When is y = 2/(4-x) concave downwards?

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In summary, the equation for a concave downwards graph is y = ax^2 + bx + c, where a is a negative value. A graph is concave downwards if the second derivative of the function is always negative. The significance of y = 2/(4-x) being concave downwards is that it represents a function that is decreasing at an increasing rate. To graph y = 2/(4-x), you can plot points or use a graphing calculator or software. Lastly, y = 2/(4-x) can never be concave upwards because the coefficient of the x^2 term is always negative.
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karisrou
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17. For what value of x is the graph of y = 2 / (4 - x) concave downwards?

I found the first derivative = 2/(4-x)^2

And then the second 4/(4-x)^3

But I think I might have messed up somewhere in there
 
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You're not doing the derivatives correctly. You need to use this rule:

http://archives.math.utk.edu/visual.calculus/2/quotient_rule.4/index.html

[tex]\left( \frac{f}{g} \right)' = \frac {gf' - fg'}{(g)^2}[/tex]
 
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FAQ: When is y = 2/(4-x) concave downwards?

What is the equation for a concave downwards graph?

The equation for a concave downwards graph is y = ax^2 + bx + c, where a is a negative value.

How do you determine if a graph is concave downwards?

A graph is concave downwards if the second derivative of the function is always negative.

What is the significance of y = 2/(4-x) being concave downwards?

A concave downwards graph represents a function that is decreasing at an increasing rate. In other words, as x increases, the rate at which y decreases also increases.

How can you graph y = 2/(4-x) to visualize its concave downwards shape?

To graph y = 2/(4-x), you can plot points by choosing different values of x and calculating the corresponding y values. Alternatively, you can use a graphing calculator or software to plot the graph.

Can y = 2/(4-x) ever be concave upwards?

No, y = 2/(4-x) can never be concave upwards because the coefficient of the x^2 term is always negative, making the graph always concave downwards.

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