CLASS NOTES/ Analytical

Applications of
GUIDE PRACTICE 5 Differentiation

FUN AP CALCULUS BC

3 Topic: 5.1 Using the Mean Value Theorem

Learning Objective FUN-1.B: Justify conclusions about functions by applying the Mean Value Theorem
over an interval.

Rolle’s Theorem
Let f be a function that is continuous on the closed interval  a, b 
and differentiable on the open interval  a, b  . If f (a )  f (b ) , then
there is at least one number c in  a, b  such that f (c )  0.

Example 1: Illustrating Rolle’s Theorem E2 , 0]

Determine if Rolle’s Theorem applies to f ( x)  x  2 x on the interval  2, 2  .
4 2

State thoroughly the reasons why or why not the theorem applies. If the
theorem does apply, find the value of c guaranteed by the theorem.
Confirm your result by graphing the function in the coordinate plane to the
right. F'(x) = 4x3 4x

- 10,
-

# f(z)
= 0 4x3 4 0
-

-
=

2 - (
-
2) 4x(x2 -
1) =
0

#(2)
F(-2)-

f(x) -
=
0a+ x =

2 -
(2)
The Mean Value Theorem

The Mean Value Theorem

If f is continuous on the closed interval  a, b  and differentiable on the open interval  a, b  ,
when instantaneous
then there exists a number c in  a, b  such that Finding ROC
ROC equals average
f (b )  f ( a )
f (c )  .
ba
Example 2: Illustrating The Mean Value Theorem Given f(x)
that is differentiable
5
Determine if The Mean Value Theorem applies to f ( x )  3  on the interval 1, 5 . State thoroughly the
x
reasons why or why not the theorem applies. If the theorem does apply, find the value of c guaranteed by
the theorem. Visually, what is the Mean Value Theorem trying to find? Draw it in.
It is that f(x) is differentiable on [1 ,5] :
given
it is also continuous on [1 .5] By MVT , there exists
rate of
a point C
, -5 ,
=
where the
average
the instantaneous rate of
change equals
change
on [1 ,5)

= on [1 , 5]
f'(x) = F(1)
(5)
-

= F'(x) atx = 5
155 1
= X= 5 -

Example 3: Another Mean Value Theorem Problem

Find the equation of the tangent line to the graph of f ( x )  2 x  sin x  1 on the interval  0,   at the point
which is the solution to the Mean Value Theorem. Confirm using your graphing calculator.

= RTRI
3
(n 2)
+ 2(X -)
y
- =

2 +SX 2 =
F'(E) =
2
X =
Example 4: When The Mean Value Theorem Doesn’t Apply
Explain precisely why we cannot apply the Mean Value Theorem to either of the three functions below on
the provided intervals.

2
 2,5  1, 3
2
a. f ( x )  3 x  x  3 on b. g ( x )  on  3,1 c. h ( x )  x 3
on
x2
No , F(D not
VA .
at Nor diff
0
.

diff at X 3
=
X = -

2 =
at X
.

not cont.

Example 5: Real World Application of The Mean Value Theorem Two stationary police
cars equipped with radar are 5 miles apart on a highway, as seen in the figure. As a semi-truck passes the
first patrol car, its speed is clocked at 55 miles per hour. Four minutes later, when the truck passes the
second patrol car, its speed is clocked at 50 miles per hour. Prove that the truck did or did not exceed the
55 mile per hour speed limit at some time between the two police cars.
FUN AP CALCULUS BC

Topic: 5.2 Extreme Value Theorem, Global Versus

3
Local Extrema, and Critical Points

Learning Objective FUN-1.C: Justify conclusions about functions by applying the Extreme Value
Theorem

Extrema of a Function
In calculus, much effort is devoted to determining the behavior of a function f on an interval I. We will
investigate such questions as
Does f have a maximum value on I ? Does it have a minimum value on I ?
When is the function increasing? When is it decreasing?

Throughout this unit, you will use derivatives to answer these questions and more and then apply them to
real-life situations.

