Math Problem Statement

If f is a function having the given graph, which of the following is the graph of the derivative f' of f?

Solution

The given problem asks to identify which of the five graphs represents the derivative ff' of a function ff, given the graph of ff.

Key Steps to Analyze the Graphs:

  1. Identify the Slope of ff:
    • Where ff has a maximum or minimum, the slope of ff is zero, so f=0f' = 0 at those points.
    • Where ff is increasing, the slope is positive, so ff' should be positive.
    • Where ff is decreasing, the slope is negative, so ff' should be negative.

Observations about the Graph of ff:

  • The function ff has a maximum at x=2x = -2, which means f(2)=0f'(-2) = 0.
  • The function ff has a minimum at x=2x = 2, so f(2)=0f'(2) = 0.
  • The function is increasing on the intervals (,2)(-\infty, -2) and (2,)(2, \infty), which means ff' is positive in these regions.
  • The function is decreasing on the interval (2,2)(-2, 2), meaning ff' is negative there.

Compare with the Options:

  • Option 1: This graph shows a downward sloping straight line, which does not match the pattern of positive, zero, and negative slopes derived from ff.
  • Option 2: This graph shows the correct pattern: positive before x=2x = -2, zero at x=2x = -2, negative between x=2x = -2 and x=2x = 2, zero at x=2x = 2, and positive after x=2x = 2. This matches the derivative of ff.
  • Option 3: This graph is entirely positive, which does not match the changing slopes of ff.
  • Option 4: Similar to Option 3, this graph shows an incorrect pattern of positive slope throughout.
  • Option 5: This graph is negative before and positive after x=0x = 0, which does not match the behavior of ff.

Conclusion:

The correct graph of the derivative ff' is Option 2.

Let me know if you would like more details or have any questions! Here are some related questions:

  1. What is the graphical relationship between a function and its derivative?
  2. How does the second derivative f(x)f''(x) relate to the concavity of f(x)f(x)?
  3. What are the critical points of a function, and how are they determined using f(x)f'(x)?
  4. How do inflection points relate to the second derivative f(x)f''(x)?
  5. Can you always find the derivative graphically without knowing the equation of the function?

Tip: When analyzing graphs of functions and their derivatives, always look for where the original function is increasing, decreasing, and has horizontal tangents (maxima or minima). These provide critical clues for sketching the derivative.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Derivatives
Graphical analysis
Calculus

Formulas

f'(x) = rate of change of f(x)
Slope analysis

Theorems

First Derivative Test

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12