Math Problem Statement
Use the indicated x-values on the graph of y = f(x) to find the following.
The x y coordinate plane is given. The curve enters the window in the second quadrant above x = a, goes up and right becoming less steep, changes direction above x = b, goes down and right becoming more steep, passes above x = c, goes down and right becoming less steep, crosses the positive y-axis, changes direction in the first quadrant, goes up and right becoming more steep, passes above x = f, goes up and right becoming less steep, passes above x = g nearly horizontal, goes up and right becoming more steep, and exits the window in the first quadrant above x = h. Find intervals over which the graph is concave down. (Consider only the interval (a, h). Enter your answer using interval notation.)
Solution
To determine where the graph is concave down, we need to focus on the intervals where the slope of the tangent line to the graph is decreasing. In other words, the second derivative should be negative in these intervals.
The graph of is concave down when it is "bending" downwards, which typically happens where the slope is decreasing. Based on the description of the curve, we need to identify the points where the graph transitions from concave up to concave down, and vice versa.
Steps to solve:
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Identify concave down regions:
- The curve changes direction above and starts to become more steep going down, indicating a concave-down region.
- Then, after crossing the y-axis, it changes direction again in the first quadrant, and the curve becomes steeper upward, indicating a switch back to concave up at some point.
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Critical transition points:
- Since the curve becomes more steep downward after and continues until the curve begins to change direction in the first quadrant, this suggests concave down behavior between and some point near the minimum.
- After that, it starts becoming more steep upward, which suggests a change in concavity at a point near or before.
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Interval where it’s concave down: Based on the description, the graph is concave down on the interval: because the curve transitions to concave up again before reaching .
Final Answer:
The graph is concave down on the interval: written in interval notation as .
Would you like more details or have any further questions? Here are five related questions:
- How can we determine concavity using the second derivative?
- What does the sign of the second derivative tell us about the concavity?
- How do inflection points relate to changes in concavity?
- What role do critical points play in determining concavity?
- How can a graph's slope help identify concave up vs. concave down regions?
Tip: To identify concavity visually, look for points where the graph bends. If it bends downward like a frown, it's concave down; if upward like a smile, it's concave up!
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Concavity
Graph Analysis
Second Derivative
Formulas
Concavity test using f''(x): If f''(x) < 0, the function is concave down.
Theorems
Second Derivative Test
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12