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Multiple Choice
Suppose the figure above shows the graph of , the derivative of a function . At which of the following -values does have a local maximum?
A
At where is positive
B
At where is zero and does not change sign
C
At where changes from negative to positive
D
At where changes from positive to negative
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Recall the relationship between the derivative of a function, f'(x), and the behavior of the original function, f(x). The derivative f'(x) represents the slope of the tangent line to the graph of f(x).
Step 2: A local maximum of f(x) occurs at a point where the slope of f(x) transitions from positive to negative. This means that f'(x) must change from positive to negative at that point.
Step 3: Analyze the behavior of f'(x): If f'(x) is positive, the function f(x) is increasing. If f'(x) is negative, the function f(x) is decreasing. A local maximum occurs when f(x) transitions from increasing to decreasing, which corresponds to f'(x) changing from positive to negative.
Step 4: Note that if f'(x) is zero but does not change sign, it indicates a critical point, but not necessarily a local maximum. For example, this could correspond to a local minimum or a point of inflection.
Step 5: Therefore, the correct condition for f(x) to have a local maximum is when f'(x) changes from positive to negative at a specific x-value.