Math Path
MATH 01130 · Calculus I

MATH 01130 · Applications of derivatives

Increasing/decreasing, concavity

Definition

f is increasing where f′>0, decreasing where f′<0. Concave up where f′′>0 (slope increasing); concave down where f′′<0. Inflection: concavity changes.

Read this

Sign chart for f′ using critical points (f′=0 or undefined) finds increase/decrease intervals.

Sign chart for f′′ finds concavity and candidates for inflection (f′′=0 or undefined, then verify sign change).

First derivative test and second derivative test classify local extrema.

Drill with flashcards

Flip through these until you can say the answer before revealing it.

Flashcards · 1 / 3

Click the card to flip

Try this

Attempt each problem first, then open the worked solution.

  1. 1.For f(x)=x³−3x, find intervals of increase and inflection points.