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The function, f(x)=x1xf(x) = x - \frac{1}{x} is

Solution

Correct Option: 1

To determine whether f(x)=x1xf(x) = x - \frac{1}{x} is increasing or decreasing, find the derivative and check its sign.


f(x)=x1xf(x) = x - \frac{1}{x}

Rewrite as:

f(x)=xx1f(x) = x - x^{-1}

Differentiate:

f(x)=1(1)x2f'(x) = 1 - (-1)x^{-2}

f(x)=1+1x2f'(x) = 1 + \frac{1}{x^2}


For f(x)=1+1x2f'(x) = 1 + \frac{1}{x^2}:

Since x2x^2 is always positive for x0x \neq 0, then 1x2\frac{1}{x^2} is always positive.

Therefore:

f(x)=1+1x2>1>0f'(x) = 1 + \frac{1}{x^2} > 1 > 0

Since f(x)>0f'(x) > 0 for all x0x \neq 0, the function is increasing.


The function f(x)=x1xf(x) = x - \frac{1}{x} is not defined at x=0x = 0 (division by zero).

The domain is x(,0)(0,)x \in (-\infty, 0) \cup (0, \infty).


Therefore, the function is increasing for all x(,0)(0,)x \in (-\infty, 0) \cup (0, \infty).

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