If f''(x)=0, how do you find the convexity of the function?

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If the second derivative f''(x) equals zero over an interval, the function is linear and thus neither convex nor concave. A function cannot have a vertical asymptote in an interval where the derivative f'(x) is constant, as this would contradict continuity. The discussion also clarifies that a function hugging an asymptote cannot be a straight line, as it would imply intersection. For cases where f''(x) is zero at a point, it does not determine concavity without further analysis of higher derivatives. Ultimately, if f''(x) = 0, the function behaves as a straight line in that interval.
  • #31
Getting to your original question where ##f''(x) = 0## can the function be convex. Others have pointed out if you have this equation holding in an interval, the function is linear there. But if you just have ##f''(c)=0## for a single point, that just tells you that the function may be concave up, down, or neither depending on higher derivatives at that point. Think about ##y = x^4## at ##x=0##. It is obviously concave up at ##x=0## but ##f''(0) = f'''(0) = 0## and ## f^{4}(0)=24##. But ##x^3## has neither concavity at ##0##. And for ##x^n## for larger values of ##n## it's the same story, only more so.
 
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  • #32
If ##f''(c)=0## but doesn't change sign before and after, then the concavity also doesn't change. If it changes its sign, then the concavity changes and ##c## is called an inflection point.
A linear function is both concave up and down, though.
 
  • #33
LCKurtz said:
or neither
How?
EDIT : Oh, you mean an inflection point.
 
  • #34
It could literally be neither without being an inflection point. Perhaps the graph has a straight line segment at ##c##. Unless you want to consider a straight line to be both concave up and down, which I don't think is standard convention. Nor would you consider such a point an inflection point since there is not a change of concavity at ##c##.
 

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