8.2.1 Critical Points Flashcards Preview

AP Calculus AB > 8.2.1 Critical Points > Flashcards

Flashcards in 8.2.1 Critical Points Deck (5)
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1
Q

Critical Points

A
  • Critical points are the places on a graph where the derivative equals zero or is undefined. Interesting things happen at critical points.
  • To find critical points, take the derivative, set the derivative equal to zero and solve, and find values where the derivative is undefined.
2
Q

note

A
  • Consider this graph of some complicated function. There seem to be several interesting points.
  • At x 1 , x 2 , x 4 , and x 5 , the tangent lines are horizontal, so the derivative of the function is 0 at each of those values.
  • At x 3 , the tangent line is vertical. Its slope is undefined, so the derivative of the function at that point is undefined, too.
  • These points are called critical points. To identify them you need to solve for values that make the derivative equal to zero or undefined.
  • Here is an example of a function that you might want to graph.
  • To find its critical points, first take the derivative.
  • Next, set the derivative equal to zero and solve.
  • Finally, look for places where the derivative is undefined. In this case, the derivative is defined for all real numbers.
  • You will need to use the power rule to take the derivative of this function.
  • First, notice that there are no values of x that make the derivative equal to zero.
  • Next, look for values of x for which the derivative is
    undefined. One way to do this is to set the denominator equal to zero and solve. In this case, the derivative is undefined for x = 0, even though the function itself is defined at that point. Therefore, you may have a cusp point at that x-value.
3
Q

Does this function have a critical point at x = 0?

A

Yes.

4
Q

Find all of the critical points of p (t).

p (t) = t ^2 + 5t + 6.

A

t=−5/2

5
Q

Find all of the critical points of the function f (x) = |3x|

A

x = 0

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