Math Problem Statement

Suppose that f(x) is continuous on [0, 6] and f(0) = -1. Sketch the graph of f(x).

Solution

The image shows the graph of f(x)f'(x) and asks to sketch the graph of f(x)f(x) under two conditions. Let's break it down step by step for both parts.

(a) Suppose f(x)f(x) is continuous on [0,6][0, 6] and f(0)=1f(0) = -1. Sketch the graph of f(x)f(x).

Since you're given f(x)f'(x), which represents the derivative of f(x)f(x), we can reconstruct f(x)f(x) by integrating f(x)f'(x) over the intervals.

  • From x=0x = 0 to x=2x = 2, f(x)=2f'(x) = 2. This means the slope of f(x)f(x) is 2, so f(x)f(x) increases linearly with a slope of 2 over this interval. Starting at f(0)=1f(0) = -1, by x=2x = 2, f(x)f(x) will have increased by 2×2=42 \times 2 = 4, so f(2)=1+4=3f(2) = -1 + 4 = 3.

  • From x=2x = 2 to x=4x = 4, f(x)=0f'(x) = 0, which means the slope is zero, implying f(x)f(x) is constant over this interval. Therefore, f(x)=3f(x) = 3 for 2x42 \leq x \leq 4.

  • From x=4x = 4 to x=6x = 6, f(x)=1f'(x) = -1, meaning the slope of f(x)f(x) is -1. The function will decrease linearly with a slope of -1 over this interval. From f(4)=3f(4) = 3, by x=6x = 6, f(x)f(x) decreases by 1×(64)=2-1 \times (6 - 4) = -2, so f(6)=32=1f(6) = 3 - 2 = 1.

The graph of f(x)f(x) should reflect this behavior:

  1. A line with slope 2 from x=0x = 0 to x=2x = 2, starting at f(0)=1f(0) = -1.
  2. A flat, constant section from x=2x = 2 to x=4x = 4.
  3. A line with slope -1 from x=4x = 4 to x=6x = 6, ending at f(6)=1f(6) = 1.

(b) Suppose f(0)=1f(0) = -1 but f(x)f(x) is NOT continuous. Sketch a possible graph of f(x)f(x). How many possibilities are there?

If f(x)f(x) is not continuous, we can introduce discontinuities, such as jumps or breaks, anywhere within the domain [0,6][0, 6]. However, f(x)f'(x) is still given, so the behavior of f(x)f(x) between any jumps would still need to follow the slope dictated by f(x)f'(x).

One possibility:

  • Keep the same slopes for the continuous parts as in part (a).
  • Introduce a jump discontinuity at some point, for example, at x=2x = 2. Instead of smoothly transitioning from the increasing part to the flat part, have a sudden jump in the value of f(x)f(x).

There are many possibilities, depending on where you choose to introduce discontinuities. For instance:

  • A jump at x=2x = 2.
  • A jump at x=4x = 4.
  • Multiple jumps at different points.

Each choice represents a different possibility.

Would you like more details on any part or a sketch of the graphs?

Here are 5 relative questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What is the significance of the derivative f(x)f'(x) in shaping the graph of f(x)f(x)?
  2. How does the continuity of f(x)f(x) constrain the possibilities in part (b)?
  3. What type of discontinuities are possible when f(x)f(x) is not continuous?
  4. How would the graph of f(x)f(x) change if f(x)f'(x) had more intervals with different slopes?
  5. How does the value of f(0)=1f(0) = -1 affect the overall shape of the graph?

Tip: When interpreting f(x)f'(x), remember that positive values indicate increasing slopes, negative values indicate decreasing slopes, and zero means the function is constant.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivatives
Continuity

Formulas

f(x) = ∫ f'(x) dx

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 12 - College Level