A function does not have to have a maximum or a minimum on an interval. For instance, in Figure 1 you
can see that the function f ( x )  x 2  1 has both a maximum and a minimum on the closed interval  1, 2

The following Theorem is a result

from the situation to the left:

The Extreme Value Theorem

If f is continuous on a closed
interval  a, b  , then f has
BOTH a maximum and a
minimum on the interval.

Relative Extrema and Critical Numbers

The graph of f ( x )  x 3  3 x 2 to the right has a relative maximum
y

at the point (0, 0) and relative minimum at the point (2, -4) x

-1 1 2

To make this easier for you, think of the relative maximum as being a -1

“peak” of a mountain on the graph and the relative minimum occurring

as the “valley” of the graph. -2

Note that if these “peaks” and “valleys” have smooth, rounded curves
about them, then the graph has a horizontal tangent line at those points. -3

Note that at each relative extrema, the derivative is either zero or does not -4

exist. The x-values at these special points are called critical numbers.
-5
 Definition of Critical Numbers
Let f be defined at c. If f ‘ (c) = 0 or if f is not differentiable at c, then c is a critical number of f.

Definition of Relative Extrema

Let f be a function whose second derivative exists on an open interval I.
1. If there is an open interval containing c on which f(c) is a maximum, then f(c) is called a
relative maximum of f.
2. If there is an open interval containing c on which f(c) is a minimum, then f(c) is called a
relative minimum of f.
The plural of relative maximum is relative maxima, and the plural of relative minimum is relative minima.

Below are two examples of a critical number, c of function f.

Relative Extrema Occur Only at Critical Numbers

If f has a relative minimum or relative maximum at x= c, then c is a critical number of f.

Example 1: If f is continuous for a  x  b and differentiable for a  x  b , which of the following could
be false?

f (b)  f (a )
(A) f (c)  for some c such that a  c  b.
ba
(B) f (c)  0 for some c such that a  c  b.
(C) f has a minimum value on a  x  b.
(D) f has a maximum value on a  x  b.
 1
Example 2: The function f is defined on the closed interval [0,1] and satisfies f (0)  f    f (1).
2
On the open interval (0,1), f is continuous and strictly increasing. Which of the following statements is
true?
(A) f attains both a minimum value and a maximum value on the closed interval [0,1].
(B) f attains a minimum value but not a maximum value on the closed interval [0,1].
(C) f attains a maximum value but not a minimum value on the closed interval [0,1].
(D) f attains neither a minimum value nor a maximum value on the closed interval [0,1].

Example 3: Let g be a function given by g ( x)  x 2 ekx , where k is a constant. For what value of k does g
3
have a critical point at x  ?
2
4 2 2
(A)  (B)  (C) (D) 0
3 3 3
 FUN AP CALCULUS BC

Topic: 5.3 Determining Intervals on Which a

2
Function is Increasing or Decreasing

Learning Objective FUN-4.A: Justify conclusions about the behavior of a function based on the
behavior of its derivatives.

Increasing and Decreasing Functions

Definitions of Increasing and Decreasing Functions

A function f is increasing on an interval if for any two
numbers x1 and x2 in the interval,
x1  x2 implies f ( x1 )  f ( x2 ).

A function f is decreasing on an interval if for any two

numbers x1 and x2 in the interval,
x1  x2 implies f ( x1 )  f ( x2 ).

THEOREM: Test for Increasing and Decreasing Functions

Let f be a function that is continuous on the closed interval  a, b  and differentiable on
the open interval  a, b  .

1. If f ( x)  0 for all x in  a, b  , then f is increasing on  a, b  .

2. If f ( x)  0 for all x in  a, b  , then f is decreasing on  a, b  .

Example 1: Intervals on Which f is Increasing or Decreasing

The graph shown to the right is of f ( x) , the derivative of f ( x) . f ( x )
Using the graph, find the critical values of f ( x) , and state the
intervals over which f ( x) is increasing and decreasing.
Justify your answer.
 Example 2: Intervals on Which f is Increasing or Decreasing
3
Find the intervals on which f ( x)  x3  x 2 is increasing or decreasing.
2

Guidelines for Finding Intervals on Which a Function is Increasing or Decreasing

Let f be continuous on the interval  a, b  . To find the intervals on which f is increasing or
decreasing, use the following steps.
1. Locate the critical numbers of f in  a, b  , and use these numbers to determine

your test intervals.

