Explanation
Solution
1. Conceptual Background:
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A function f(x) has no extremum (maximum or minimum) if its derivative f′(x) is always greater than zero (f'(x) > 0) or always less than zero for all x.
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For a quadratic equation Ax^2 + Bx + C > 0 to be true for all real x, the leading coefficient must be positive (A > 0) and the discriminant must be negative (D < 0, where D=B2−4AC).
2. Finding the Derivative:
Let the given function be:
We find the first derivative f′(x) with respect to x:
3. Applying the Condition for No Extremum:
For the function to have no extremum, we require:
3x^2 + 2ax + b > 0 \text{}
This quadratic inequality holds for all real x only if its discriminant D is less than zero:
D = (2a)^2 - 4 \cdot 3 \cdot b < 0 \text{}
4a^2 - 12b < 0 \text{}
4. Final Simplification:
Divide the entire inequality by 4:
Correct Option: 3 (a^2 < 3b)