Math Problem Statement

The function f is continuous for all real numbers. Given the graph of f', label the x-coordinate of the points where the function f has a corner, cusp, horizontal tangent, or a vertical tangent.

Solution

The graph provided shows the function ff', which represents the derivative of some function ff. We are asked to label the x-coordinates where the function ff has:

  • Corners
  • Cusps
  • Horizontal tangents
  • Vertical tangents

Here’s the analysis for each feature based on the graph of ff':

  1. Corners: A corner occurs when the derivative ff' has a discontinuity but the function ff remains continuous. Corners typically show up where ff' changes abruptly but remains finite. From the graph, there's a clear corner at x=6x = -6, as the slope of ff' changes abruptly.

  2. Cusps: A cusp occurs when the derivative tends to infinity but in opposite directions as xx approaches a point. In this graph, there is a cusp at x=2x = 2, where the graph of ff' shoots upwards, indicating a cusp.

  3. Horizontal Tangents: A horizontal tangent occurs when the slope of ff' equals 0, which happens where f=0f' = 0. This appears at x=0x = 0, as the graph touches the x-axis, indicating a horizontal tangent.

  4. Vertical Tangents: A vertical tangent happens when the derivative becomes infinite (or very steep). On the graph, this is seen at x=2x = 2, where the slope of ff' becomes infinite.

Based on this analysis, here’s where the labels should go:

  • Corner: At x=6x = -6
  • Cusp: At x=2x = 2
  • Horizontal Tangent: At x=0x = 0
  • Vertical Tangent: Also at x=2x = 2 (because of the steep vertical rise in ff').

Would you like further clarification on any part of this, or the next steps for solving similar problems?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How do cusps and corners differ in terms of the behavior of a function's derivative?
  2. Why does a vertical tangent indicate that the derivative tends to infinity at a given point?
  3. Can a function have both a vertical tangent and a cusp at the same point?
  4. What does the presence of a horizontal tangent tell us about the original function ff?
  5. How would the graph of ff differ from the graph of ff' based on this information?

Tip: When analyzing the derivative graph ff', remember that horizontal tangents correspond to local maxima or minima on the original function ff.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Derivatives
Continuity
Graph Analysis

Formulas

f' (derivative of f)
Conditions for cusp, corner, horizontal tangent, vertical tangent

Theorems

Continuity theorem
Differentiability and corner/cusp concepts

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (or introductory Calculus)