Calculus: Increasing/Decreasing, Critical Points & Inflection Points

In summary, the conversation discusses the definitions of certain terms in calculus, including increasing/decreasing, critical point, and inflection point. There is a debate about whether these terms should include strict inequalities or not, as well as whether endpoints of finite closed intervals count as critical points. There is also a question about whether the derivative of a function must be continuous at an inflection point. Finally, the conversation also mentions the terms monotone, constant, and the relationship between increasing and decreasing functions.
  • #1
sickle
12
0
srry if this post is in the wrong section but i was wondering if there are actually precise and universally agreeable definitions of the following terms of calculus. Different textbooks even give contrary definitions. Any help is appreciated thanks.

increasing/decreasing = strictly increasing/decreasing or rather non-decreasing/non-increasing (does this mean f(x2) >= f(x1) or simply f(x2) > f(x1)?)

critical point = when f(x) is defined and f'(x) = 0 or DNE. But do endpoints of finite closed intervals count as critical points?

inflection point = when graph changes concavity (only happens when f''(x) = DNE or 0), but does f'(x) have to be continuous here as well or not?
 
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  • #2
1) Let f be defined on some set S so that for each m in S and n in S such that m < n.

If and only if

f(m) [tex]\leq[/tex] f(n)

We say that f is increasing on S.

If strict inequality holds ( no equals allowed) we say that f is strictly increasing.

A function which is either increasing or decreasing is called monotone.
A function which both increasing and decreasing is constant.

2) Yes

3) No
 

FAQ: Calculus: Increasing/Decreasing, Critical Points & Inflection Points

What is the difference between increasing and decreasing functions?

Increasing functions are those where the values of the function increase as the input variable increases. On the other hand, decreasing functions have values that decrease as the input variable increases.

What are critical points in calculus?

Critical points are points on a function where the derivative is equal to zero, or where the derivative does not exist. These points are important in determining the maximum and minimum values of a function.

How do you find critical points?

To find critical points, you must first take the derivative of the function and set it equal to zero. Then, solve for the input values that make the derivative equal to zero. These input values are the critical points.

What is an inflection point?

An inflection point is a point on a function where the concavity changes. This means that the function changes from being concave up to concave down, or vice versa. At an inflection point, the second derivative of the function is equal to zero.

How do you determine if a point is an inflection point?

To determine if a point is an inflection point, you must first take the second derivative of the function and set it equal to zero. Then, plug in the input value into the second derivative. If the second derivative is positive, the point is an inflection point. If it is negative, then the point is not an inflection point.

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