1st and 2nd derivative of a cubic function. and graphing

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on analyzing the first and second derivatives of a cubic function, specifically h(x). The function is increasing for x < 2 and x > 2, with no local maximum or minimum points identified. The second derivative indicates that h(x) is concave up for x > 2 and concave down for x < 2, with an inflection point at x = 2. The user seeks validation of their findings, particularly regarding the absence of extrema.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cubic functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of first and second derivatives
  • Familiarity with concepts of concavity and inflection points
  • Ability to sketch graphs of functions and their derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the First Derivative Test for identifying local extrema
  • Learn how to apply the Second Derivative Test for concavity and inflection points
  • Explore graphing techniques for cubic functions and their derivatives
  • Review examples of cubic functions to reinforce understanding of increasing/decreasing behavior
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on derivatives and graphing techniques, as well as educators looking for examples of cubic function analysis.

chubbyorphan
Messages
44
Reaction score
0
Hey forum, I know this is an easy one, but it's been a while for me :P
thanks for your help!

Homework Statement


Given the following graph of h(x)
hvyrk4.jpg


a) The intervals where h(x) is increasing and decreasing
b) The local maximum and minimum points of h(x)
c) The intervals where h(x) is concave up and concave down
d) The inflection points of h(x)
e) Sketch the graphs of h’(x) and h’’(x)

The Attempt at a Solution



So far I have:

a)The function is not decreasing, and hence h’(x) is not < 0
The function is increasing, and hence h’(x) > 0 when x < 2 and x > 2

b) there are no maximum or minimum points

c)The function is concave up and hence h’’(x) > 0 when x > 2
The function is concave down and hence h’’(x) < 0 when x < 2

d)The inflection point occurs at x = 2

If someone could check this for me I would really appreciate it..
its especially part b) that I'm worried about
I know this question isn't very hard but it's been a long time since I've worked with graphs and my confidence is lacking. Thanks to anyone who can share some insight!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
here are sketches for my graphs:
308f721.jpg

how do they look?
thanks again!
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
1K