Math Problem Statement

Calculate

For what values of x is the function positive? For what values of x is the function negative? For what values of x does the function reach a relative minimum? For what value of x does the function reach a relative maximum? For what values of x is the function increasing? For what values of x is the function decreasing? Describe what happens to the value of f(x) as x gets very large. Describe what happens to the value of f(x) as x gets very negative.

Solution

Let's go through each question based on the graph:

  1. For what values of xx is the function positive?

    • The function is positive when its graph is above the x-axis. From the graph, this occurs approximately between x(5,2)x \in (-5, -2) and x(2,5)x \in (2, 5).
  2. For what values of xx is the function negative?

    • The function is negative when the graph is below the x-axis. This happens when x(,5)x \in (-\infty, -5) and x(2,2)x \in (-2, 2), and again for x(5,)x \in (5, \infty).
  3. For what values of xx does the function reach a relative minimum?

    • The function reaches a relative minimum at the lowest points of the valleys. From the graph, this occurs around x=0x = 0 (approximately at y=5y = -5).
  4. For what value of xx does the function reach a relative maximum?

    • A relative maximum occurs at the peak of the curve. This happens around x=3.5x = -3.5 and x=3.5x = 3.5, where the graph reaches its highest points between the valleys.
  5. For what values of xx is the function increasing?

    • The function is increasing when the graph moves upwards as xx increases. From the graph, this occurs for x(,3.5)x \in (-\infty, -3.5), x(0,3.5)x \in (0, 3.5), and for x>5x > 5.
  6. For what values of xx is the function decreasing?

    • The function is decreasing when the graph moves downwards as xx increases. This happens for x(3.5,0)x \in (-3.5, 0) and x(3.5,5)x \in (3.5, 5).
  7. Describe what happens to the value of f(x)f(x) as xx gets very large.

    • As xx \to \infty, the graph rises sharply, indicating that f(x)f(x) \to \infty.
  8. Describe what happens to the value of f(x)f(x) as xx gets very negative.

    • As xx \to -\infty, the graph also rises sharply, implying that f(x)f(x) \to \infty.

If you have any questions or want further details, feel free to ask!

Here are 5 follow-up questions:

  1. What does it mean for a function to have a relative minimum and maximum?
  2. How can we algebraically determine intervals of increase or decrease in a function?
  3. Why does the function behave symmetrically as xx \to \infty and xx \to -\infty?
  4. How do relative extrema help us understand the overall shape of a function?
  5. What types of functions exhibit similar behavior at xx \to \infty and xx \to -\infty?

Tip: Always check the signs of the function's derivative to confirm where it is increasing or decreasing!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Function Analysis
Graph Interpretation

Formulas

-

Theorems

Relative Minima and Maxima
Increasing and Decreasing Functions
End Behavior of Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12