2. Determine the sign of f ( x) by picking a “test value” in each of the intervals.
3. Use the Theorem for Increasing and Decreasing Functions to determine whether
the function increases or decreases.
The guidelines above will also work if the interval  a, b  is replaced by an interval of the
forms:   , b  ,  a ,   , or   ,  

Definition: A function is strictly monotonic on an interval if it is either increasing

on the entire interval or decreasing on the entire interval.
 FUN AP CALCULUS BC

Topic: 5.4 Using the First Derivative Test to

3 Determine Relative (Local) Extrema

Learning Objective FUN-4.A: Justify conclusions about the behavior of a function based on the b
behavior of its derivatives.

Vocabulary

Extrema: plural form of extreme, i.e., all maximum and minimum values
Minima: plural of minimum
Maxima: plural of maximum

The First Derivative Test

THEOREM: The First Derivative Test

Let c be a critical number of the function f that is continuous on an open interval I
containing c. If f is differentiable on the interval, except possibly at c, then f (c) can be
classified as follows.
1. If f ( x) changes from negative to positive at c, then f (c) is a relative minimum of f.
2. If f ( x) changes from positive to negative at c, then f (c) is a relative maximum of f.
3. If f ( x) does not change its sign at c, then f (c) is neither a relative minimum nor relative
maximum.
Example 1: Applying the First Derivative Test
1
a. Find the points that are relative extrema of the function f ( x)  x  sin x on the interval
2

10) 0
 0, 2  .

F'(x) =
E -
OSX

E-cosX = 0
minimum at
X =
Relative
cosX
=
z from
f
X
= because changesRelative
to positive . to
negative X =
because
max
at to
changes
from positive
at that point.
negative

Find the points that are relative extrema of the function f ( x)   x 2  4 

2
b. 3
.
 x4  1 X2 + X
2
c. Find the points that are relative extrema of the function f ( x)  2 . =

x
P (x)
2x-2
=

2x
2x4 -
z = 0

2(x4 1) - = 0

The following are the actual graphs of the functions from Example 1.

Example 1a Example 1b Example 1c

 FUN AP CALCULUS BC

Topic: 5.5 Using the Candidate Test to Determine

1 Absolute (Global) Extrema

Learning Objective FUN-4.A: Justify conclusions about the behavior of a function based on the b
behavior of its derivatives.

Finding Absolute Extrema on a Closed Interval

Guidelines for Finding Absolute Extrema on a Closed Interval

To find extrema of a continuous function f on a closed interval  a, b  , use the following steps.

1. Find the critical numbers of f in (a, b).

These two steps are referred
2. Evaluate f at each critical number in (a, b).
to as the Candidates Test
3. Evaluate f at each endpoint of [a, b].
4. The least of these f values is the absolute minimum. The greatest is the absolute maximum.
Note: The actual maximum or minimum value is a y value. Where the maximum or minimum occurs
would be an x value.

Example 1: Finding Absolute Extrema on a Closed Interval

a. Find the absolute extrema of f ( x )  3 x 4  4 x3 on the interval  1, 2  .
12x2 0
F(x) 12x3
=
= -

12x2(X -
1) = 0

X = 0 X = 1
,

Find the extrema of f ( x )  2 x  3 x 3 on the interval  1, 3 .

2
b.

c. Find the extrema of f ( x)  2 sin x  cos 2 x on the interval  0, 2  .

 Graph of f ( x )  3 x 4  4 x3 on 2
Graph of f ( x )  2 x  3 x 3 on the Graph of f ( x)  2 sin x  cos 2 x
the interval  1, 2  . on the interval  0, 2  .
interval  1, 3 .

