All Flashcards
What is the formula for the average rate of change of a function f(x) over the interval [a, b]?
What is the condition stated by the Mean Value Theorem?
for some
How do you find critical points?
Solve or find where is undefined.
How do you determine concavity using the second derivative?
implies concave up; implies concave down.
How do you find inflection points?
Solve or find where is undefined, and verify concavity changes.
What does f'(x) > 0 imply?
f(x) is increasing.
What does f'(x) < 0 imply?
f(x) is decreasing.
What does f''(x) = 0 imply?
Possible inflection point.
What does the second derivative test tell us about local extrema?
If and , then is a local minimum. If and , then is a local maximum.
What is the general approach to solving optimization problems?
- Define the objective function. 2. Identify constraints. 3. Find critical points. 4. Test for extrema.
Define the Mean Value Theorem (MVT).
If a function is continuous on [a, b] and differentiable on (a, b), then there exists a c in (a, b) such that f'(c) = (f(b) - f(a))/(b - a).
Define the Extreme Value Theorem (EVT).
If a function f(x) is continuous on a closed interval [a, b], then f(x) must attain both a maximum and a minimum value on that interval.
What is a critical point of a function f(x)?
A value c in the domain of f(x) such that either f'(c) = 0 or f'(c) does not exist.
Define global (absolute) extrema.
The highest and lowest points of a function over its entire domain.
Define local (relative) extrema.
The highest and lowest points of a function over a specific subinterval of its domain.
Define concavity.
The curvature of a function at a given point; indicates whether the function is 'bending up' or 'bending down'.
Define an inflection point.
A point on a curve where the concavity changes.
Define optimization problems.
Mathematical problems that involve finding the best solution (minimum or maximum) among a set of possible solutions.
Define the first derivative test.
A method used to determine whether a function is increasing or decreasing on a specific interval by analyzing the sign of its first derivative.
Define the Candidates Test.
A method used to determine the absolute extrema of a continuous function on a closed interval by evaluating the function at critical points and endpoints.
What are the differences between local and global extrema?
Local: Extrema within a specific interval. Global: Extrema over the entire domain.
What are the differences between the first derivative test and the second derivative test?
First Derivative: Uses the sign of f'(x) to determine increasing/decreasing and local extrema. Second Derivative: Uses the sign of f''(x) to determine concavity and local extrema.
What are the differences between concave up and concave down?
Concave Up: f''(x) > 0, curve opens upwards. Concave Down: f''(x) < 0, curve opens downwards.
What are the differences between critical points and inflection points?
Critical Points: f'(x) = 0 or undefined, potential local extrema. Inflection Points: f''(x) changes sign, change in concavity.
What are the differences between minimization and maximization problems?
Minimization: Finding the minimum value of a function. Maximization: Finding the maximum value of a function.
What are the differences between the graphical and analytical methods for solving optimization problems?
Graphical: Sketching the graph to find extrema. Analytical: Using calculus (derivatives) to find extrema.
What are the differences between using f'(x) and f''(x) when sketching a graph?
f'(x): Determines increasing/decreasing intervals and local extrema. f''(x): Determines concavity and inflection points.
What are the differences between the Mean Value Theorem and the Extreme Value Theorem?
MVT: Guarantees a point where the instantaneous rate of change equals the average rate of change. EVT: Guarantees the existence of a maximum and minimum value on a closed interval.
What are the differences between relative and absolute extrema?
Relative: Local maximum or minimum within a specific interval. Absolute: Global maximum or minimum over the entire domain.
What are the differences between a function and its derivative?
Function: Represents the original relationship between x and y. Derivative: Represents the rate of change of the function.