Review for MTH 231 test 2

This test covers lessons 14-32

Taking derivatives

In lessons 19 (trigonometric functions), 20 and 21 (chain rule), and 23 (exponential and log functions) we round out our rules for derivatives. There will be several questions on this material.

In lesson 22 (implicit derivatives) we see that we can find tangent lines to graphs given by equations, not just functions. This technique – assuming a variable depends on another in a functional manner, even if not explicitly so – is used in solving the word problems of section 3.10 related rates.

In lesson 18, a discussion of higher order derivatives is held. This will be important in lessons 31 and 32, where we learn about the relationship between concavity and the second derivative.

Applications of the derivative

The derivative is interpreted in many ways:

Some sample problems

        +    0    +   0    -     0   +
f'(x) ------ 2 ------ 4 -------- 6 ------

What are the critical points of $f(x)$? Which are local maxima? Which are local minima? Which are neither?

From this graph, characterize the critical points as either: local maxima, local minima, or neither using the first derivative test.

What are the critical points of $f(x)$? Which critical points are relative maxima of $f(x)$? On what intervals do you know $f(x)$ is increasing? On what intervals if $f(x)$ concave up?

True or False