Graphs and Calculus (1 Viewer)

sasquatch

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With graphs, im confused at when im supposed to use calculus to find min/max turning points and points of inflexion. No book makes it very clear...
 

Riviet

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It depends on what the question wants, usually they are specific, like "sketch this curve clearly labelling interecepts, critical points (POIs and max/min TPs) etc.". Also in an assessment or exam question, look at the number of marks to determine how much detail you need when sketching the curve.
 

sasquatch

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Oh well ok thanks but like in the books examples, sometimes they use calculus othertimes they dont...and the questions really say "Sketch the graph"....actually in this exercise every single one of them says that.. so yeah
 

Riviet

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In that case, I would suggest you label as much as you can, including stat points and any POIs, you can't lose marks for labelling more correctly, but you CAN lose marks for not marking important features. I know it can be very time confusing especially if the function is long. In exams/assessments, always label as much as you can, and that means all stat points and POIs, intercepts, vertical and horizontal asymptotes, the origin, the x and y axis, AND label the function itself so you don't lose marks for a lack of information in your sketch. ;)
 
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pLuvia

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You are not going to get it wrong if you use calculus to find all those critical points. And Riviet just pretty much summed it up for you ;)
 

acullen

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Remember you can always sub in a value into the equation to test any point along the graph if you really want to be sure. For something like a min/max, just sub in a value for x just ~0.1 left/right of your value, if they both end up corresponding lesser/greater (which ever is appropriate), then your assumed value of the min/max, then you are most likely correct; if not, I'd re-evaluate the differentiations.
 

sasquatch

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um excuse me?? i wasnt asking how to differentiate... or whatever...
 

Mountain.Dew

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sasquatch said:
um excuse me?? i wasnt asking how to differentiate... or whatever...
remember it will depend upon the question. if they say u have to label turning pts, POIs', etc... then use calculus. otherwise, don't.

most frequently, in the HSC, they will get u to differentiate the to-be-graphed function FIRST, before you graph it.
 
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pLuvia

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Also if the second derivative is difficult to acquire then just use the conventional subbing from both sides method
 

acullen

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sasquatch said:
um excuse me?? i wasnt asking how to differentiate... or whatever...
Um, tell me where I told you how to differentiate, I don't believe I did???

I simply gave you a hint that (if a simple mistake was made, it) could possibly give you extra marks in an exam, but if you're not interested in that... If you don't want help then don't ask for it.
 

Riviet

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pLuvia said:
Also if the second derivative is difficult to acquire then just use the conventional subbing from both sides method
Also known as the first derivative test. ;)
 

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