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Ch. 4 - Applications of the Derivative
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 4, Problema 72

Concavity Determine the intervals on which the following functions are concave up or concave down. Identify any inflection points.


f(x) = x⁴eˣ + x

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To determine concavity, we need to find the second derivative of the function. Start by finding the first derivative of f(x) = x⁴eˣ + x. Use the product rule for the term x⁴eˣ and the power rule for x.
The first derivative, f'(x), is found by applying the product rule to x⁴eˣ: f'(x) = d/dx(x⁴)eˣ + x⁴d/dx(eˣ) + d/dx(x). Simplify this expression.
Next, find the second derivative, f''(x), by differentiating f'(x). Again, apply the product rule where necessary and simplify the expression.
Determine the intervals of concavity by setting f''(x) = 0 and solving for x. These solutions will help identify potential inflection points.
Test the intervals around the solutions found in the previous step by choosing test points. Substitute these test points into f''(x) to determine the sign of the second derivative, which indicates whether the function is concave up (f''(x) > 0) or concave down (f''(x) < 0) on those intervals.

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Concavity

Concavity refers to the direction in which a function curves. A function is concave up on an interval if its second derivative is positive, indicating that the slope of the tangent line is increasing. Conversely, it is concave down if the second derivative is negative, meaning the slope is decreasing. Understanding concavity helps in analyzing the behavior of functions and identifying points of inflection.
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Determining Concavity Given a Function

Second Derivative Test

The second derivative test is a method used to determine the concavity of a function and locate inflection points. By calculating the second derivative of a function, we can assess where it changes sign. If the second derivative is positive, the function is concave up; if negative, it is concave down. Inflection points occur where the second derivative equals zero or is undefined, indicating a change in concavity.
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The Second Derivative Test: Finding Local Extrema

Inflection Points

Inflection points are specific points on a curve where the concavity changes. At these points, the second derivative of the function is either zero or undefined. Identifying inflection points is crucial for understanding the overall shape of the graph and can provide insights into the function's behavior, such as local maxima and minima. They are essential for sketching the graph of a function accurately.
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Critical Points