Definitely Maybe: Concavity and Point of Inflection

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining whether there is a point of inflection at x = 5 for the continuous function f, based on its second derivative sign test. The second derivative f'' changes from positive to negative around x = 5, indicating a potential point of inflection. However, the absence of a derivative at x = 5 complicates the conclusion, leading to differing interpretations: the textbook suggests it is "possibly" a point of inflection, while participants argue it is "definitely" one based on the definition of concavity change.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of second derivatives and their role in concavity analysis
  • Familiarity with the definition of a point of inflection
  • Knowledge of continuity in functions
  • Basic calculus concepts, including derivatives and tangent lines
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  • Study the implications of discontinuities on points of inflection
  • Explore examples of functions with and without derivatives at critical points
  • Learn about the relationship between concavity and the first derivative
  • Investigate the conditions under which a point of inflection exists
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Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on the concepts of concavity, points of inflection, and the behavior of derivatives in continuous functions.

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Homework Statement


f is a continuous function on [0, 8] and satisfies the following:
Second Derivative Sign Test
x ; f''
0 [tex]\leq[/tex] x < 3 ; -
3 ; 0
3 < x < 5 ; +
5 ; Does Not Exist
5 < x < 6 ; -
6 ; 0
6 < x [tex]\leq[/tex] 8 ; -

Based on this information is there a point of inflection at x = 5?
(a) Definitely
(b) Possibly
(c) Definitely not

Homework Equations


Definition: A point of inflection is where the concavity changes and there is a tangent line.

Concavity changes when f'' changes signs. Negative f'' means concave down; positive f'' means concave up.

The Attempt at a Solution


There is a sign change at f''(5), but the correct answer could either be "definitely" or "possibly." The point of inflection does not exist, but there is still a sign change, meaning it is a point of inflection. But my class and I were wondering whether it was possible that because there is no derivative at x = 5, there could also possibly be or not be a point of inflection there, too. The book says it's "possibly" a point of inflection, but going by the definition, we just presumed it to "definitely" be one.
 
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dozzer said:
Definition: A point of inflection is where the concavity changes and there is a tangent line.

Can you think how this would reflect on the question? Can you think of two examples to satisfy the conditions on f''(x), one that does not have a tangent at x=5 and one which does?
 

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