3.3.2 AP Calculus Exam interval from f'(x)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem from the AP Calculus exam related to the behavior of the function \( f'(x) \) and its derivatives. Participants explore methods to determine intervals where the second derivative \( f''(x) \) is negative, including graphical and algebraic approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the answer key indicates option D, but expresses confusion over the value of \( f'(0) \) not matching any expected numbers.
  • Another participant suggests graphing \( f'(x) \) to find intervals where \( f''(x) < 0 \), providing specific intervals of \( (-1.5,-1) \cup (0,1) \).
  • A different participant presents an algebraic method, stating that \( f''(x) = e^{(x^2-1)^2} \cdot 4x(x^2-1) \) and identifies points where \( f''(x) = 0 \) at \( x = 0 \) and \( x = \pm 1 \).
  • One participant shares a graphical representation using TikZ to illustrate the function \( e^{(x^2-1)^2}-2 \) over a specified domain.
  • A repeated concern is raised about the interpretation of concavity, emphasizing that concavity is determined by the second derivative, not the first, and questioning the reasoning behind the answer key.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the problem and the values of derivatives, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of understanding the relationship between first and second derivatives, but there are unresolved assumptions regarding the conditions under which the derivatives are evaluated.

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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