Math Problem Statement

Which of the following statements regarding the graph is correct? The graph shows a cubic function with three key points labeled A, B, and C, and it asks about concavity, rate of change, and intervals where the function is increasing or decreasing.

Solution

The image shows a graph of a function with a corresponding question below it. Let's analyze the problem step by step.

Graph Analysis

The graph shows a curve that appears to be a cubic function with three key points labeled AA, BB, and CC. The graph crosses the x-axis three times at points AA, BB, and CC, indicating these are the roots of the function.

  • Point AA: The curve descends from the top left, passes through point AA, and continues to descend.
  • Point BB: After reaching a minimum point, the curve rises, crosses point BB, and continues to rise.
  • Point CC: The curve reaches a maximum point after point BB and then descends, crossing through point CC.

Question Analysis

The question asks which of the following statements regarding the graph is correct. The options appear to be:

(A) The graph of the function is concave up at the interval from A to B. (B) The rate of change of the function is negative at the interval from A to B. (C) The interval from B to C is where the graph of the function is increasing because the rate of change is positive. (D) The interval after point C is where the rate of change is decreasing because the graph is concave down.

Answer Explanation

  • Concave Up/Down: The graph is concave up when it curves upwards (like a U) and concave down when it curves downwards (like an upside-down U).
  • Rate of Change: The rate of change refers to the slope of the tangent line at any point on the graph. If the slope is positive, the function is increasing; if negative, it is decreasing.

Let's analyze each option:

  • (A) Incorrect: The graph is concave down between A and B, as the curve opens downwards.
  • (B) Incorrect: The rate of change is negative between A and B, but this option would be correct if it stated that the graph is decreasing, not the rate of change.
  • (C) Correct: Between B and C, the graph is increasing, and the rate of change (slope) is positive.
  • (D) Incorrect: After point C, the rate of change is indeed decreasing, but the graph is decreasing overall, not just concave down.

So, the correct answer is (C).

Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are some related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How can you determine the concavity of a function from its second derivative?
  2. What does the first derivative of a function tell you about the graph?
  3. How can you identify inflection points on a graph?
  4. How does the behavior of a cubic function differ from that of a quadratic function?
  5. Can a function have points where the rate of change is zero but the graph is still concave up or down?

Tip: When analyzing graphs, always consider the behavior of the function's first and second derivatives to understand the shape and direction of the curve.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Concavity
Rate of Change
Cubic Functions

Formulas

First Derivative
Second Derivative

Theorems

Concavity Theorem
First Derivative Test

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12