Mercy Grace Flores

Objectives:
At the end of this lecture, the learners are expected to

1. Determine intervals on which a function is increasing or decreasing.

2. Determine critical numbers of a given function
3. Determine relative extrema of a given function
4. Determine the concavity of the graph of a function
5. Determine points of inflection

Mercy Grace Flores

 INCREASING AND DECREASING
FUNCTIONS AND THE FIRST DERIVATIVE
TEST

Mercy Grace Flores

A function 𝑓 defined on an interval is increasing on that interval if
and only if
𝑓 𝑥1 < 𝑓(𝑥2 ) whenever 𝑥1 < 𝑥2
where 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 are any numbers in the interval

A function 𝑓 defined on an interval is decreasing on that interval if

and only if
𝑓 𝑥1 > 𝑓(𝑥2 ) whenever 𝑥1 < 𝑥2
where 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 are any numbers in the interval

If a function is either increasing or

decreasing on an interval, then it is
said to be monotonic on the interval.

Mercy Grace Flores

Theorem
Let the function 𝑓 be continuous on the closed interval [𝑎, 𝑏] and differentiable on 𝑎, 𝑏 :

(i). If 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 > 0 for all 𝑥 ∈ 𝑎, 𝑏 , then 𝑓 is increasing on 𝑎, 𝑏 .

(ii). If 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 < 0 for all 𝑥 ∈ 𝑎, 𝑏 , then 𝑓 is decreasing on 𝑎, 𝑏 .

Example: Verify whether the given function is increasing or decreasing on a given interval.

1. 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 − 4 on −2,7
2. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 5 on −3,5
3. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 1 on 0,5

Mercy Grace Flores

Example: Verify whether the given function is increasing or
decreasing on a given interval.
Solution:
1. 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒 on −𝟐, 𝟕
Getting the derivative of the function, we get
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3.
Since 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3 > 0 for all x in the domain of 𝑓, then by the
previous theorem, 𝑓 is increasing anywhere on the domain of 𝑓.
Therefore, 𝒇 is increasing on −𝟐, 𝟕 .

2. 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟖𝒙 + 𝟓 on −𝟑, 𝟓
Taking the derivative of f, we have
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 8.
If 𝑓 ′ > 0 for all x on −3,5 , then f is increasing and if 𝑓 ′ < 0
for all x on −3,5 , then f is decreasing. But if there exist 𝑥1 and
𝑥2 on −3,5 such that 𝑓′ 𝑥1 > 0 and 𝑓 ′ 𝑥2 < 0, then f is
neither increasing nor decreasing on −3,5 .

Now, consider 𝑥 = −2.5. 𝑓 −2.5 = 4 −2.5 + 8 = −2 < 0.

Also, let 𝑥 = 0, then 𝑓 2 = 4 2 + 8 = 16 > 0.

Therefore, f is neither increasing nor decreasing on −3,5 .

Mercy Grace Flores

3. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 1 on 0,5

Getting the derivative, we obtain

𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 2𝑥 2 .

And Since 2𝑥 2 > 0 for all x in 0,5 , then 𝑓 is increasing on 0,5 .

Mercy Grace Flores

The function 𝑓 has a relative maximum value at the number 𝑐 if there
exists an open interval containing c, on which 𝑓 is defined, such that
𝑓 𝑐 ≥𝑓 𝑥
for all 𝑥 in this interval.

The function 𝑓 has a relative minimum value at the number 𝑐 if there exists
an open interval containing c, on which 𝑓 is defined, such that
𝑓 𝑐 ≤𝑓 𝑥
for all 𝑥 in this interval.

If 𝑓 has a either relative maximum of relative minimum at a number c,

then 𝑓 has a relative extremum at c.

Mercy Grace Flores

Theorem
If 𝑓(𝑥) exists for all values of x in the open interval 𝑎, 𝑏 , and if 𝑓 has relative extremum at c, where
𝑎 < 𝑐 < 𝑏, and if 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 exists then 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 = 0.

Critical Number
If c is a number in the domain of a function 𝑓, and if either 𝑓′ 𝑐 = 0 or 𝑓′ 𝑐 does not exists,
then c is a critical number of f.

Example: Find the critical number of the following if it exists.

1. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 1
2. 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 𝑥 2 − 3 3
3. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 5
4. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 7

Mercy Grace Flores

Example: Find the critical number of the following if it 3. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 5
exists. 1
= 𝑥2
− 4𝑥 − 5 2

′
1 2 −
1
Solution: 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 4𝑥 − 5 2 2𝑥 − 4
2
2𝑥−4
= 1.
1. 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟏. 2 𝑥 2 −4𝑥−5 2
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 5
Equating the result to zero, Critical numbers are values of x on which 𝑓’ = 0 of 𝑓′ is
2𝑥 − 5 = 0 undefined. From the above result, 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 0 if 2𝑥 − 4 =
5 0. 𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑥 = 2. But 𝑥 = 2 is not in the domain of 𝑓 since
Thus, 𝑥 = 2 is a critical number of f.
𝑓 2 = −9, hence imaginary.
Now, 𝑓′ is undefined if its denominator is zero. That is,
2. 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟑 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑
𝟑 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 5 = 0
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 9 𝑥 2 − 3 2 2𝑥 . 𝑥 + 1 𝑥 − 5 = 0.
Equating to zero, we get So, 𝑥 = −1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = 5. And these numbers are also in the
9 𝑥 2 − 3 2 2𝑥 = 0 domain of f. Therefore, 𝑥 = −1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = 5 are critical
The equation holds if 𝑥 2 − 3 = 0 𝑜𝑟 2𝑥 = 0. numbers of f.
That i.e., 𝑥 = 3, 𝑥 = − 3, 𝑥 = 0.
4. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 7
Hence, 𝑥 = 3, 𝑥 = − 3, 𝑥 = 0 are critical numbers
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 2
of f.
Since 𝑓′ is constant, then f has no critical number.

Mercy Grace Flores

Theorem: The First Derivative Test for Relative Extrema

Let the function 𝑓 be continuous at all points of the open interval 𝑎, 𝑏 containing the number c, suppose
that 𝑓′ exists at all points of 𝑎, 𝑏 except possibly at c.

1. If 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 > 0 for all values of x in some open interval having c as its right endpoint, and if 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 < 0 for all
values of x in some open interval having c as its left endpoint, then f has relative maximum at 𝑥 = 𝑐.

2. If 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 < 0 for all values of x in some open interval having c as its right endpoint, and if 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 > 0 for all
values of x in some open interval having c as its left endpoint, then f has relative minimum at 𝑥 = 𝑐.

To determine analytically the relative extrema of f:

1. Compute 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 .
2. Determine the critical number of f
3. Apply the first derivative test.

Mercy Grace Flores

 Example: Find the relative extrema of the given function and determine the intervals on which f is increasing and on
which f is decreasing.
Explanation:
1. 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 − 1 3
4 1 take any 𝑥 < 2 , say 𝑥 = 0 (you can choose any number
2. 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 + 12𝑥 − 4
3 3
3
3. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 + 5 as long as it is less than 2). Substitute 𝑥 = 0 to 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 .
𝑓 ′ 0 = 6 0 − 9 = −9.
Solution: Since the result is negative, we put a negative sign in the
1. 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 − 1 conclusion row on the second column.
First, let us take the derivative of f, we have
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 6𝑥 − 9 Next, we take 𝑥 = 3 (you can choose any number as long
3
Then we determine the critical numbers of f, as it is greater than 2). Substitute 𝑥 = 3 to 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 .
6𝑥 − 9 = 0 𝑓 ′ 3 = 6 3 − 9 = 9.
9
𝑥=6 Since the result is positive, we put a positive sign in the conclusion
= 2.
3 row on the fourth column.
𝟑 𝟑 𝟑
𝒙< 𝒙= 𝒙> Lastly, Apply the First Derivative Test for Relative Extrema.
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐 3 31
′ Therefore, f has relative minimum value 𝑓 = . Moreover, f is
𝑓 𝑥 = 6𝑥 − 9 − 0 + 2 4
3 3
Conclusion f is decreasing f has rel. min. f is increasing decreasing on −∞, 2 and f is increasing on , +∞ .
2

Mercy Grace Flores

 4 1
2. 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 + 12𝑥 − 4
3 3

Therefore,
Find all the critical values of f 𝑓 has relative maximum value 𝑓 −1 = 5 and
1 a relative minimum value 𝑓 0 = −4.
′
𝑓 𝑥 = 4𝑥 3 + 4𝑥
1
−
2 Moreover, 𝑓 is increasing on −∞, −1 ∪ 0, +∞ and it
Next, 4𝑥 + 4𝑥 3 3 =0 is decreasing on −1,0 .
2
−
4𝑥 3 𝑥+1 =0
The critical numbers of f are 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = −1.

