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For x ∈ ℝ - {0}, the function f(x) = 3x\frac{3}{x} + 7 is decreasing when

Solution

Correct Option: 2

A function is decreasing when its derivative is negative, i.e., when f(x)<0f'(x) < 0.


Given: f(x)=3x+7f(x) = \frac{3}{x} + 7

Rewriting: f(x)=3x1+7f(x) = 3x^{-1} + 7

Using the power rule:

f(x)=3(1)x2+0f'(x) = 3 \cdot (-1) \cdot x^{-2} + 0

f(x)=3x2f'(x) = -3x^{-2}

f(x)=3x2f'(x) = -\frac{3}{x^2}


For the function to be decreasing: f(x)<0f'(x) < 0

3x2<0-\frac{3}{x^2} < 0

Since x2x^2 is always positive for any x0x \neq 0, the expression 3x2-\frac{3}{x^2} is always negative.

Therefore, f(x)<0f'(x) < 0 for all xR{0}x \in \mathbb{R} - \{0\}.


The function f(x)=3x+7f(x) = \frac{3}{x} + 7 is decreasing for xR{0}x \in \mathbb{R} - \{0\}.

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