Theorem. Let f:I→R be differentiable on a nonempty open interval I⊂R. Then f is convex on I if and only if f′ is nondecreasing on I.
Context. This provides a practical test for convexity in one variable and connects geometric convexity with calculus.
Proof sketch.
- If f is convex, apply slope inequalities and take limits as x↓a and x↑b to get f′(a)≤f′(b) for a<b.
- If f′ is nondecreasing, then for a<b the mean value theorem implies the secant slope (f(b)−f(a))/(b−a) lies between values of f′, giving Jensen's inequality and hence convexity.