Do all the peaks and valleys of f have f'=0

  • B
  • Thread starter AMan24
  • Start date
  • Tags
    graph
In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of peaks and valleys in a function, where the derivative is equal to zero. It is noted that if a function has two roots, there is a point between them where the derivative is equal to zero. However, this rule only applies for continuous functions. Non-continuous functions or derivatives may have different outcomes.
  • #1
AMan24
58
2
ebQ0uOS.png


I learned in the earlier chapters that peaks and valleys of a fxn have points where f'=0 (i marked them with red x). A few chapters later it said if a fxn has 2 roots, then f'=0 (still the 1st graph).

So does that mean if the graph of a fxn is like the 2nd graph, the peaks and valleys are not f'=0? I drew where i would assume f'=0 with blue circles
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If there is a knotch then f'(x) is not equal to zero...
 
  • #3
All peaks and all valleys have f'(x)=0 but there can be a point where f'(x)=0 but it's not peak or valley. For example f(x)=x^3 at x=0.

The correct wording is that if a function has a double root, not two roots, then f'(x)=0 at that point. Happens for example with f(x)=x^2 at x=0.
 
  • #4
SlowThinker said:
All peaks and all valleys have f'(x)=0 but there can be a point where f'(x)=0 but it's not peak or valley. For example f(x)=x^3 at x=0.

The correct wording is that if a function has a double root, not two roots, then f'(x)=0 at that point. Happens for example with f(x)=x^2 at x=0.
Take the case y=-|x| at x=0
 
  • #5
Niladri Dan said:
Take the case y=-|x| at x=0
Yes the rules only apply if the function has a continuous derivative.
With non-continuous functions or derivatives, pretty much anything can happen.
 
  • Like
Likes Niladri Dan
  • #6
AMan24 said:
View attachment 196209

A few chapters later it said if a fxn has 2 roots, then f'=0 (still the 1st graph).

What it should say, or maybe what you meant to say, was that if a function has two roots, say ##x_1## and ##x_2##, then there is a point ##c## between ##x_1## and ##x_2## such that ##f'(c) = 0##
 

Related to Do all the peaks and valleys of f have f'=0

1. What is the meaning of f'=0 in terms of peaks and valleys?

When f'=0, it means that the slope of the function f is equal to 0 at that point. In terms of peaks and valleys, this means that the function is either at a maximum or minimum point, where the slope is flat and changes from positive to negative or vice versa.

2. Does f'=0 always indicate a peak or valley?

No, f'=0 only indicates a peak or valley if the function is differentiable at that point. If the function is not differentiable, f'=0 could also indicate a point of inflection where the slope is 0 but the function is not at a peak or valley.

3. Can a function have multiple points where f'=0?

Yes, a function can have multiple points where f'=0. This can happen when the function has multiple peaks and valleys or when the function has a horizontal tangent line at a point.

4. How does f'=0 relate to the concavity of a function?

When f'=0, it indicates a possible point of inflection where the concavity of the function changes. If the function is concave up before the point where f'=0, it will be concave down after the point. Similarly, if the function is concave down before the point, it will be concave up after the point.

5. Can a function have a peak or valley without f'=0?

Yes, a function can have a peak or valley without f'=0. This can happen when the function is not differentiable at that point, or when the function has a vertical tangent line at that point.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
1
Views
888
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
7K
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
7K
Back
Top