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 essential for identifying local maxima and minima, as they indicate where the function's slope changes. To find critical points, one typically sets the first derivative, f', equal to zero and solves for the variable.
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Increasing and Decreasing Intervals
A function is increasing on an interval where its derivative, f', is positive, and decreasing where f' is negative. By analyzing the sign of the derivative around the critical points, one can determine the intervals of increase and decrease. This information is crucial for understanding the overall behavior of the function.
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Second Derivative Test
The second derivative test involves using the second derivative, f'', to determine the concavity of the function at critical points. If f'' is positive at a critical point, the function is concave up, indicating a local minimum; if f'' is negative, the function is concave down, indicating a local maximum. This test helps confirm the nature of critical points found using the first derivative.
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