APPLICATIONS OF DERIVATIVE

SORTING NUMBERS BY USING INCREASING AND

DECREASING FUNCTIONS

HIGHLIGHT EXAMPLES Example 2

Example 1 Sort the numbers a, b and c given below in ascending or

descending order.
Let a, b and c be are real numbers given as,
3
a = 2 99 − 3. 99
a = 1001 − 999
3
b = 1003 − 1001 b = 2 101 − 3. 101
3
c = 1005 − 1003 c = 2 103 − 3. 103
Then, sort a, b and c in ascending or descending order. Solution
Solution Let us define the function f as:
f ^xh = 2 x − 3. x
3
Let us define the function f as below:
f ^xh = x + 2 − x Firstly we will find the derivative of f.
1 1
By using derivative rule ^ x hl= f ^xh = 2.x 2 − 3.x 3
1
, we can easily find that
2 x
fl^xh =
1 1 1 2
− −
fl^xh = 2. .x
− 1 2 1 3
2 x+2 2 x − 3. .x
2 3
For all x Œ [0, �),
fl^xh =
1 1
1
− 2
x+2 > x 2
x x3
2 x+2 > 2 x
1 1 For all x > 1, the inequality
<
2 x+2 2 x n > m Ş xn > xm
1 1 holds.
− < 0 holds.
2 x+2 2 x 1 2
< and x > 1
Now we have, for all x Œ [0, �) 2 3
1 2
f¢(x) < 0 ......... (★)
& x2 < x3
The (★) inequality says that, the function f is decreasing on 1 1
& 1> 2
the interval [0, �).
x2 x3
• a = 1001 − 999 = f ^999h
1 1
& − >0
• b = 1003 − 1001 = f ^1001h 1 2
2 3
x x
• c = 1005 − 1003 = f ^1003h
Now we have, for all x > 1
From the definition of deareasing function, finally we get,
f¢(x) > 0 ......... (★)
f ^999h > f ^1001h > f ^1003h
> a
> > c
The (★) inequality says that, the function f ise increasing on
b
the open interval (1, �).
■
• a = 2 99 − 3. 99 = f ^99h
3

• b = 2 101 − 3. 101 = f ^101h

3

• c = 2 103 − 3. 103 = f ^103h

3

From the definition of increasing function, finally we get,

f ^99h < f ^101h < f ^103h
; a
= > c
b
■
Example 3

Sort the numbers a, b and c given below in ascending or

descending order.
2017
+ 3
2018
a=
2017
− 3
2018
2018
+ 3
2019
b=
2018
− 3
2019
2021
+ 3
2022
c=
2021
− 3
2022

Solution

Let the function f be;

f ^xh =
x+ 3
x− 3
Firstly we will find the derivative of f.
1. ^x − 3 h − 1. ^x + 3 h
fl^xh =
^x − 3 h2

fl^xh =
−2 3
^x − 3 h2

For all x ΠR Р" 3 , , the inequality

f ¢(x) < 0 holds.
It means, if (a,b) is a subset of the domain of f, the function f
is decreasing on the open interval (a,b).
2017
+ 3
= fb l
2018 2017
•a=
2017 2018
− 3
2018
2018
+ 3
= fb l
2019 2018
•b=
2018 2019
− 3
2019
2021
+ 3
= fb l
2022 2021
•c=
2021 2022
− 3
2022
From the rational number properties, we can write,
2017 2018 2021
< <
2018 2019 2022
From the definition of decreasing function, finally we get,
fb l > fb l > fb l
2017 2018 2021
2018 2019 2022
14 2a
4 3 1 4 2 4 3 1 4 2
c
43
b
■

These examples have to get it's place in calculus books.

15.12.2018

Alpaslan CERAN