COMEDK202510 May 2025Morning ShiftMathematicsApplication of DerivativesActual
The least value of ' a ' such that the function x^2+a x+1 is increasing on [1,2] is
Options
- A1
- B4
- C-2
- D2
Correct answer
C. -2
Step-by-step solution
Let f(x) = x^2 + ax + 1 . The function f(x) is increasing on the interval [1, 2] if its derivative f'(x) 0 for all x [1, 2] . Calculating the derivative, we get f'(x) = 2x + a . For f(x) to be increasing on [1, 2] , we require 2x + a 0 for all x [1, 2] . This inequality must hold for the minimum value of x in the interval [1, 2] , which is x = 1 . Substituting x = 1 into the inequality, we get 2(1) + a 0 , which simplifies to 2 + a 0 . Therefore, a -2 . The least value of a is -2 . Answer: -2