Second derivative test for x^3

In summary, the conversation discusses the second derivative test for x³ at x=0 and whether it fails or not. The first derivative is 3x² and the second derivative is 6x. At x=0, the first and second derivatives are both zero. It is argued that this should be a point of local maxima, but it is not. It is concluded that the second derivative test fails for x³ at x=0. However, it is also mentioned that this does not mean the type of critical point cannot be determined through other methods, and it is suggested that it could potentially be an inflection point.
  • #1
vikcool812
13
0
Does the second derivative test fail for x3 at x=0:
f'(x)=3x2 f''(x)=6x ,

for x=0,
f'(0)=0 & f''(0)=+ve ,
so it should be a point of local maxima , but it is not!
 
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  • #2
f''(0) is most certainly NOT positive!
 
  • #3
vikcool812 said:
Does the second derivative test fail for x3 at x=0:
f'(x)=3x2 f''(x)=6x ,

for x=0,
f'(0)=0 & f''(0)=+ve ,
so it should be a point of local maxima , but it is not!

Since f''(0) = 0 (not +ve, whatever that means), yes, the second derivative test fails. But that doesn't mean you can't determine the type of critical point by other means.
 
  • #4
^i
It didn't really fail, it just hints at the possibility of an inflection point.
 
  • #5
l'Hôpital said:
^i
It didn't really fail, it just hints at the possibility of an inflection point.

No, it doesn't hint at that any more than it hints at a max or min. You could have max, min, or inflection point when the first two derivatives are zero.

And it does fail as a test distinguishing max/min.
 

Related to Second derivative test for x^3

1. What is the second derivative test for x^3?

The second derivative test for x^3 is a method used to determine the concavity and inflection points of a function. It involves taking the second derivative of the function and analyzing its sign at critical points.

2. How is the second derivative test used to find local extrema in x^3?

The second derivative test can be used to determine whether a critical point is a local minimum or maximum. If the second derivative is positive at a critical point, it is a local minimum. If the second derivative is negative, it is a local maximum.

3. What is the significance of the second derivative being equal to zero in the second derivative test for x^3?

If the second derivative is equal to zero at a critical point, further analysis is needed to determine whether the point is a local minimum, maximum, or inflection point. This can be done by examining the sign of the second derivative on either side of the critical point.

4. Can the second derivative test be used to find absolute extrema in x^3?

No, the second derivative test can only be used to find local extrema. To find absolute extrema, the first derivative test or another method must be used.

5. What is the relationship between the second derivative test and the first derivative test for x^3?

The second derivative test is based on the first derivative test. It uses the information from the first derivative to determine the concavity and inflection points of a function. The first derivative test can also be used to find local extrema, but it may not always be as efficient as the second derivative test in certain cases.

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