Question 80891This question is from textbook CALCULUS 
:  For the general cubic polynomial f(x)= ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d (a different from 0). 
Find conditions on a, b, c, and d to ensure that f is always increasing or always decreasing on (-00, +00). 
This question is from textbook CALCULUS 
 Answer by stanbon(75887)      (Show Source): 
You can  put this solution on YOUR website! For the general cubic polynomial f(x)= ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d (a different from 0). 
Find conditions on a, b, c, and d to ensure that f is always increasing or always decreasing on (-00, +00). 
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To assure Increasing: 
The slope would have to be postive for all values of x. 
Take the derivative: 3ax^2+2bx+c>0 
As long as c>0 and a>0 you would get a graph (parabola) that  
is always above the x axis.  That should meet the asked-for  
condition. 
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To assure decreasing: 
The slope would have to be negative for all values of x. 
Use the same drivative but make it <0 
Let c<0 and a<0 then you would get a graph (parabola) that  
is always below the x-axis.  That should meet the asked-for  
condition. 
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Cheers, 
Stan H. 
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Cheers, 
Stan H. 
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