Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Critical Points
Critical points are values of x in the domain of a function where the derivative is either zero or undefined. These points are essential for determining where a function changes from increasing to decreasing or vice versa. To find critical points, we first compute the derivative of the function and set it equal to zero, solving for x.
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First Derivative Test
The First Derivative Test is a method used to determine the behavior of a function at its critical points. By analyzing the sign of the derivative before and after each critical point, we can conclude whether the function is increasing or decreasing in the intervals defined by these points. If the derivative changes from positive to negative, the function has a local maximum; if it changes from negative to positive, it has a local minimum.
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Intervals of Increase and Decrease
Intervals of increase and decrease refer to the ranges of x-values where a function is respectively rising or falling. A function is increasing on an interval if its derivative is positive throughout that interval, and decreasing if the derivative is negative. Identifying these intervals helps in understanding the overall behavior of the function and is crucial for sketching its graph.
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