Differential Calculus
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Differential Calculus

Chapter 3 · Graphs & Applications

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Stationary points
f(x)=0f'(x) = 0
Maxima, minima, inflexions all have zero gradient.
Second derivative test
f(x)>0f''(x) > 0 ⇒ minimum (concave up); f(x)<0f''(x) < 0 ⇒ maximum (concave down).
Increasing / decreasing
f(x)>0f'(x) > 0 rising; f(x)<0f'(x) < 0 falling.
Point of inflexion
f(x)=0f''(x) = 0
Concavity changes sign.
Optimisation method
1) write quantity, 2) reduce to one variable via a constraint, 3) set f=0f'=0, 4) classify with ff''.
Stationary points
f(x)=0f'(x)=0
2nd derivative: f''>0 min, f''<0 max, =0 test further (inflexion?).
Increasing / concave
f'>0 increasing; f''>0 concave up. Point of inflexion where concavity changes.
Optimisation
Write the quantity in ONE variable, differentiate, set =0, justify max/min, check endpoints.
Common trap
f''(x)=0 does NOT guarantee inflexion — concavity must actually change sign.