Derivative & Antiderivative - Graphical Analysis

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the graphical analysis of derivatives and antiderivatives, specifically examining the relationships between a function f and its antiderivative F. The user presents two integral equations: \(\int \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2 +1}} \: dx = \sqrt{x^2 +1} + \mathrm{C}\) and \(\int \tan ^2 \theta \sec ^2 \theta \: d\theta = \frac{\tan ^3 \theta}{3} + \mathrm{C}\). Participants confirm that when f is positive, F increases, and when f is negative, F decreases, clarifying that the graphs accurately reflect these relationships. The user acknowledges initial confusion regarding the behavior of the curves and expresses gratitude for the clarification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts, including derivatives and antiderivatives.
  • Familiarity with integral calculus, specifically techniques for solving integrals.
  • Ability to interpret graphical representations of functions and their derivatives.
  • Knowledge of even functions and their properties in calculus.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of even and odd functions in calculus.
  • Learn about graphical interpretations of derivatives and antiderivatives using software tools like Desmos or GeoGebra.
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, including substitution and integration by parts.
  • Investigate the implications of domain restrictions on the behavior of functions and their graphs.
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, educators teaching integral calculus, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the relationship between functions and their derivatives through graphical analysis.

DivGradCurl
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The general idea I have in mind when it comes to analyzing a graph that has a derivative f and its antiderivative F (\mathrm{C}=0) is the following:

- When f is positive, F increases.
- When f is negative, F decreases.

However, I came across a couple of problems in my textbook that don't seem to work exactly that way. That's when either the derivative or the integral is an even function. Here is what I'm talking about:


\int \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2 +1}} \: dx = \sqrt{x^2 +1} + \mathrm{C} \qquad (1)

\int \tan ^2 \theta \sec ^2 \theta \: d\theta = \frac{\tan ^3 \theta}{3} + \mathrm{C} \qquad (2)

The graphs are located at http://photos.yahoo.com/thiago_j

Note: the blue curves represent f, while the red ones represent F. The elements from Eq. (1) are depicted in "calculus-5-5---34" while those from Eq. (2) appear in "calculus-5-5---36".

Is this correct?

Do I need to modify the domain so that I only show the part of the plot that work as expected?

Thank you very much
 
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What do you think is wrong with the curves for #1? f is the integrand represented by the blue curve and R is the antiderivative represented by the red curve, so the blue curve is the derivative of the red curve
 
Last edited:
I m trying to understand your problem, but i can't see our point. The graphs of the functions seems to be ok. on equation (1), f is negative from (-\infty,0) and F is decreasing on that interval. And also, f is positive on (0,+\infty) and F is increasing. Same is true for the second one. I think nothing is wrong with the graphs, or maybe i just didn't get your problem.
 
Last edited:
Thats exactly what's happening in this plot.. When the derivative is negative, the red graph is decreasing, when its positive, its decreasing..
 
whozum said:
Thats exactly what's happening in this plot.. When the derivative is negative, the red graph is decreasing, when its positive, its decreasing..


I think you meant to say "when it's positive, it's increasing"!
 
Well, I've just taken a second look at both graphs and it now makes sense. I was a little confused. Thanks for your input, guys.
 
HallsofIvy said:
I think you meant to say "when it's positive, it's increasing"!

Yup, I really should re-read my posts before submitting.
 

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