- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals3h 25m
5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives
The Second Derivative Test
Problem 47
Textbook Question
Each of Exercises 43–48 gives the first derivative of a function y = ƒ(𝓍). (a) At what points, if any, does the graph of ƒ have a local maximum, local minimum, or inflection point? (b) Sketch the general shape of the graph.
y' = 𝓍⁴ ― 2𝓍²

1
First, identify the critical points by setting the first derivative y' = x^4 - 2x^2 equal to zero and solving for x. This will help us find potential points for local maxima, minima, or inflection points.
Factor the equation x^4 - 2x^2 = 0 to simplify it. Notice that it can be factored as x^2(x^2 - 2) = 0. This gives us x^2 = 0 or x^2 = 2.
Solve the factored equations: x^2 = 0 gives x = 0, and x^2 = 2 gives x = ±√2. These are the critical points where the function may have local extrema or inflection points.
To determine the nature of these critical points, use the second derivative test. Compute the second derivative y'' by differentiating y' = x^4 - 2x^2 again.
Evaluate the second derivative at each critical point (x = 0, x = √2, and x = -√2) to determine concavity. If y'' > 0, the point is a local minimum; if y'' < 0, the point is a local maximum. If y'' changes sign, the point is an inflection point.
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