Calculating Maxima and Minima

This page explains the process of finding local maxima and minima using derivatives. The method involves calculating first and second derivatives to determine critical points.

Example: For function f(x) = x³ - 3x², finding extrema through:

1. First derivative: f'(x) = 3x² - 6x
2. Setting f'(x) = 0 and solving
3. Calculating y-coordinates
4. Determining nature of extrema

Definition: Extrema occur at points where the first derivative equals zero and the second derivative determines whether it's a maximum or minimum

Highlight: The second derivative test is crucial for distinguishing between maxima and minima

Inflection Points and Special Cases

This page covers the calculation of inflection points and special cases in function analysis.

Definition: An inflection point occurs where the second derivative equals zero and the function changes concavity

Example: Calculating y-coordinates for inflection points and determining left/right behavior using the third derivative

Highlight: Special attention is given to cases where f''(x) = 0 might indicate a vertex point rather than an inflection point

Vocabulary: Right-Left (R-L) and Left-Right (L-R) behavior describes the function's concavity change at inflection points