𝒙 < −𝟏 𝒙 = −𝟏 -𝟏 < 𝒙 < 𝟎 𝒙=𝟎 𝒙>𝟎

2
− −4 − 0 +
4𝑥 −3
𝑥+1 − 0 + 1 +
𝑓′ 𝑥 + 0 − 0 +
Conclusion Increasing f has rel max Decreasing f has rel min increasing

Mercy Grace Flores

 3. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 + 5

Find all the critical values of f Therefore,

𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 12 𝑓 has relative maximum value
Then 3𝑥 2 − 12 = 0 𝑓 −2 = 21 and a relative minimum value
3 𝑥−2 𝑥+2 =0 𝑓 4 = −11.

Thus, the critical numbers of f are 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 4. Moreover, 𝑓 is increasing on −∞, −2 ∪

2, +∞ and it is decreasing on −2,2 .

𝒙 < −𝟐 𝒙 = −𝟐 −𝟐 < 𝒙 < 𝟐 𝒙=𝟐 𝒙>𝟐

𝑥+2 − 0 + 12 +

𝑥−2 − −4 − 0 +

𝑓′ 𝑥 + 0 − 0 +
Conclusion Increasing f has rel max Decreasing f has rel min increasing

Mercy Grace Flores

CONCAVITY AND POINTS OF INFLECTION

Mercy Grace Flores

The graph of a function f is said to be concave upward at the point 𝑐, 𝑓 𝑐 if 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 exists and if there is an
open interval I containing c such that for all values 𝑥 ≠ 𝑐 in I the point 𝑥, 𝑓 𝑥 on then graph is above the
tangent line to the graph at 𝑐, 𝑓 𝑐 .

The graph of a function f is said to be concave downward at the point 𝑐, 𝑓 𝑐 if 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 exists and if there is an
open interval I containing c such that for all values 𝑥 ≠ 𝑐 in I the point 𝑥, 𝑓 𝑥 on then graph is below the
tangent line to the graph at 𝑐, 𝑓 𝑐 .

Mercy Grace Flores

Theorem
Let 𝑓 be a function that is differentiable on some open interval containing c. Then

1. If 𝑓 ′′ 𝑐 > 0, the graph of 𝑓 is concave upward at 𝑐, 𝑓 𝑐 .

2. If 𝑓 ′′ 𝑐 < 0, the graph of 𝑓 is concave downward at 𝑐, 𝑓 𝑐 .

Example: Determine whether the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2 − 7 is concave upward or downward at

𝑥 = −3 and 𝑥 = 5.

Solution: Finding the 2nd derivative of f,

𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 10𝑥
𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 6𝑥 − 10
Now, 𝑓 −3 = 6 −3 − 10 = −28. Thus, f is concave downward at 𝑥 = −3.
𝑓 5 = 6 5 − 10 = 20. Hence, f is concave upward at 𝑥 = 5.

Mercy Grace Flores

Point of Inflection
The point 𝑐, 𝑓 𝑐 is a point of inflection of the graph of the function f if the graph has a tangent
line there, and if there exists an open interval I containing c such that if x is in I, then either

1. 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 < 0 if 𝑥 < 𝑐, and 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 > 0 if 𝑥 > 𝑐; or

2. 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 > 0 if 𝑥 < 𝑐, and 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 < 0 if 𝑥 > 𝑐; or

Thus, a function has a point of inflection if there is a change in its concavity.

Find the point/s of inflection of the following:

1
1. 𝑓 𝑥 =𝑥 3

2. 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 − 5
3. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 1
4. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 1

