Math Problem Statement
Consider the graph of
f
′
(
x
)
below. How many total local extrema (maxima or minima) does
f
(
x
)
have?
A curve on a coordinate plane.
A coordinate plane has a horizontal x-axis labeled from negative 3 to 7 in increments of 1 and a vertical y-axis labeled from negative 4 to 4 in increments of 1. A curve starts at the point left-parenthesis negative 1 comma negative 4 right-parenthesis, which is labeled as f prime; rises in quadrant 2 to left-parenthesis negative 0.75 comma 5 right-parenthesis, falls at the origin to a minimum at left-parenthesis 0.5 comma negative 3 right-parenthesis, rises to a maximum at x equal 2 and 3, and then continues to falls in quadrant 4. All coordinates are approximate.
Select the correct answer below:
0
1
2
3
4
Solution
To determine how many local extrema (maxima or minima) the function has, we can analyze the graph of its derivative .
Local extrema in occur where changes sign:
- From positive to negative: This indicates a local maximum in .
- From negative to positive: This indicates a local minimum in .
Step-by-Step Analysis:
- The curve of starts below the x-axis (negative) and rises to cross the x-axis. This indicates a change from negative to positive, corresponding to a local minimum in .
- The curve then peaks and crosses the x-axis downward, changing from positive to negative. This indicates a local maximum in .
- It then continues downward, crossing the x-axis again. This change from negative to positive suggests another local minimum in .
- Finally, the curve peaks again and crosses the x-axis downwards, which corresponds to another local maximum in .
Conclusion:
The derivative changes sign four times, indicating there are four local extrema in (two maxima and two minima).
Answer: 4
Would you like further details or have any questions?
Here are five related questions you might find useful:
- How can you determine the exact location of local maxima and minima using the derivative?
- What is the significance of the second derivative in finding local extrema?
- How do inflection points relate to the first derivative?
- How can you determine if a function is concave up or concave down using its derivative?
- What are the implications of a derivative being zero over an interval?
Tip: When analyzing a derivative graph, the points where the derivative crosses the x-axis are key indicators of possible local maxima or minima.
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Calculus
Derivatives
Local Extrema
Formulas
f'(x) = 0 indicates potential local maxima or minima
Theorems
First Derivative Test
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12