Math Problem Statement

Create the graph of a continuous function f that has f prime left parenthesis x right parenthesis

given below. Is it possible to create more than one​ graph? f prime left parenthesis x right parenthesis equalsleft brace Start 3 By 2 Matrix 1st Row 1st Column 1 2nd Column if x less than 0 2nd Row 1st Column 0 2nd Column if 0 less than x less than 5 3rd Row 1st Column 2 2nd Column if x greater than 5 EndMatrix Question content area bottom Part 1 Choose the correct graph of​ f(x) below.Is it possible to create more than one​ graph? A. ​Yes, more graphs could be created by shifting the graph up or down by an arbitrary amount. B. ​Yes, more graphs could be created by shifting the graph left or right by an arbitrary amount. C. ​No, because there is a single unique graph once the slope is specified for all x. D. ​No, because the function is constrained to be continuous. All other graphs with the same slopes would not be continuous.

Solution

To solve this problem, we first analyze the given information about f(x)f'(x):

\begin{cases} 1 & \text{if } x < 0, \\ 0 & \text{if } 0 < x < 5, \\ 2 & \text{if } x > 5. \end{cases}$$ ### Step 1: Interpret $$f'(x)$$ - **For $$x < 0$$:** $$f'(x) = 1$$. This means the function $$f(x)$$ has a constant slope of 1, implying a line with slope 1. - **For $$0 < x < 5$$:** $$f'(x) = 0$$. This means the function $$f(x)$$ is constant (horizontal) in this interval. - **For $$x > 5$$:** $$f'(x) = 2$$. This means the function $$f(x)$$ has a constant slope of 2, implying a line with a steeper slope than in the region where $$x < 0$$. ### Step 2: Construct the graph To sketch $$f(x)$$, note the following: - Between $$x < 0$$, the function increases linearly with slope 1. - Between $$0 < x < 5$$, the function is flat (constant). - After $$x = 5$$, the function increases with a steeper slope of 2. ### Step 3: Continuity of $$f(x)$$ Since the function is continuous, there are no jumps in the graph. We can integrate $$f'(x)$$ over the different regions to get $$f(x)$$, but the graph itself can be shifted vertically without affecting the slopes or the continuity. ### Step 4: Answering the question Now, let's look at the options: - **Option A: Yes, more graphs could be created by shifting the graph up or down by an arbitrary amount.** This is correct. Since $$f(x)$$ is defined by its derivative and the derivative only provides the slope, the function can be shifted vertically by an arbitrary constant. - **Option B: Yes, more graphs could be created by shifting the graph left or right by an arbitrary amount.** This is incorrect. Shifting left or right would disrupt the critical points where the slope changes, so it's not valid. - **Option C: No, because there is a single unique graph once the slope is specified for all $$x$$.** This is incorrect. The derivative does not specify the vertical positioning of the graph; it only provides the slope, so there are multiple graphs depending on the vertical shift. - **Option D: No, because the function is constrained to be continuous. All other graphs with the same slopes would not be continuous.** This is incorrect. The function can still be continuous while allowing vertical shifts. ### Final Answer: The correct choice is **A**. --- Would you like to go into more detail on how the integration of $$f'(x)$$ leads to the graph of $$f(x)$$? Here are 5 related questions you could explore: 1. How does the graph of $$f(x)$$ change if we integrate different functions for $$f'(x)$$? 2. Why does shifting $$f(x)$$ vertically not affect its derivative? 3. What happens to the continuity of $$f(x)$$ if we introduce discontinuities in $$f'(x)$$? 4. How do changes in $$f'(x)$$ affect the concavity of $$f(x)$$? 5. Can we determine the exact vertical shift constant from boundary conditions? **Tip:** When interpreting $$f'(x)$$, always think of the derivative as representing the slope of the graph of $$f(x)$$.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Differentiation
Graphing continuous functions

Formulas

f'(x) = { 1 if x < 0; 0 if 0 < x < 5; 2 if x > 5 }

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Continuity

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (Pre-Calculus or Calculus)