Example 2: Finding the Minimum/Maximum Velocity and Acceleration

A particle moves along a straight line with s (t )  t 4  4t 3  6t 2  20 for 0  t  3 , find

a.) the minimum and maximum velocity of the particle on the interval 0  t  3 .
" 2
125
S'(t) = 4+ -
12+ +

S" (t) = 12 +
2 -
24+ + 12

12( +
2 -
2+ +
1)
12 (t 0
2
-

1) =

t = 1

t S'(t) minimum
velocity
0 O
maximum
36
I 4 velocity
336
b.) the minimum and maximum acceleration of the particle on the interval 0  t  3 .
24 + 24
g"(+)
-
=

24 + 24 0
- =

+ =
1

ts"(t)
minimum O
0 12 acceleration
I O maximum 42
acceleration
348
 FUN AP CALCULUS BC

Topic: 5.6 Determining Concavity of Functions Over

2 Their Domains

Learning Objective FUN-4.A: Justify conclusions about the behavior of a function based on the
behavior of its derivatives.

scoptalling
Concavity !

Consider the following function:

Note: f ( x ) is concave
1 downward on (  ,1) and
f ( x) 
x 1 concave upward on (1,  )

Definition of Concavity
Let f be differentiable on an open interval I. The graph of f is concave upward on I if f ‘ is increasing on
the interval and concave downward on I if f ‘ is decreasing on the interval.

Test for Concavity

Let f be a function whose second derivative exists on an open interval (a, b) .

1. If f ( x)  0 for all x in (a, b) , then the graph of f is concave upward on (a, b) .

2. If f ( x)  0 for all x in (a, b) , then the graph of f is concave downward on (a, b) .

Definition of a Point of Inflection

A point of inflection (p.o.i.) is an ordered pair where a graph changes concavity.

Points of Inflection Theorem

If (c, f (c )) is a point of inflection of the graph of f, then either f ( x ) = 0 or f is not differentiable at x = c.
Example 1: Determine the open intervals on which each graph is concave upward or downward and state
any points of inflection. Justify your answer.

a. f ( x)  x 4  4 x3

6
b. f ( x) 
x 3
2
 x2  1
c. f ( x) 
x2  4

6 x2  1
Graph of f ( x)  x 4  4 x3 . Graph of f ( x)  . Graph of f ( x)  .
x 3
2
x2  4
 FUN AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD

Topic: 5.7 Using the Second Derivative Test to Day: 63

3 Determine Relative (Local) Extrema

Learning Objective FUN-4.A: Justify conclusions about the behavior of a function based on the
behavior of its derivatives.

The Second Derivative Test

Now, we will investigate another way to find the maximum and minimum values of a function.

The Second Derivative Test

Let f be a function such that f ( c )  0 and the second derivative of f exists on an open interval containing c.

1. If f (c )  0 , then f (c ) is a relative minimum.

2. If f (c )  0 , then f (c ) is a relative maximum.

Example 1: Find the relative extrema for f ( x)  3x5  5x3 using the Second Derivative Test.

Scan the QR
Code above to
watch a video
covering
Example 1

Graph of f ( x)  3x5  5x3 .

Example 2: Given the values below for x, f ( x ), f ( x ) , along with the fact that f ( x ) has only 2 zeros on
the interval ( 3 ,10) and f ( x ) has only 2 zeros on the interval ( 3 ,10), answer each of the following.

x 3 1 1 3 5 7 10
f ( x) 7 1 1 4 3 2 1
f ( x ) 1 0 1 0 2 undefined 3
f ( x ) 2 1 0 2 3 0 5

a. Identify all x-values where f has a relative minimum. Justify using the First Derivative Test.

b. Identify all x-values where f has a relative maximum. Justify using the Second Derivative Test.

c. Identify all x-values where f has a point of inflection. Justify.

d. What is the equation of the tangent to the curve y = f(x) at x = 5?

Scan the QR
Code above to
watch a video
covering
Example 2
FUN AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD

Topics: 5.8 Sketching Graphs of Functions and Their Day: 64

2 Derivatives

Topics: 5.9 Connecting a Function, Its First Derivative, Day: 64

2 and Its Second Derivative

Learning Objective FUN-4.A: Justify conclusions about the behavior of a function based on the
behavior of its derivatives.

You are given a graph of f ( x) . Sketch a possible graph of f ( x) .

a.

