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
Curve Sketching
Problem 3
Textbook Question
Sketch the graph of a function continuous on the given interval that satisfies the following conditions.
ƒ is continuous on the interval [-4, 4] ; f'(x) = 0 for x = -2, 0, and 3; ƒ has an absolute minimum at x = 3; ƒ has a local minimum at x = -2 ; ƒ has a local maximum at x = 0; ƒ has an absolute maximum at x = -4.

1
Identify the critical points where the derivative f'(x) = 0, which are x = -2, 0, and 3. These points are where the function could have local maxima, minima, or points of inflection.
Determine the nature of each critical point using the given conditions: x = -2 is a local minimum, x = 0 is a local maximum, and x = 3 is an absolute minimum.
Consider the endpoints of the interval [-4, 4]. The function has an absolute maximum at x = -4, which means the function value at this point is greater than or equal to the function values at all other points in the interval.
Sketch the graph by plotting the critical points and endpoints, ensuring that the function is continuous across the interval. Start at the absolute maximum at x = -4, decrease to the local minimum at x = -2, increase to the local maximum at x = 0, decrease again to the absolute minimum at x = 3, and then continue to x = 4.
Ensure the graph reflects the continuity of the function across the interval [-4, 4] and that the behavior at each critical point matches the specified conditions (local and absolute extrema).

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Continuity of Functions
A function is continuous on an interval if there are no breaks, jumps, or holes in its graph within that interval. This means that for every point in the interval, the function approaches a limit that equals the function's value at that point. Understanding continuity is crucial for sketching graphs, as it ensures that the function behaves predictably across the specified range.
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Intro to Continuity
Critical Points and Extrema
Critical points occur where the derivative of a function is zero or undefined, indicating potential local maxima or minima. In this question, the critical points at x = -2, 0, and 3 are essential for determining the function's behavior. An absolute minimum or maximum refers to the lowest or highest value of the function over the entire interval, while local extrema are the highest or lowest points in a small neighborhood around the critical points.
Recommended video:
Critical Points
Graphing Techniques
Graphing techniques involve plotting points, identifying key features such as intercepts, and understanding the shape of the function based on its derivatives. For this question, sketching the graph requires incorporating the identified critical points and the specified conditions of local and absolute extrema, ensuring that the graph reflects the function's continuity and the behavior at those points.
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Graphing The Derivative
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