ë 4 4 úû
é 3p 7p ù
\ f ( x) is decreasing on ê , ×
ë 4 4 úû
é pù
EXAMPLE 24 Separate the interval ê 0, ú into subintervals in which
ë 2û
f ( x) = (sin 4 x + cos4 x) is (a) increasing (b) decreasing. [CBSE 2000C]
4 4
SOLUTION f ( x) = (sin x + cos x)
Þ f ¢( x) = 4 sin 3 x cos x - 4 cos 3 x sin x
= - 4 sin x cos x(cos2 x - sin 2 x)
= -2 sin 2x cos 2x = - sin 4x ¼(i)
p
Also, 0 £ x £ Û 0 £ 4x £ 2p.
2
(a) f ( x) is increasing
Û f ¢( x) ³ 0
Û - sin 4x ³ 0 [from (i)]
Û sin 4x £ 0
Û p £ 4x £ 2p
p p
Û £x£
4 2
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-546

546 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12

é p pù
Û x Îê , ú ×
ë 4 2û
é p pù
\ f ( x) is increasing on ê , ú ×
ë 4 2û
(b) f ( x) is decreasing
Û f ¢( x) £ 0 [from (i)]
Û - sin 4x £ 0
Û sin 4x ³ 0
Û 0 £ 4x £ p
p
Û 0£x £
4
é pù
Û x Î ê 0, ú ×
ë 4û
é pù
\ f ( x) is decreasing on ê 0, ú ×
ë 4û
é p pù é pù
Hence, f ( x) is increasing on ê , ú and decreasing on ê 0, ú ×
ë 4 2û ë 4û
é pù
EXAMPLE 25 Separate ê 0, ú into subintervals in which f ( x) = sin 3 x is
ë 2û
(a) increasing (b) decreasing.
SOLUTION f ( x) = sin 3 x Þ f ¢( x) = 3 cos 3 x ¼(i)
p 3p
Also, 0 £ x £ Û 0 £ 3x £ ¼(ii)
2 2
(a) f ( x) is increasing
Û f ¢( x) ³ 0
Û 3 cos 3 x ³ 0 Û cos 3 x ³ 0 [from (i)]
p
Û 0 £ 3x £
2
p
Û 0£x £
6
é pù
Û x Î ê 0, ú ×
ë 6û
é pù
\ f ( x) is increasing on ê 0, ú ×
ë 6û
(b) f ( x) is decreasing
Û f ¢( x) £ 0
Û 3 cos 3 x £ 0 Û cos 3 x ³ 0 [from (i)]
p 3p
Û £ 3x £
2 2
p p
Û £x£
6 2
é p pù
Û xÎê , ú×
ë 6 2û
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-547

Applications of Derivatives 547

é p pù
\ f ( x) is decreasing on ê , ú ×
ë 6 2û
é pù é p pù
Hence, f ( x) is increasing on ê 0, ú and decreasing on ê , ú ×
ë 6û ë 6 2û
é pù
EXAMPLE 26 Prove that tan x > x for all x Î ê 0, ú ×
ë 2û
ù p é
SOLUTION Let c be an arbitrary real number such that c Î ú 0, ê ×
û 2 ë
Let f ( x) = tan x - x for all x Î [0, c].
\ f ¢( x) = sec2 x - 1 = tan 2 x > 0 for all x Î ]0, c[.
Thus, f ( x) is increasing on ]0, c[.
Now, x > 0 Þ f ( x) > f ( 0)
Þ f ( x) > 0
Þ tan x - x > 0
Þ tan x > x.
EXAMPLE 27 Find the values of x for which the function f ( x) = x x , x > 0 is
(a) increasing (b) decreasing.
SOLUTION f ( x) = x x
x log x
Þ f ( x) = e
x log xd
Þ f ¢( x) = e ×
( x log x)
dx
Þ f ¢( x) = x x (1 + log e x) ¼(i)
(a) f ( x) is increasing
Û f ¢( x) ³ 0
Û x x (1 + log e x) ³ 0 [from (i)]
Û (1 + log e x) ³ 0 [Q x x > 0 when x > 0]
Û log e x ³ - 1
Û x ³ e -1
é1 é
Û x Î ê , ¥ê ×
ëe ë
é1 é
\ f ( x) is increasing on ê , ¥ ê ×
ëe ë
(b) f ( x) is decreasing
Û f ¢( x) £ 0
Û x x (1 + log e x) £ 0
Û (1 + log e x) £ 0 [Q x x > 0]
Û log e x £ - 1
Û x £ e -1
1
Û 0£x £
e
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-548