Mercy Grace Flores

 1
1. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 3. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 1
Getting the 2nd derivative of 𝑓, Getting the 2nd derivative of 𝑓,
′
1 −2 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 3
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 2.
3
′′ 2 −5
𝑓 𝑥 = −9𝑥 3 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 2 > 0. Thus, there is no changes in the concavity of
f. Therefore, f has no point of inflection.
2 −5
Equating to 0. we have = 0 and the equation holds if
−9𝑥 3
𝑥 = 0. 4. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 1
Now, Getting the 2nd derivative of 𝑓,
𝒙<𝟎 𝒙=𝟎 𝒙>𝟎 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥
2 −5 + undefined − 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 6𝑥 − 12.
− 𝑥 3
9 Finding the roots of 𝑓 ′′ , 6𝑥 − 12 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 = 2.
Conclusion Upward Point of Downward
inflection 𝒙<𝟐 𝒙=𝟐 𝒙>𝟐
Therefore, the graph of f is concave upward on −∞, 0 and 6𝑥 − 12 − 0 +
downward on 0, +∞ and 0,0 is a point of inflection of f. conclusion downward Point. of upward
inflection
2. 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 − 5
Getting the 2nd derivative of 𝑓, Therefore, the graph of f is concave downward on −∞, 2 and
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 3 upward on 2, +∞ and 2, −15 is a point of inflection of f.
𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 0.
Since, 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 0, then f has no point of inflection.
Mercy Grace Flores
 4
Example: Let 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 + 3 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 − 2. Determine where 𝑓 is increasing, 𝑓 is decreasing, relative extrema of
𝑓. Also, determine where the graph of 𝑓 is concave upward, the graph of 𝑓 is concave downward, and find points
of inflection of 𝑓. Then sketch the graph of f.
Solution:
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 4𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥
= 4𝑥 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 2
= 4𝑥 𝑥 + 2 𝑥 − 1
The roots of 𝑓′ are −2, 0, and 1.

𝒙 < −𝟐 𝒙 = −𝟐 −𝟐 < 𝒙 < 𝟎 𝒙=𝟎 𝟎<𝒙<𝟏 𝒙=𝟏 𝒙>𝟏

4𝑥 − −8 − 0 + 4 +
𝑥+2 − 0 + 2 + 3 +
𝑥−1 − −3 − −1 − 0 +
𝑓′ 𝑥 − 0 + 0 − 0 +
Conclusion decreasing rel. min. Increasing rel. max decreasing rel. min. increasing

Therefore, f is increasing on −2,0 ∪ 1, +∞ and f is decreasing on −∞, −2 ∪ 0,1 . Also, f has rel. max value
26 1
𝑓 0 = −2 and rel. minimum values 𝑓 −2 = − 3 and 𝑓 1 = 3 .

Mercy Grace Flores

For concavity, we get the 2nd derivative of 𝑓 Therefore, 𝑓 has point of inflection
−𝟐+ 𝟓𝟐 −𝟐+ 𝟓𝟐
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 4𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 at , −6.697 𝒂𝒏𝒅 , 𝟎. 𝟒𝟐𝟓 . The
𝟔 𝟔
𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 12𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 8
−𝟐− 𝟓𝟐
= 4 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 4 graph of f is concave upward on −∞, 𝟔 and
Since 𝑓′′ is quadratic, then we can use quadratic formula to concave downwar0d on
find the roots of 𝑓 ′′ .
−𝟐 − 𝟓𝟐 −𝟐 + 𝟓𝟐 −𝟐 + 𝟓𝟐
−𝑏± 𝑏2 −4𝑎𝑐
, ∪ , +∞ .
𝑥= 𝟔 𝟔 𝟔
2𝑎

−2± 2 2 −4 3 −4
= 2 3

−2± 52
= 6
Thus, its roots are 𝑥 ≈ 0.87 and 𝑥 ≈ −1.54

−𝟐 − 𝟓𝟐 −𝟐 − 𝟓𝟐 −𝟐 − 𝟓𝟐 −𝟐 + 𝟓𝟐 −𝟐 + 𝟓𝟐 −𝟐 + 𝟓𝟐
𝒙< 𝒙= <𝒙< 𝒙= 𝒙>
𝟔 𝟔 𝟔 𝟔 𝟔 𝟔
𝑓′ 𝑥 + 0 − 0 +
Conclusion Upward Pt of inflection Downward Point of inflection Downward

Mercy Grace Flores

We can now sketch the graph. First, we plot the location of relative extrema.

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Next, the points of inflection

Mercy Grace Flores

Then we solve for 𝑓 𝑥 when 𝑥 = −3 and 𝑥 = 2. This is to extend the tail of the graph to the left and to right,
respectively. 𝑓 −3 = 11 and 𝑓 2 = 12.67. Plot these points and finally, sketch the graph of f.

Mercy Grace Flores

Mercy Grace Flores