- 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
Concavity
Problem 13e
Textbook Question
Let ƒ(x) = (x - 3) (x + 3)²
e. Identify the local extreme values and inflection points of ƒ .

1
First, find the first derivative of the function ƒ(x) = (x - 3)(x + 3)^2e using the product rule and chain rule. The product rule states that if you have a function that is the product of two functions, say u(x) and v(x), then the derivative is u'(x)v(x) + u(x)v'(x). Apply this to ƒ(x).
Set the first derivative equal to zero to find the critical points. These points are where the function could have local extreme values. Solve the equation for x to find these critical points.
Next, find the second derivative of ƒ(x). This will help determine the concavity of the function and identify any inflection points. Use the derivative rules appropriately to find the second derivative.
Evaluate the second derivative at the critical points found in step 2. If the second derivative is positive at a critical point, the function has a local minimum there. If it is negative, the function has a local maximum. If the second derivative is zero, further analysis is needed to determine the nature of the critical point.
To find inflection points, set the second derivative equal to zero and solve for x. Inflection points occur where the concavity of the function changes, which is indicated by the second derivative changing sign.
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