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 locations for local extrema. To find them, compute the derivative of the function and solve for values of x where the derivative equals zero or does not exist. In this problem, finding the derivative of y = x³ + x² - 8x + 5 is essential to identify 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 changes of the derivative around the critical points, one can infer the nature of the extrema. 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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The First Derivative Test: Finding Local Extrema
Second Derivative Test
The Second Derivative Test provides another method to classify critical points. By evaluating the second derivative at a critical point, one can determine concavity: if the second derivative is positive, the function is concave up, indicating a local minimum; if negative, concave down, indicating a local maximum. This test complements the First Derivative Test for confirming extrema.
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The Second Derivative Test: Finding Local Extrema