1
&

&

f"(X) =
0
2)
Analysis
from (-20
f(x) is increasing ,
down.
is neither
or
up
concave
f(x)
b.
N -

F"(X) - 0
Analysis
(-0 , 0
f(x) is decreasing from

f(x) is increasing from (0, 2)

f(x) is concave up
c.

f"(x)>0 on (-0 , 0) if "(x) < 0 on (0 , 8)

Analysis

f(x) is always decreasing

1-0, 0)
f(x) is concave up From
f(x) is concave down from (0, 8)

d.

Analysis
e.

Analysis

f.

Analysis
g.

Analysis

h.

Analysis
i.

Analysis

j.

Analysis
Sketch a possible f ( x) with the following characteristics.

f ( x)  0 for all x, f ( x)  0 for all x f ( x)  0 for x  1, f ( x)  0 for x  1

a. b.
f (1)  2 f (1)  0, f ( x)  0 for all x, f (1)  1

f ( x)  0 for x  2, f ( x)  0 for x  2 f ( x)  0 for x  1, f ( x)  0 for x  1

c. d.
f ( x)  0 for x  2, f (2)  1 f ( x)  0 for x  1, f ( 1)  2

e. 1
f ( x)  0 for x  3, f ( x)  0 for  3  x  1 f ( x)  0 for x  2, f ( x )  
for x  2
2
f ( x)  0 for x  1, f ( 3)  f (1)  0, f (0)  0 f. f (2) does not exist, f ( x)  0 for x  2,
f ( x)  0 for x  1, f ( x)  0 for x  1 f (2)  0
FUN AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD

2 Topics: 5.10 Introduction to Optimization Problems Day: 65

3 Topics: 5.11 Solving Optimization Problems Day: 65

Learning Objective FUN-4.B: Calculate minimum and maximum values in applied contexts or analysis
of functions.
Learning Objective FUN-4.C: Interpret minimum and maximum values calculated in applied
contexts.
optimization
equations
1. Figure out your
(at leas + 2)
What is Optimization? . create an
2
variable
I
equation with only
.Take the
3 derivative
One of the most common applications of calculus involves the determination of minimum or maximum . Find 4 a critical point

values. Consider how frequently you hear or read terms such as greatest profit, least cost, least time,
greatest voltage, optimum size, least size, greatest strength and greatest distance. Before outlining a
general problem-solving strategy for such problems, let’s look at an example. 10S SA=
Example 1: A manufacturer wants to design an open box having a square base and a surface area of 108
square inches. What dimensions should the box be in order to produce a box with a maximum
volume? cube's SA 6s2 =

SA 4xh + x2 108 1(I(III)I

= =

V =
hxz
-
4xh = not drawn
to scale

xz( -) 27x - V =
27x - h =
l
V
=
=

v' 27 YX2
03
-
=
h =

27 -X2 0
=

X = 16

X
= 6
 Guidelines for Solving Applied Minimum and Maximum Problems
1.) Identify all given quantities and quantities to be determined. If helpful, make a sketch
2.) Write a primary equation for the quantity to be maximized (or minimized).
3.) Reduce the primary equation to one having a single independent variable. This may require the use of a
secondary equation.
4.) Determine a feasible domain for your primary equation.
5.) Determine the desired maximum or (minimum) value by using the techniques discussed in Topics 5.4 & 5.5.
Note: This includes taking a derivative, finding critical numbers and setting up a chart.

Example 2: Which points on the graph of y  4  x 2 are closest to the point (0, 2)?

Example 3: A rectangular page is to contain 24 square inches of print. The margins at the top and bottom
of the page are to be 1 ½ inches, and the margins on the left and right are to be 1 inch. What
should the dimensions of the page be so that the least amount of paper is used?

24
-
> y z=

Xy
=

y 2
=
=
4
A =
(y z)(X
+ + 3)

A =

( + 2)(X + 3)

A =
24 E
+ + 2x + 6

-
Al =

72 2x2
=

x2 36 =

X 1)=

X 6 =
Optimization on a Closed Interval
Example 4: Two posts, one 12 feet high and the other 28 feet high, stand 30 feet apart. They are to be
steadied by two wires, attached to a single stake, running from ground level to the top of each
post. Where should the stake be placed to use the least wire? Use your calculator.

