Are Corners Inflection Points on a Graph?

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SUMMARY

Corners on a graph are not differentiable, which definitively excludes them from being classified as inflection points. An inflection point is defined as a location where the curvature or concavity of a function changes sign, a condition that requires the existence of the second derivative. Therefore, since corners do not allow for a defined second derivative, they cannot be considered inflection points. This conclusion is supported by the discussion surrounding the function f(x) on the interval [0,7] at points x=4 and x=5.

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karush
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in that at corners are not differentiable, does this mean that they also are not inflection points but at the same time a change in the rate.

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/517
on the graph above f(x) for [0,7] at x=4 and x=5 what is f' and f'' or does it not exist

thanks ahead(Dull)
 
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From what I have read, an inflection point is a point at which the curvature or concavity changes sign. Since curvature is only defined where the second derivative exists, I think you can rule out corners from being inflection points.

Great question, by the way! It reminds me of the question of whether, given a function defined on a closed interval, whether the endpoints are critical points (since the two-sided derivative does not exist there).
 

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