Math Problem Statement

Use the graph of f(x) shown to find the graph of f'(x).

Solution

To determine the correct graph for f(x)f'(x) from the graph of f(x)f(x) provided, let's follow these steps:

  1. Identify Points of Horizontal Tangency in f(x)f(x): These points represent where f(x)f(x) has a slope of zero, meaning f(x)=0f'(x) = 0 at these points. From the graph of f(x)f(x), identify where it reaches a local maximum or minimum, as these are the points where the derivative f(x)f'(x) will cross the x-axis.

  2. Determine Increasing and Decreasing Intervals:

    • Where f(x)f(x) is increasing, f(x)f'(x) will be positive.
    • Where f(x)f(x) is decreasing, f(x)f'(x) will be negative.
  3. Analyze the Shape of f(x)f'(x): f(x)f'(x) should follow the changes in the slope of f(x)f(x). For example:

    • If f(x)f(x) changes from increasing to decreasing (local maximum), f(x)f'(x) should cross from positive to negative.
    • If f(x)f(x) changes from decreasing to increasing (local minimum), f(x)f'(x) should cross from negative to positive.

By examining the given options, look for the graph that aligns with these observations. Specifically, the correct graph will have zeros at the x-values where f(x)f(x) has peaks or troughs, positive values where f(x)f(x) is increasing, and negative values where f(x)f(x) is decreasing.

Based on this analysis, please let me know if you would like a step-by-step comparison of each option to confirm the correct answer.


Would you like further details or have any questions on this process? Here are related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How can we confirm the concavity of f(x)f(x) based on f(x)f'(x)?
  2. What does the second derivative f(x)f''(x) tell us about f(x)f(x)?
  3. How would the graph of f(x)f'(x) change if f(x)f(x) had more extreme maxima or minima?
  4. How can we determine points of inflection in f(x)f(x) using f(x)f'(x)?
  5. Why does the sign of f(x)f'(x) indicate the behavior (increasing or decreasing) of f(x)f(x)?

Tip: Always look for critical points (where f(x)=0f'(x) = 0) to start analyzing the derivative graph.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivatives
Graph Analysis

Formulas

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Theorems

First Derivative Test

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12