Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
First Derivative Test
The first derivative of a function, denoted as ƒ', provides information about the function's increasing and decreasing behavior. If ƒ' > 0 on an interval, the function is increasing; if ƒ' < 0, it is decreasing. By finding critical points where ƒ' = 0 or is undefined, we can determine the intervals of increase and decrease.
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Second Derivative Test
The second derivative of a function, denoted as ƒ'', indicates the concavity of the function. If ƒ'' > 0, the function is concave up, suggesting that the slope of the tangent line is increasing. Conversely, if ƒ'' < 0, the function is concave down, indicating that the slope is decreasing. Analyzing points where ƒ'' = 0 helps identify inflection points.
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Critical Points
Critical points occur where the first derivative is zero or undefined, and they are essential for determining intervals of increase and decrease. These points can indicate local maxima or minima. Additionally, critical points are also relevant for the second derivative test, as they may correspond to changes in concavity, helping to identify inflection points.
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