3.3.2 AP Calculus Exam interval from f'(x)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the AP Calculus Exam problem regarding the function defined by \( f''(x) = e^{(x^2-1)^2} \cdot 4x(x^2-1) \). Participants confirm that the correct answer is option D, while exploring the intervals where the second derivative is negative, specifically in the intervals \( (-1.5, -1) \cup (0, 1) \). The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between the first and second derivatives to determine concavity and critical points.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of derivatives, specifically first and second derivatives.
  • Familiarity with exponential functions and their properties.
  • Ability to graph functions and interpret concavity.
  • Knowledge of interval notation and how to analyze function behavior over intervals.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of exponential functions, particularly \( e^{(x^2-1)^2} \).
  • Learn how to graph derivatives and analyze their behavior for concavity.
  • Explore the application of the second derivative test in determining local maxima and minima.
  • Practice solving similar AP Calculus problems involving derivatives and concavity.
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for the AP Calculus Exam, educators teaching calculus concepts, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of derivatives and their applications in function analysis.

karush
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Screenshot 2020-09-25 at 2.34.39 PM.png

screen shot to avoid typos

OK the key said it was D

I surfed for about half hour trying to find a solution to this but $f'(0)$ doesn't equal any of these numbers

$e^0=\pm 1$ from the $e^{(x^2-1)^2}$

kinda ?
 
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this is a calculator active problem.
graph f’(x) in the given interval and look for the intervals where the slope of f’(x) = f’’(x) < 0

$(-1.5,-1) \cup (0,1)$

[DESMOS]{"version":7,"graph":{"viewport":{"xmin":-3,"ymin":-12.12442693138332,"xmax":3,"ymax":12.12442693138332}},"randomSeed":"f9c61ea916ed9ae4b364c88ac8d063a8","expressions":{"list":[{"type":"expression","id":"1","color":"#c74440","latex":"y=\\exp\\left(\\left(x^{2}-1\\right)^{2}\\right)-2"}]}}[/DESMOS]
 
this can also be done algebraically ...

$f’’(x) = e^{(x^2-1)^2} \cdot 4x(x^2-1)$

$f’’(x) =0$ at $x=0$ and $x= \pm 1$

from here one can determine the sign of f’’(x) in the four intervals bounded by the zeros
 
my feeble attempt at tikz

\begin{tikzpicture}
%preamble \usepackage{pgfplots}
\begin{axis}[xmin=-2, xmax=2, ymin=-3, ymax=3, axis lines=middle, ticks=none]
\addplot[
draw = blue, smooth, ultra thick,
domain=-1.5:1.5,
] {exp((x^2-1)^2)-2}
foreach \x in {-1.5,-1,1,1.5} { (axis cs:{\x},0) node[below left] {\x} };
\end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
$$e^{(x^2-1)^2}-2$$
 
Last edited:
karush said:
View attachment 10721
screen shot to avoid typos

OK the key said it was D

I surfed for about half hour trying to find a solution to this but $f'(0)$ doesn't equal any of these numbers
Why should it be? Saying that the graph is ''concave down" means that the second derivative is negative and that changes where the second derivative, not the first, is 0.

$e^0=\pm 1$ from the $e^{(x^2-1)^2}$

kinda ?
 

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