Math Problem Statement

Determine if the following statements are true, false, or maybe: - -5 is a critical number (critical point). - 1 is a critical number (critical point). - g(1) is the absolute minimum of g.

Solution

Let's break down the information provided from the image to answer the true, false, or maybe questions:

Given Information:

  • The function g(x)g(x) is continuous for all real numbers xx.
  • The table provides the sign of the derivative g(x)g'(x) over different intervals of xx.

The key idea to remember when looking at critical numbers (or critical points) is that these are values of xx where the derivative is either zero or undefined. Additionally, if a derivative changes sign at a critical point, that point is a local maximum, local minimum, or saddle point.

Now let's analyze each of the statements:

  1. 5-5 is a critical number (critical point).

    • From the table, at x=5x = -5, g(x)g'(x) is undefined. Since the derivative is undefined at x=5x = -5, this is a critical point.

    Answer: TRUE.

  2. 11 is a critical number (critical point).

    • At x=1x = 1, g(x)g'(x) is positive for x>1x > 1 and negative for x<1x < 1, indicating a sign change around x=1x = 1. Therefore, x=1x = 1 is a critical point.

    Answer: TRUE.

  3. g(1)g(1) is the absolute minimum of gg.

    • From the table, the derivative g(x)g'(x) changes from negative to positive at x=1x = 1. This suggests that x=1x = 1 is a local minimum, but without further context (such as the behavior of the function at other values of xx), we cannot conclude whether this is the absolute minimum.

    Answer: MAYBE.

Would you like to go over further details of this problem or discuss any of the concepts in more depth?

Here are some related questions for further practice:

  1. What are the conditions for a point to be a local maximum or minimum?
  2. How do you identify critical points from the derivative of a function?
  3. Can a critical point occur where the derivative does not exist?
  4. What does it mean for a function to have an absolute minimum or maximum?
  5. How can you determine if a critical point is a saddle point?

Tip: Always check if the derivative changes sign at critical points to determine whether the point is a local minimum or maximum!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Critical Points
Derivatives
Sign Changes
Local Extrema

Formulas

Critical Point Definition: g'(x) = 0 or undefined

Theorems

First Derivative Test
Conditions for Local Minimum and Maximum

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12