• Congratulations to the Class of 2024 on your results!
    Let us know how you went here
    Got a question about your uni preferences? Ask us here

point of inflexion (1 Viewer)

wandering17

Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2014
Messages
81
Gender
Female
HSC
2015
When doing the box test, when do you use the first derivative to sub in or the 2nd derivative?

Cause some q's go, that since the concavity didn't change there isn't a point of inflexion, but if there is two positive changes stays the same then isn't it a point of inflexion??

im confused :#
 

Axio

=o
Joined
Mar 20, 2014
Messages
484
Gender
Male
HSC
2015
When doing the box test, when do you use the first derivative to sub in or the 2nd derivative?

Cause some q's go, that since the concavity didn't change there isn't a point of inflexion, but if there is two positive changes stays the same then isn't it a point of inflexion??

im confused :#
I thought that 'the box method' and 'the second derivative method' were two different methods of determining the nature of stationary points. 'The box method' uses the first derivative and then looks at the slope (+, -, 0).
 

Lithone

Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2014
Messages
52
Location
somewhere doing maths
Gender
Female
HSC
2015
If you're referring to the box test to determine if a point satisfying f''(x) = 0 is an inflexion point, you need opposite signs on either sides of the point by subbing into 2nd derivative

This shows a change in concavity which is basically the point in making the table

So if it shows +, 0, + (which is what i assume you mean by 2 positive changes) - it's not an inflexion point
 

dan964

what
Joined
Jun 3, 2014
Messages
3,480
Location
South of here
Gender
Male
HSC
2014
Uni Grad
2019
you can test f'(x) or f'''(x)
you can do what I do which is to draw lines
\ for negative / for positive and - for 0. then you can tell whether it is turning point or not.
 

braintic

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
2,137
Gender
Undisclosed
HSC
N/A
you can test f'(x) or f'''(x)
you can do what I do which is to draw lines
\ for negative / for positive and - for 0. then you can tell whether it is turning point or not.
I have been assured that HSC markers do not recognise a third derivative test.
 
Last edited:

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 1)

Top