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Multiple Choice
Suppose the graph of a function is shown below. Which of the following graphs could represent an antiderivative of ?
A
A graph that has the same shape as but shifted vertically.
B
A graph that is the reflection of across the -axis.
C
A graph that is always above the -axis whenever is positive.
D
A graph whose slope at each point matches the value of at that point.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the relationship between a function f and its antiderivative F. The antiderivative F is a function whose derivative is equal to f, meaning F'(x) = f(x). This implies that the slope of the graph of F at any point x is equal to the value of f(x) at that same point.
Step 2: Analyze the options provided. The correct graph of F must have a slope at each point that matches the value of f at that point. This means the shape of F is determined by the behavior of f, not by vertical shifts or reflections.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options. A graph that is a vertical shift of f does not satisfy the condition F'(x) = f(x), as vertical shifts do not affect the slope. Similarly, a reflection of f across the y-axis changes the relationship between x and f(x), which does not align with the derivative rule.
Step 4: Consider the option stating that the graph of F is always above the x-axis whenever f is positive. While this might seem plausible, it does not guarantee that the slope of F matches f at every point. The correct graph must directly reflect the slope condition.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct graph is the one whose slope at each point matches the value of f at that point. This ensures that F'(x) = f(x), satisfying the definition of an antiderivative.