Analyzing the Setup
We are given a twice-differentiable function f:[0,2]→R with the condition f′′(x)>0 for all x∈(0,2).
Geometrically, f′′(x)>0 implies that the function is concave upwards. Imagine a bowl where the slope is constantly increasing as you move from left to right.
This condition serves as our "master key." Because f′′(x)>0, the derivative f′(x) is a strictly increasing function.
This means that for any two points a and b in the interval, if a>b, then f′(a)>f′(b). This property is the engine that will drive our entire solution.
The Derivative Dance
We are asked to analyze the monotonicity of the function ϕ(x)=f(x)+f(2−x). To determine whether ϕ(x) is increasing or decreasing, we must examine its rate of change, ϕ′(x).
Differentiating ϕ(x) with respect to x gives:
ϕ′(x)=dxd[f(x)]+dxd[f(2−x)]
The first term is simply f′(x). The second term requires the Chain Rule: we differentiate the outer function f to get f′(2−x) and multiply by the derivative of the inner function (2−x), which is −1.
Thus, we arrive at the crucial expression:
The Symmetry Pivot
We must now analyze the sign of ϕ′(x) on the interval (0,2). The expression f′(x)−f′(2−x) depends entirely on the relationship between x and 2−x.
Note that x=1 is the midpoint of our interval [0,2]. We split our analysis into two regions:
Case 1: x∈(0,1)
In this region, x<1, which implies 2−x>1. Consequently, x<2−x. Since f′(x) is strictly increasing, it follows that f′(x)<f′(2−x). Therefore, ϕ′(x)<0, meaning ϕ(x) is strictly decreasing on (0,1).
Case 2: x∈(1,2)
Here, x>1, which implies 2−x<1. Thus, x>2−x. Since f′(x) is strictly increasing, a larger input x yields a larger output f′(x), so f′(x)>f′(2−x). Therefore, ϕ′(x)>0, meaning ϕ(x) is strictly increasing on (1,2).
The Final Conclusion
We have successfully dissected the behavior of ϕ(x). It decreases on the interval (0,1) and, after passing the symmetry point at x=1, it increases on the interval (1,2).
This result is a testament to the power of symmetry. By understanding the relationship between the function and its reflection, we have unlocked the behavior of the sum.
Always look for the symmetry, trust the calculus, and never fear the derivative.