Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Increasing and Decreasing Intervals
A function is increasing on an interval if, for any two numbers x1 and x2 within that interval, x1 < x2 implies f(x1) < f(x2). Conversely, it is decreasing if x1 < x2 implies f(x1) > f(x2). Identifying these intervals involves analyzing the function's derivative: where it is positive, the function is increasing, and where it is negative, the function is decreasing.
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Local and Absolute Extrema
Local extrema are points where a function reaches a minimum or maximum value within a neighborhood, while absolute extrema are the highest or lowest points over the entire domain. To find these, examine critical points where the derivative is zero or undefined, and evaluate the function's behavior at these points and endpoints of the domain.
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Critical Points
Critical points occur where the derivative of a function is zero or undefined, indicating potential local maxima, minima, or points of inflection. To determine the nature of these points, use the first or second derivative test. The first derivative test involves checking sign changes around the critical points, while the second derivative test uses concavity to identify extrema.
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