548 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12

é 1ù
Û x Î ê 0, ×
ë e úû
é 1ù
\ f ( x) is decreasing on ê 0, ú ×
ë eû
é1 ù é 1ù
Hence, f ( x) is increasing on ê , ¥ ú and decreasing on ê 0, ú ×
ëe û ë eû
EXAMPLE 28 Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = ( x 4 - 2x 2) is increasing
or decreasing.
SOLUTION f ( x) = x 4 - 2x 2 Þ f ¢( x) = 4x 3 - 4x = 4x( x - 1)( x + 1).
Now, f ¢( x) = 0 Þ x = -1 or x = 0 or x = 1.
These points divide the whole real line into four disjoint open
intervals, namely, ] - ¥ , - 1[, ] - 1, 0[, ]0, 1[ and ]1, ¥ [.
Case I When x Î ] - ¥ , - 1[
In this case, x < - 1. So, f ¢( x) = ( -) ( -) ( -) = - ve.
So, f ¢( x) < 0 for all x Î ] - ¥ , - 1[.
\ f ( x) is decreasing for all x Î ] - ¥ , - 1[.
Case II When x Î ] - 1, 0[
In this case, -1 < x < 0.
So, f ¢( x) = ( -) ( -) ( + ) = + ve.
\ f ¢( x) > 0 for all x Î ] - 1, 0[.
\ f ( x) is increasing on ] - 1, 0[.
Case III When x Î]0, 1[
In this case, 0 < x < 1.
So, f ¢( x) = ( + ) ( -) ( + ) = - ve.
Thus, f ¢( x) < 0 for all x Î]0, 1[.
\ f ( x) is decreasing on ]0, 1[.
Case IV When x Î ]1, ¥ [
In this case, 1 < x < ¥ .
So, f ¢( x) = ( + ) ( + ) ( + ) = + ve.
Thus, f ¢( x) > 0 for all x Î ]1, ¥ [.
\ f ( x) is increasing on ]1, ¥ [.
From all the four cases, we conclude that
f ( x) is increasing on ] - 1, 0[ È ]1, ¥ [
and, f ( x) is decreasing on ] - ¥ , - 1[ È ]0, 1[.
x
EXAMPLE 29 Prove that < log(1 + x) < x for x > 0.
(1 + x)
x
SOLUTION Let f ( x) = log (1 + x) - ×
(1 + x)
é 1 1 ù x
Then, f ¢( x) = ê - ú= > 0 for x > 0.
ë 1 + x (1 + x) û (1 + x)
2 2
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-549

Applications of Derivatives 549

Since f ¢( x) > 0 for all x > 0 and f ¢( 0) = 0, it follows that f ( x) is

increasing on [0, ¥ [.
Now, x > 0 Þ f ( x) > f ( 0) Þ f ( x) > 0 [Q f ( 0) = 0]
é x ù x
Þ ê log(1 + x) - ú > 0 Þ log(1 + x) > (1 + x) … (i)
ë (1 + x ) û
Again, let g( x) = [x - log (1 + x)].
é 1 ù x
Then, g ¢( x) = ê1 - ú= > 0 for x > 0.
ë (1 + x) û (1 + x)
Now, g ¢( x) > 0 for all x > 0 and g¢( 0) = 0.
\ g( x) is strictly increasing on [0, ¥ [.
Also, g( 0) = 0.
Now, x > 0 Þ g( x) > g( 0) Þ g( x) > 0 [Q g( 0) = 0]
Þ [x - log (1 + x)] > 0 Þ x > log (1 + x) … (ii)
x
From (i) and (ii), we get < log (1 + x) < x for x > 0.
(1 + x)

EXERCISE 11G
1. Show that the function f ( x) = 5 x - 2 is a strictly increasing function on R.
2. Show that the function f ( x) = -2x + 7 is a strictly decreasing function on R.
3. Prove that f ( x) = ax + b , where a and b are constants and a > 0, is a strictly
increasing function on R.
4. Prove that the function f ( x) = e2x is strictly increasing on R.
5. Show that the function f ( x) = x 2 is
(a) strictly increasing on [0, ¥ [
(b) strictly decreasing on ] - ¥ , 0[
(c) neither strictly increasing nor strictly decreasing on R
6. Show that the function f ( x) = |x|is
(a) strictly increasing on ]0, ¥ [
(b) strictly decreasing on ] - ¥ , 0[
7. Prove that the function f ( x) = log e x is strictly increasing on ]0, ¥ [.
8. Prove that the function f ( x) = log a x is strictly increasing on ]0, ¥ [ when
a > 1 and strictly decreasing on ]0, ¥ [ when 0 < a < 1.
9. Prove that f ( x) = 3 x is strictly increasing on R.
10. Show that f ( x) = x 3 - 15 x 2 + 75 x - 50 is increasing on R.
æ 1ö
11. Show that f ( x) = ç x - ÷ is increasing for all x Î R , where x ¹ 0.
è xø
æ3 ö
12. Show that f ( x) = ç + 5 ÷ is decreasing for all x Î R , where x ¹ 0.
èx ø
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-550

