Math Problem Statement

Use the following graph of f' to sketch a graph of f.

Solution

The image shows the graph of the derivative function ff', and you are asked to sketch the graph of the original function ff based on this information.

Key Insights for Sketching ff from ff':

  1. Where f=0f' = 0: The points where the graph of ff' crosses the x-axis correspond to critical points of ff (local maxima, minima, or points of inflection). In this graph, f=0f' = 0 at x=2x = -2.

  2. Where f>0f' > 0 (Positive slope): When ff' is positive (above the x-axis), ff is increasing. The graph shows that f>0f' > 0 for x<2x < -2, so ff increases on this interval.

  3. Where f<0f' < 0 (Negative slope): When ff' is negative (below the x-axis), ff is decreasing. The graph shows that f<0f' < 0 for x>2x > -2, so ff decreases on this interval.

  4. Slope of ff': The slope of ff' provides insights into the concavity of ff. If ff' is decreasing, ff is concave down, and if ff' is increasing, ff is concave up.

Steps to Sketch the Graph of ff:

  • For x<2x < -2, f>0f' > 0, so ff is increasing. As ff' decreases in this region, ff is concave down.

  • At x=2x = -2, f=0f' = 0, so there is a local maximum at this point.

  • For x>2x > -2, f<0f' < 0, so ff is decreasing. Since ff' continues to decrease, ff is concave down in this region as well.

Therefore, the function ff will have a maximum at x=2x = -2, and it will increase to the left of this point and decrease to the right of it.

Would you like further clarifications or details? Here are some related questions for deeper exploration:

  1. How does the behavior of the derivative affect the concavity of the original function?
  2. What is the significance of the slope of the tangent line in the graph of ff'?
  3. How would the graph of ff look if the slope of ff' changed sign at multiple points?
  4. How do inflection points of ff relate to changes in the slope of ff'?
  5. Can the graph of ff have horizontal asymptotes if the derivative approaches 0 at extreme values of xx?

Tip: Understanding how the sign of the derivative affects the behavior of the original function is key to mastering calculus-related graphing problems.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivative
Critical Points
Concavity
Increasing/Decreasing Functions

Formulas

If f' > 0, then f is increasing
If f' < 0, then f is decreasing
If f' = 0, f has a critical point

Theorems

First Derivative Test
Concavity and Inflection Points

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12