Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Critical Points
Critical points of a function occur where its derivative is zero or undefined. These points are potential candidates for local extrema. To find them, differentiate the function with respect to x, set the derivative equal to zero, and solve for x. Additionally, check where the derivative does not exist, as these points may also indicate critical points.
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First Derivative Test
The First Derivative Test helps determine whether a critical point is a local maximum, minimum, or neither. By analyzing the sign of the derivative before and after the critical point, one can infer the behavior of the function. If the derivative changes from positive to negative, the point is a local maximum; if it changes from negative to positive, it's a local minimum.
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Domain of a Function
The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values (x-values) for which the function is defined. For rational functions, like the one given, the domain excludes values that make the denominator zero. Understanding the domain is crucial for identifying where to look for extrema, as it defines the interval over which the function is analyzed.
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