June 2013 p12 q9
1143
A function \(f\) is defined by \(f(x) = \frac{5}{1 - 3x}\), for \(x \geq 1\).
(i) Find an expression for \(f'(x)\).
(ii) Determine, with a reason, whether \(f\) is an increasing function, a decreasing function or neither.
Solution
(i) To find \(f'(x)\), use the quotient rule: if \(f(x) = \frac{u}{v}\), then \(f'(x) = \frac{u'v - uv'}{v^2}\).
Here, \(u = 5\) and \(v = 1 - 3x\).
\(u' = 0\) and \(v' = -3\).
So, \(f'(x) = \frac{0 imes (1 - 3x) - 5 imes (-3)}{(1 - 3x)^2} = \frac{15}{(1 - 3x)^2}\).
Since the derivative is negative, \(f'(x) = \frac{-15}{(1 - 3x)^2}\).
(ii) Since \(15 > 0\) and \((1 - 3x)^2 > 0\) for \(x \geq 1\), \(f'(x) > 0\).
Therefore, \(f\) is an increasing function.
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