Math Problem Statement

Consider the function y = f(x) graphed below. Give the x-coordinate of a point where: A. the derivative of the function is positive, B. the value of the function is positive, C. the derivative of the function is largest, D. the derivative of the function is zero, E. the derivative of the function is approximately the same as the derivative at x = 2.75.

Solution

Let's go over each part of the question based on the graph provided:

Part A: The derivative of the function is positive at x=0.5x = 0.5

  • This means the slope of the graph is increasing. As confirmed, at x=0.5x = 0.5, the function is increasing. So the answer provided here is correct.

Part B: The value of the function is positive.

  • We need to find where the graph is above the xx-axis. From the graph, it appears that the function is positive at several intervals. These are between x0x \approx 0 to x1.5x \approx 1.5, and also between x2.5x \approx 2.5 to x3.5x \approx 3.5. A valid answer for this could be:
    • x=1x = 1 (as it is clearly above the axis at this point).

Part C: The derivative of the function is largest.

  • The derivative is largest where the slope is steepest. The steepest part of the graph appears around x3x \approx 3, where the curve ascends rapidly. So:
    • x=3x = 3 seems to be the correct answer for the largest derivative.

Part D: The derivative of the function is zero.

  • This is where the function has horizontal tangents, meaning the slope is flat. From the graph, this occurs at:
    • x=1x = 1 and x=3.25x = 3.25.

Part E: The derivative of the function is approximately the same as at x=2.75x = 2.75.

  • At x=2.75x = 2.75, the slope is negative but not extremely steep. To find another point with a similar slope, we look for other sections of the graph with similar decline. A close match in slope can be found around x=0.25x = 0.25, where the curve is also decreasing at a similar rate. So a valid answer is:
    • x=0.25x = 0.25.

Would you like further explanation or details on any part of this solution? Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What is the significance of the derivative being positive or negative at a certain point?
  2. How can we find the exact point where the derivative is largest using calculus methods?
  3. Can the derivative be zero at multiple points, and what does this imply about the function's shape?
  4. How can we interpret inflection points using the second derivative of a function?
  5. How do changes in the steepness of a graph indicate changes in the magnitude of the derivative?

Tip: When analyzing graphs, pay attention to points of inflection, where the concavity changes, as these can give you hints about the behavior of the second derivative.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Graph analysis
Derivatives

Formulas

First derivative
Slope of tangent line

Theorems

Derivative interpretation theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12