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AP Calculus - Unit topics - Unit 4

This document outlines key topics in AP Calculus Unit 4, focusing on the derivative's role in graphing and applications. It covers concepts such as determining function behavior using first and second derivatives, finding critical points, and applying the Extreme Value Theorem. Additionally, it includes important vocabulary and formulas related to optimization and motion problems.

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16 views

AP Calculus - Unit topics - Unit 4

This document outlines key topics in AP Calculus Unit 4, focusing on the derivative's role in graphing and applications. It covers concepts such as determining function behavior using first and second derivatives, finding critical points, and applying the Extreme Value Theorem. Additionally, it includes important vocabulary and formulas related to optimization and motion problems.

Uploaded by

2pandamarine2
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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AP Calculus – Unit 4: The Derivative in Graphing and Applications

Summary of Key Topics


(representative homework problems listed in red)

1. Use the first derivative to determine where a function increases, decreases, or is


constant. [Pg. 242 #19]

2. Use the second derivative to determine where a function is concave up or


concave down. [Pg. 242 #19]

3. Find the critical points of a function using the derivative. [Pg. 252 #12]

4. Understand the difference between critical points, stationary points, and points of
non-differentiability. [Pg. 252 #12]

5. Use the second derivative to find any points of inflection. [Pg. 242 #19]

6. Use the first derivative test to determine if a critical point is a relative maximum
or minimum. [Pg. 253 #37]

7. Use the second derivative test to determine if a critical point is a relative


maximum or minimum. [Pg. 253 #35]

8. Sketch the graphs of various functions (polynomials, rationals, radical, and


miscellaneous others) utilizing PreCalculus knowledge to find characteristics such
as intercepts and Calculus knowledge to determine characteristics such as
increase/decrease, concavity, locations of relative extrema, points of inflection,
cusps, and vertical asymptotes. [Pg. 253 #57, Pg. 264 #6]

9. Determine the absolute maximum and minimum values of a function on a


particular interval (Extreme Value Theorem). [Pg. 273 #32]

10. Applied Max/Min problems [Pg. 284 #11]

11. Rectilinear motion problems (application of derivatives to position, velocity, and


acceleration). [Pg. 295 #18, 28]

12. Approximate the x-intercepts of a graph (or the zeros of a function) using
Newton’s Method. [Pg. 300 #5]

13. Know the conditions under which Rolle’s Theorem is valid and use it to find the
value(s) confirmed by the theorem. [Pg. 308 #2]

14. Know the conditions under which the Mean-Value Theorem is valid and use it to
find the value(s) confirmed by the theorem. [Pg. 308 #7]
Important Vocabulary/Formulas/Equations/Notations

Increase/Decrease

Concavity – Concave Up/Concave Down

Critical Point

Stationary Point

Point of non-differentiability

First Derivative Test

Second Derivative Test

Relative (or Local) Extrema

Absolute Extrema

Maximum/Minimum

Point of Inflection

Optimization

Rectilinear Motion

Position/Velocity/Acceleration

Newton’s Method

Rolle’s Theorem

Mean Value Theorem

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