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Multiple Choice
Based on the graph of f(x), describe the graph of the derivative f′(x) on the interval (0,∞).
A
Below the x-axis
B
Above the x-axis
C
On the x-axis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Observe the graph of f(x). The graph is a parabola opening upwards, which indicates that f(x) is a quadratic function. The vertex of the parabola is at the origin (0,0), and the graph is symmetric about the y-axis.
Step 2: Recall that the derivative f'(x) represents the slope of the tangent line to the graph of f(x) at any given point. Analyze the slope behavior of f(x) on the interval (0,∞).
Step 3: On the interval (0,∞), the graph of f(x) is increasing. This means the slope of the tangent lines is positive throughout this interval. Therefore, f'(x) will be above the x-axis for all x > 0.
Step 4: At x = 0, the slope of the tangent line to f(x) is zero because the vertex of the parabola is a horizontal tangent. This means f'(x) is on the x-axis at x = 0.
Step 5: Summarize the behavior of f'(x) on the interval (0,∞): f'(x) is above the x-axis for all x > 0, and it is on the x-axis at x = 0.