The function $f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 6$ is
(A) Strictly decreasing on $(-∞, 2) ∪ (2,∞)$
(B) Strictly increasing on $(2,∞)$
(C) Strictly increasing on $(-∞, ∞)$
(D) Strictly decreasing on $(-∞,2)$
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (B) and (D) only
(B) Strictly increasing on $(2,∞)$
(D) Strictly decreasing on $(-∞,2)$
Given function: $f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 6$
Differentiate: $f'(x) = 2x - 4$
Set $f'(x) = 0 \Rightarrow 2x - 4 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 2$
So the derivative changes sign at $x = 2$
Test intervals:
- For $x < 2$, say $x = 1$: $f'(1) = 2(1) - 4 = -2$ ⇒ decreasing
- For $x > 2$, say $x = 3$: $f'(3) = 2(3) - 4 = 2$ ⇒ increasing
Therefore:
- $f(x)$ is strictly decreasing on $(-\infty,\ 2)$
- $f(x)$ is strictly increasing on $(2,\ \infty)$