Math Problem Statement

At which of the following values of x must p(x) have an inflection point?

Solution

To determine where p(x)p(x) has an inflection point, we need to look at the values in the table for p(x)p''(x). An inflection point occurs when the second derivative, p(x)p''(x), changes sign, indicating a change in the concavity of p(x)p(x).

From the table:

xx4-43-32-21-1001122
p(x)p'(x)10-20-102
p(x)p''(x)-1000021

We observe the sign changes in p(x)p''(x) between consecutive values:

  • Between x=0x = 0 and x=1x = 1, p(x)p''(x) changes from 00 to 22 (indicating a shift from zero to positive values).

Therefore, there is a sign change in p(x)p''(x) around x=0x = 0 and x=1x = 1. Based on this table and continuity assumptions, p(x)p(x) must have an inflection point at x=0x = 0.

Would you like further details on this explanation or additional questions to explore related concepts?

Here are five related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. What conditions are necessary for a function to have a local maximum or minimum?
  2. How does the sign of the first derivative p(x)p'(x) relate to the increasing or decreasing behavior of p(x)p(x)?
  3. Can a point where p(x)=0p''(x) = 0 always be considered an inflection point? Why or why not?
  4. What additional information would be required to determine the specific shape of p(x)p(x) between the given values?
  5. How does continuity of p(x)p(x), p(x)p'(x), and p(x)p''(x) affect the identification of critical points and inflection points?

Tip: For a function p(x)p(x), always examine the signs of p(x)p'(x) and p(x)p''(x) in addition to their values to identify points of interest such as extrema and inflection points.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Inflection Points
Second Derivative Test

Formulas

p''(x) changes sign to indicate an inflection point

Theorems

Inflection Point Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12