550 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12

1
13. Show that f ( x) = is increasing for all x £ 0.
(1 + x 2)
æ 1 ö
14. Show that f ( x) = ç x 3 + 3 ÷ is decreasing on ] - 1, 1[. [CBSE 2009]
è x ø
x ù pé
15. Show that f ( x) = is increasing on ú 0, ê ×
sin x û 2ë
2x
16. Prove that the function f ( x) = log (1 + x) - is increasing for all
( x + 2)
x > -1. [CBSE 2000C]
17. Let I be an interval disjoint from ] - 1, 1[. Prove that the function
æ 1ö
f ( x) = ç x + ÷ is strictly increasing on I.
è xø
( x - 2)
18. Show that f ( x) = is increasing for all x Î R , except at x = -1.
( x + 1)
19. Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = ( 2x 2 - 3 x) is (a) strictly
increasing (b) strictly decreasing.
20. Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = 2x 3 - 3 x 2 - 36x + 7 is
(a) strictly increasing (b) strictly decreasing. [CBSE 2005C]

21. Find the intervals on which the function f ( x) = 6 - 9x - x 2 is

(a) strictly increasing (b) strictly decreasing.

Find the intervals on which each of the following functions is (a) increasing
(b) decreasing.
æ x 3 ö÷
22. f ( x) = ç x 4 -
ç 3 ÷ø
è
23. f ( x) = x - 12x 2 + 36x + 17
3
[CBSE 2006, ‘09C]
3 2
24. f ( x) = ( x - 6x + 9x + 10) [CBSE 2000, ‘04C]
2 3
25. f ( x) = ( 6 + 12x + 3 x - 2x )
26. f ( x) = 2x 3 - 24x + 5
27. f ( x) = ( x - 1)( x - 2) 2 [CBSE 2009C]
4 3 2
28. f ( x) = ( x - 4x + 4x + 15)
29. f ( x) = 2x 3 + 9x 2 + 12x + 15 [CBSE 2008C]
30. f ( x) = x 4 - 8x 3 + 22x 2 - 24x + 21 [CBSE 2012C]
4 3 2
31. f ( x) = 3 x - 4x - 12x + 5 is (a) strictly increasing (b) strictly decreasing.
[CBSE 2014]
3 4 36
32. f ( x) = x 4 - x 3 - 3 x 2 + x + 11 is (a) strictly increasing (b) strictly
10 5 5
decreasing. [CBSE 2014C]
 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 12 Pg-551

Applications of Derivatives 551

ANSWERS (EXERCISE 11G)

ù 3 é
19. (a) f ( x) is strictly increasing on ú , ¥ ê ×
û 4 ë
ù 3 é
(b) f ( x) is strictly decreasing on ú -¥ , ê ×
û 4ë
20. (a) f ( x) is strictly increasing on ] -¥ , - 2[ È ] 3 , ¥ [.
(b) f ( x) is strictly decreasing on ] -2, 3[.
ù 9é
21. (a) f ( x) is strictly increasing on ú -¥ , - ê ×
û 2ë
ù 9 é
(b) f ( x) is strictly decreasing on ú - , ¥ ê ×
û 2 ë
é1 é
22. (a) f ( x) is increasing on ê , ¥ ê ×
ë4 ë
ù 1ù
(b) f ( x) is decreasing on ú -¥ , ú ×
û 4û
23. (a) f ( x) is increasing on ] -¥ , - 2[ È ] 6, ¥ [.
(b) f ( x) is decreasing on ]2, 6[.
24. (a) f ( x) is increasing on ] -¥ , 1] È [ 3 , ¥ [.
(b) f ( x) is decreasing on [-1, 3].
25. (a) f ( x) is increasing on [-1, 2].
(b) f ( x) is decreasing on ] -¥ , -1] È [2, ¥ [.
26. (a) f ( x) is increasing on ] - ¥ , - 2] È [1, ¥ [.
(b) f ( x) is decreasing on [-2, 2].
ù 4ù
27. (a) f ( x) is increasing on ú -¥ , ú È [2, ¥ [.
û 3û
é4 ù
(b) f ( x) is decreasing on ê , 2ú ×
ë3 û
28. (a) f ( x) is increasing on [0, 1] È [2, ¥ [.
(b) f ( x) is decreasing on ] -¥ , 0] È [1, 2].
29. (a) f ( x) is increasing on ] -¥ , - 2] È [-1, ¥ [.
(b) f ( x) is decreasing on [-2, - 1].
30. (a) f ( x) is increasing on [1, 2] È [ 3 , ¥ [
(b) f ( x) is decreasing on ] -¥ , 1] È [2, 3]
31. (a) Strictly increasing in ] -1, 0[ È ]2, ¥ [.
(b) Strictly decreasing in ] -¥ , -1[ È ]0, 2[.
32. (a) Strictly increasing in ] - 2, 1[ È ] 3 , ¥ [.
(b) Strictly decreasing in ] -¥ , - 2[ È ]1, 3[.