What would be the shape name of a curve that gradually decreases?
The shape of a curve that gradually decreases is called a descending curve or a decreasing curve. To determine the shape name of such a curve, you need to analyze its behavior and characteristics. Here's a step-by-step explanation on how to determine the shape name:
1. Start by plotting the curve on a graph, with the horizontal axis (x-axis) representing the independent variable and the vertical axis (y-axis) representing the dependent variable.
2. Observe the trend of the curve by examining its slope. If the slope of the curve continuously decreases as you move from left to right (or from negative to positive values on the x-axis), then it is a descending curve.
3. Alternatively, you can also calculate the derivative of the equation describing the curve. If the derivative is negative for all x-values within the domain of the curve, then it is a decreasing curve.
Remember that in mathematics, there are various specific curve shapes with distinct names such as exponential curves, logarithmic curves, logistic curves, and polynomial curves. The shape name of a decreasing curve may be further specified based on its specific equation or function.