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Multiple Choice
In what direction(s) does the derivative of provide information about the behavior of the function ?
A
The derivative only provides information about the value of at a single point.
B
The derivative describes how changes as increases.
C
The derivative describes the instantaneous rate of change of with respect to , indicating how changes as increases.
D
The derivative gives the average rate of change of over an interval.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of a derivative. The derivative of a function f(x) represents the instantaneous rate of change of f(x) with respect to x. It tells us how the function's value changes at a specific point as x increases or decreases.
Step 2: Clarify the distinction between instantaneous rate of change and average rate of change. The derivative provides the instantaneous rate of change, which is different from the average rate of change calculated over an interval.
Step 3: Recognize that the derivative does not describe the value of f(x) itself but rather how f(x) is changing at a specific point. This is a key distinction in understanding the behavior of the function.
Step 4: Note that the derivative is related to the slope of the tangent line to the curve of f(x) at a given point. This slope indicates the direction and steepness of the function's change at that point.
Step 5: Conclude that the derivative provides information about the behavior of f(x) in the direction of x, specifically how f(x) changes as x increases or decreases. This is the correct interpretation of the derivative's role.