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 Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives
Concavity
Problem 70
Textbook Question
Concavity Determine the intervals on which the following functions are concave up or concave down. Identify any inflection points.
f(x) = ³√(x - 4)

1
First, find the first derivative of the function f(x) = ³√(x - 4). This involves using the chain rule. The derivative of ³√u with respect to u is (1/3)u^(-2/3). Therefore, f'(x) = (1/3)(x - 4)^(-2/3).
Next, find the second derivative, f''(x), to determine concavity. Differentiate f'(x) = (1/3)(x - 4)^(-2/3) again using the chain rule. The derivative of u^(-2/3) is (-2/3)u^(-5/3), so f''(x) = (-2/9)(x - 4)^(-5/3).
Determine the intervals of concavity by analyzing the sign of f''(x). The function is concave up where f''(x) > 0 and concave down where f''(x) < 0. Since f''(x) = (-2/9)(x - 4)^(-5/3), it is important to note that the sign of f''(x) depends on the sign of (x - 4).
Identify any inflection points by finding where f''(x) changes sign. This occurs when x = 4, as the expression (x - 4) changes from negative to positive or vice versa.
Summarize the findings: The function is concave down for x < 4 and concave up for x > 4. The point x = 4 is an inflection point where the concavity changes.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Concavity
Concavity refers to the direction in which a function curves. A function is concave up on an interval if its second derivative is positive, indicating that the slope of the tangent line is increasing. Conversely, it is concave down if the second derivative is negative, meaning the slope is decreasing. Understanding concavity helps in analyzing the behavior of functions and identifying intervals of increase or decrease.
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Second Derivative Test
The second derivative test is a method used to determine the concavity of a function and locate inflection points. By calculating the second derivative of a function, we can assess where it changes sign, indicating a transition between concave up and concave down. Inflection points occur where the second derivative is zero or undefined, and the concavity changes, providing critical insights into the function's graph.
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Inflection Points
Inflection points are specific points on a curve where the concavity changes. At these points, the function transitions from being concave up to concave down or vice versa. Identifying inflection points is essential for sketching the graph of a function accurately, as they indicate where the curvature of the graph alters, affecting the overall shape and behavior of the function.
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