Table of contents
- 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
2. Intro to Derivatives
Basic Graphing of the Derivative
Problem 3.6.52
Textbook Question
A cost function of the form C(x) = 1/2x² reflects diminishing returns to scale. Find and graph the cost, average cost, and marginal cost functions. Interpret the graphs and explain the idea of diminishing returns.
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1
Start by defining the cost function C(x) = (1/2)x², where x represents the quantity produced.
Calculate the average cost function A(x) by dividing the total cost C(x) by the quantity x, which gives A(x) = C(x)/x = (1/2)x.
Determine the marginal cost function MC(x) by finding the derivative of the cost function C(x) with respect to x, which results in MC(x) = C'(x) = x.
Graph the cost function C(x), the average cost function A(x), and the marginal cost function MC(x) on the same set of axes to visualize their relationships.
Interpret the graphs: note how the average cost decreases initially and then levels off, while the marginal cost increases, illustrating the concept of diminishing returns as production increases.
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