Example 5: Rick wants to make Morty a holiday decoration. Rick has four feet of wire that can be used to
form a square and/or a circle. How much of the wire should Rick use for the square and how
much should he use for the circle in order to create ornament(s) with the maximum
total enclosed area?
Distribute “Optimizing a Soda Can” tns file calculator V = 22
Example 6: Your job is to design a right circular cylinder so that it will hold 22 cubic
inches of a soft drink. (Note: 22 in3 = 12 fluid ounces.)
However, you must conserve on the amount of aluminum used to make the can by keeping
the outer surface area to a minimum. What radius should the can have to make this happen?

Work through this problem using the “Optimizing a Soda Can” activity on your
>

TI-Nspire. #rzh =
22 SA =
2Trh + zir

= SA = + Zir2

ISA)" =
- T

r = 1 519
.

FUN AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD

1 Topics: 5.12 Exploring Behaviors of Implicit Relations Day: 67

3
Learning Objective FUN-4.D: Determine critical points of implicit relations.

Learning Objective FUN-4.E Justify conclusions about the behavior of an implicitly defined function
based on evidence from its derivatives.
of an implicitly defined function rom its deriva
Increasing/Decreasing Behavior of an Implicit Relation
Consider the following relation which is an ellipse
with center (0,0).
 x2 y2 
4 x  9 y  36 or  
2 2
 1
 9 4 
a. Use implicit differentiation to show that
dy 4x 4x2 + 9y2 36
 . =

dx 9y
8x + 18y 0 =

18 y = -8x

=
 dy dy
Note that  0 when x  0 and that is undefined when y  0 . Those places correspond to the
dx dx
vertices for the major and minor axes in the ellipse. The four vertices are the critical points of the implicit
relation. The ellipse has horizontal tangent lines at (0, 2) and (0, 2) . The ellipse has vertical tangent lines
at (3, 0) and (3, 0) .

In Quadrant I, on the intervals where 0  x  3 and

dy
0 y  2,  0 . Also in Quadrant III, on the
dx
dy
intervals where 3  x  0 and 2  y  0 ,  0.
dx
This means the relation decreases on those
combined intervals.

In Quadrant II, on the intervals where 3  x  0

dy
and 0  y  2 ,  0 . Also in Quadrant IV, on the
dx
dy
intervals where 0  x  3 and 2  y  0 ,  0.
dx
This means the relation increases on those combined
intervals.

Concavity of an Implicit Relation

Consider the following relation:
3( x  y )  4  3cos y
a. Use implicit differentiation to show that
dy

1
. 3)1 -) =
3siny
dx 1  sin y -bin
3-3 =

- 33 siny

!
 dy dy 
Notice that  0 and that is undefined when sin y  1  y   2 n (for any integer, n).
dx dx 2

The graph has vertical tangents whenever y   2 n . The derivative is positive for all other values of .
2
y, therefore, the relation always increases.

  d2y
For  y,  0, and the graph of the
2 2 dx 2
relation is concave up.

 3 d 2 y
For  y ,  0, and the graph of the
2 2 dx 2
relation is concave down.

Example 1:
dy
Let f ( x) be a function such that  3 x  2 y  8 . If f ( x) contains the point (2, 1) , which of the
dx
critical
following best describes the point (2, 1) on the graph of y  f ( x) ?
point

(A) a relative minimum (B) a relative maximum (C) a point of inflection (D) none of these

-3- = 6 + -8

dry =
3-0 =
3
Example 2:
dy
The points (1, 1) and (1, 5) are on the graph of a relation whose derivative is  x 2  y . Which of the
dx
following must be true?
1-1 0 critical pointa

=
=

(A) 1, 5  is a local maximum of the relation

(B) 1, 5  is a point of inflection of the relation
(C)  1, 1 is a local maximum of the relation &
(D)  1, 1 is a local minimum of the relation
= 2x(
= - 2

,)
(E)  1, 1 is a point of inflection of the relation

The majority of these notes come compliments of Vicki Carter, West Florence HS, Florence, SC

Example 3: Concavity of an Implicit Relation

dy 3
Consider a curve whose first derivative is defined as  .
dx 3  cos y
Determine the concavity of the curve at points for which 0  y   . Give a reason for your answer.