f(x) is concave up on an interval if f"(x) > 0
In this case f"(x)= 2
So x^2-3 is concave up for all vales of x, including interval ( -1, 1 )
True/false:
x^2-3 is concave up on the interval (-1,1)
The second derivative of x^2-3 is just 2. How do I determine concavity of a function when I can't set it equal to 0? And then how do I answer this question when it's asking for a specific interval?
2 answers
you only set f"=0 to find points of inflection. A parabola has no such points.
Don't forget your general knowledge of functions in the search for a calculus solution.
Don't forget your general knowledge of functions in the search for a calculus solution.