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Unit 5 - Increasing and Decreasing Function Behavior Assignment

The document provides exercises on identifying increasing and decreasing behavior of functions based on their graphs and derivatives. It includes questions about specific intervals for three functions and their derivatives, as well as critical points for given functions. Additionally, it emphasizes understanding the relationship between a function and its derivative in determining behavior and critical values.

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liz
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16 views7 pages

Unit 5 - Increasing and Decreasing Function Behavior Assignment

The document provides exercises on identifying increasing and decreasing behavior of functions based on their graphs and derivatives. It includes questions about specific intervals for three functions and their derivatives, as well as critical points for given functions. Additionally, it emphasizes understanding the relationship between a function and its derivative in determining behavior and critical values.

Uploaded by

liz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Increasing and Decreasing Function Behavior

You’re given three graphs. Each of them is labeled and accompanied by a set of questions. First, answer
each question as well as you can individually – use complete sentences. Then compare your answers
with those of your group members and discuss any differences.

1. To the right is a graph of the function y = f ( x ) , a


function whose domain is the interval [A,G].
a. Write any intervals in which the function f ( x ) is
increasing.

b. Write any intervals in which the function f ( x ) is


decreasing.

2. To the right is a graph of the function y = g ' ( x ) , the


derivative of the function g ( x ) . The domain of this
derivative is the interval [A,H].
a. State the intervals in which the function g ( x )
would be increasing. Give reasoning supporting
each of your answers.

b. State the intervals in which the function g ( x )


would be decreasing. Give reasoning supporting
each of your answers.

© 2017 College Board


3. To the right is a graph of the function y = h ' ( x ) , the
derivative of the function h ( x ) . The domain of this
derivative is the interval [A,I].

a. State the intervals in which the function h ( x )


would be increasing. Give reasoning supporting
each of your answers.

b. State the intervals in which the function h ( x )


would be decreasing. Give reasoning supporting
each of your answers.

Check your understanding

 When looking at the graph of a function, how can you tell whether the value of that function is positive
or negative?

 What condition on the derivative of a function would guarantee that the original function is increasing
in a given interval?

 What condition on the derivative of a function would guarantee that the original function is decreasing
in an interval?

© 2017 College Board


Apply Your Understanding: Justifying Behaviors of Functions

Part I: Following is the graph of two functions defined on the interval [ A, I ] . One function is g( x) whose
graph is the solid curve. The other function is h( x) whose graph is the dashed curve. One of these
functions is the derivative of the other. That is, either g( x) = h '( x) or h( x) = g '( x) . Decide which of these
alternatives is correct and support your assertion with as many specific facts regarding features of the
graphs as you can.

© 2017 College Board


x3 x2
Part II: Suppose f ( x ) = − − 2 x . Where is f(x) increasing and where is it decreasing? Explain your
3 2
answer.

Check your understanding

What connections do you know between the derivative of a function and the original function?

 Suppose you are given a graphical representation of the derivative (a graph). How can you use this
graph to determine where the original function is increasing or where it is decreasing?

 Suppose you are given an analytical representation of a function (a formula). How can you use the
formula to determine where the function is increasing or where it is decreasing?

© 2017 College Board


Analytical Representations and Critical Points

You’re given analytical information (formulas) about three functions. In each case, you’re asked to find
and classify the critical values of the function. First, answer each question as well as you can individually.
You may consult with others in your group for hints about solutions if needed, but your written solutions
should be individual efforts. Any verbal answers should be written using complete sentences.

1. Suppose f ' ( x ) =( x − 1) ( x − 2)2 ( x − 3)3 . (Note: this is a formula for the derivative of the original

function). Use the following table to find and classify the critical points for the original function f ( x ) .

Steps Notes and Solutions

a. Consider the domain of f ' ( x ) . Are


there any values that x cannot be?

b. Find the critical numbers for f ( x ) .


(Note: For this problem, the function
f ( x ) will have three critical
numbers.)
c. Classify each critical number as a Critical number:
local maximum, a local minimum, or
neither, and explain your reasoning.

Critical number:

© 2017 College Board


Steps Notes and Solutions

continued: Critical number:


Classify each critical number as a
local maximum, a local minimum, or
neither, and explain your reasoning.

( x + 1)
2

2. Suppose that g ( x ) = .
x2 + 8

a. What is the domain of g ( x ) ?

b. Compute g ' ( x ) and find the critical numbers of g ( x ) . (Note: For this problem, the function
g ( x ) will have two critical numbers.)

© 2017 College Board


c. Classify each of the critical numbers found in part b. Is each a local minimum, local maximum, or
neither?

Check your understanding

Suppose you are given an analytical representation of a function (a formula for the function). How would
you identify all the critical values of the function?

© 2017 College Board

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