Math Problem Statement

Suppose that the second derivative of a function f is given by: f''(x) = x^2 (x - 2)^4 (x - 3)^2. Find the x-coordinates of the inflection points of f (if any).

Solution

Let's solve this!

We are given the second derivative of a function ff as:
f(x)=x2(x2)4(x3)2f''(x) = x^2 (x - 2)^4 (x - 3)^2 We need to find the x-coordinates of the inflection points. Inflection points occur where the second derivative changes sign.


Steps to Solve:

  1. Identify Critical Points: Set f(x)=0f''(x) = 0.
    x2(x2)4(x3)2=0x^2 (x - 2)^4 (x - 3)^2 = 0 This equation is satisfied if any of the following factors is zero:

    • x2=0x=0x^2 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 0
    • (x2)4=0x=2(x - 2)^4 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 2
    • (x3)2=0x=3(x - 3)^2 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 3

    So, the possible inflection points are at x=0x = 0, x=2x = 2, and x=3x = 3.

  2. Check Sign Changes around Critical Points: To confirm if these are actual inflection points, we need to see if f(x)f''(x) changes sign at these points. We analyze the sign of f(x)f''(x) on the intervals determined by x=0x = 0, x=2x = 2, and x=3x = 3.

    • Interval: (,0)(- \infty, 0)
      Pick x=1x = -1:
      f(1)=(1)2(12)4(13)2>0f''(-1) = (-1)^2 \cdot (-1 - 2)^4 \cdot (-1 - 3)^2 > 0 (positive)

    • Interval: (0,2)(0, 2)
      Pick x=1x = 1:
      f(1)=12(12)4(13)2>0f''(1) = 1^2 \cdot (1 - 2)^4 \cdot (1 - 3)^2 > 0 (positive)

    • Interval: (2,3)(2, 3)
      Pick x=2.5x = 2.5:
      f(2.5)=(2.5)2(2.52)4(2.53)2>0f''(2.5) = (2.5)^2 \cdot (2.5 - 2)^4 \cdot (2.5 - 3)^2 > 0 (positive)

    • Interval: (3,)(3, \infty)
      Pick x=4x = 4:
      f(4)=42(42)4(43)2>0f''(4) = 4^2 \cdot (4 - 2)^4 \cdot (4 - 3)^2 > 0 (positive)


Conclusion:

  • There is no sign change around any of the points x=0x = 0, x=2x = 2, or x=3x = 3.
  • Therefore, there are no inflection points.

Answer:

The correct option is:
(A) none


Would you like further clarifications or additional practice problems?


Related Questions:

  1. How do you find inflection points for functions involving trigonometric terms?
  2. What’s the difference between critical points and inflection points?
  3. Can inflection points occur where the second derivative is undefined?
  4. What happens to the concavity of a function at an inflection point?
  5. How does the second derivative test relate to finding maxima or minima?

Tip: When dealing with high powers like (x2)4(x - 2)^4, always check sign changes to confirm inflection points.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Second Derivative
Inflection Points
Sign Changes

Formulas

f''(x) = 0 to find critical points
Sign analysis to confirm inflection points

Theorems

Inflection point occurs where second derivative changes sign

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or introductory college calculus