Derivative & Antiderivative - Graphical Analysis

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the graphical analysis of a function and its derivative, specifically focusing on the relationship between a function \( f \) and its antiderivative \( F \). Participants are examining how the behavior of \( f \) (positive or negative) affects the behavior of \( F \) in terms of increasing or decreasing trends.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are analyzing specific examples of integrals and their graphical representations, questioning whether the expected behavior of the graphs aligns with the mathematical principles of derivatives and antiderivatives. There is a focus on understanding the implications of even functions in this context.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and clarifications regarding the behavior of the graphs. Some participants express confusion about the graphical representation, while others affirm that the graphs appear to align with the expected mathematical relationships. There is no explicit consensus, but several points of view are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the possibility of modifying the domain of the functions to better illustrate the expected behavior of the graphs. There is an acknowledgment of potential confusion regarding the interpretation of the graphs, particularly in relation to the signs of the functions involved.

DivGradCurl
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The general idea I have in mind when it comes to analyzing a graph that has a derivative [tex]f[/tex] and its antiderivative [tex]F[/tex] ([tex]\mathrm{C}=0[/tex]) is the following:

- When [tex]f[/tex] is positive, [tex]F[/tex] increases.
- When [tex]f[/tex] is negative, [tex]F[/tex] decreases.

However, I came across a couple of problems in my textbook that don't seem to work exactly that way. That's when either the derivative or the integral is an even function. Here is what I'm talking about:


[tex]\int \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2 +1}} \: dx = \sqrt{x^2 +1} + \mathrm{C} \qquad (1)[/tex]

[tex]\int \tan ^2 \theta \sec ^2 \theta \: d\theta = \frac{\tan ^3 \theta}{3} + \mathrm{C} \qquad (2)[/tex]

The graphs are located at http://photos.yahoo.com/thiago_j

Note: the blue curves represent [tex]f[/tex], while the red ones represent [tex]F[/tex]. The elements from Eq. (1) are depicted in "calculus-5-5---34" while those from Eq. (2) appear in "calculus-5-5---36".

Is this correct?

Do I need to modify the domain so that I only show the part of the plot that work as expected?

Thank you very much
 
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What do you think is wrong with the curves for #1? f is the integrand represented by the blue curve and R is the antiderivative represented by the red curve, so the blue curve is the derivative of the red curve
 
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I m trying to understand your problem, but i can't see our point. The graphs of the functions seems to be ok. on equation (1), [tex]f[/tex] is negative from [tex](-\infty,0)[/tex] and [tex]F[/tex] is decreasing on that interval. And also, [tex]f[/tex] is positive on [tex](0,+\infty)[/tex] and [tex]F[/tex] is increasing. Same is true for the second one. I think nothing is wrong with the graphs, or maybe i just didn't get your problem.
 
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Thats exactly what's happening in this plot.. When the derivative is negative, the red graph is decreasing, when its positive, its decreasing..
 
whozum said:
Thats exactly what's happening in this plot.. When the derivative is negative, the red graph is decreasing, when its positive, its decreasing..


I think you meant to say "when it's positive, it's increasing"!
 
Well, I've just taken a second look at both graphs and it now makes sense. I was a little confused. Thanks for your input, guys.
 
HallsofIvy said:
I think you meant to say "when it's positive, it's increasing"!

Yup, I really should re-read my posts before submitting.
 

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