Exercise · ZW-LOCAL-MAXIMA-AND-MINIMA-009 · ★☆☆ Basic

Which test classifies a critical point by the sign of \(f''\)?

Choose one option.

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  • A. The second derivative test

Explanation

The second derivative test evaluates \(f''(c)\) at a critical point: a negative value gives a local maximum, and a positive value a local minimum.

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Review the concept: Local maxima and minima

A local maximum of \(f\) at \(c\) is a value \(f(c)\) greater than or equal to the values of \(f\) on some neighborhood of \(c\); a local minimum, less than or equal.

\[f'(c)=0,\ f''(c)>0\ \Rightarrow\ \text{local minimum}\]

More practice problems: local maxima and minima

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