Precalculus : Determine Points of Inflection

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Precalculus

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Example Questions

Example Question #132 : Derivatives

Find the points of inflection for the following function:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To solve, find when the 2nd derivative is equal to 0 and plug it into the first equation. We must use the power rule, as outlined below, to find each derivative.

Power rule:

Thus,

Since 2 is never equal to 0, there are no points of inflection.

Example Question #131 : Derivatives

Determine the  values for the points of inflection of the following function:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To solve, you must set the second derivative equal to 0 and solve for x. To differentiate twice, use the power rule as outlined below:

Power Rule:

Therefore:

Remember, the derivative a constant is 0.

Now, set it equal to 0. Thus,

 

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