Chapter 7: Problem 134
Use your graphing utility. Graph \(f(x)=\tan ^{-1} x\) together with its first two derivatives. Comment on the behavior of \(f\) and the shape of its graph in relation to the signs and values of \(f^{\prime}\) and \(f^{\prime \prime}\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( f(x) = \tan^{-1}(x) \) increases with decreasing slope; \( f'(x) > 0 \) and \( f''(x) \) indicates concavity changes at \( x = 0 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Function
The function given is the inverse tangent function \( f(x) = \tan^{-1}(x) \). The inverse tangent function, also known as the arctan function, outputs angles for given input values, and its range is \((-\pi/2, \pi/2)\).
02
Compute the First Derivative
The first derivative of the function \( f(x) = \tan^{-1}(x) \) is \( f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx}\tan^{-1}(x) = \frac{1}{1+x^2} \). This derivative gives us the slope of the tangent line to the function at any given point.
03
Compute the Second Derivative
The second derivative involves differentiating \( f'(x) = \frac{1}{1+x^2} \). Using the chain rule, we find \( f''(x) = \frac{-2x}{(1+x^2)^2} \). This helps us understand the concavity of the function.
04
Graph the Functions
Use a graphing utility to plot \( f(x) = \tan^{-1}(x) \), \( f'(x) = \frac{1}{1+x^2} \), and \( f''(x) = \frac{-2x}{(1+x^2)^2} \). Observe how each graph relates to the original function. Note that \( f'(x) \) is always positive but decreases as \( x \) moves away from zero, indicating \( f(x) \) is increasing and flattening out. The second derivative \( f''(x) \) indicates \( f(x) \) is concave downward when \( x > 0 \) and concave upward when \( x < 0 \).
05
Analyze the Behavior
The function \( f(x) = \tan^{-1}(x) \) increases towards its horizontal asymptotes at \( y = \pi/2 \) and \( y = -\pi/2 \). \( f'(x) \) indicates the rate of increase slows as \( x \) moves away from zero. \( f''(x) \) changes sign at \( x = 0 \), confirming the concavity behavior observed from the graph.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Arctan Function
The arctan function, denoted as \(f(x) = \tan^{-1}(x)\), plays a crucial role in trigonometry and calculus. This function is the inverse of the tangent function and is used to determine angles within the range \((-\pi/2, \pi/2)\). When you input a value into \(\tan^{-1}(x)\), it gives the angle whose tangent is \(x\).
- For example, \(\tan^{-1}(1) = \pi/4\) because the tangent of \(\pi/4\) is 1.
- Understanding the range of arctan is vital because it indicates the limits of the output values.
Derivatives
Calculating the derivatives of a function is like uncovering its underlying mechanics. For the function \(f(x) = \tan^{-1}(x)\), the first derivative \(f'(x)\) provides information on how \(f(x)\) changes:
The second derivative \(f''(x)\), defined as:
- \(f'(x) = \frac{1}{1+x^2}\)
The second derivative \(f''(x)\), defined as:
- \(f''(x) = \frac{-2x}{(1+x^2)^2}\)
Concavity
Concavity refers to the way a curve bends and the direction in which it "opens". For \(f(x) = \tan^{-1}(x)\), the second derivative \(f''(x)\) offers insights into this property.
- \(f''(x)<0\) when \(x>0\), indicating that the function is concave downward.
- Conversely, \(f''(x)>0\) when \(x<0\), showing that the function is concave upward.
Graphing Utility
Graphing utilities are crucial tools in visualizing complex mathematical functions like \(\tan^{-1}(x)\). These utilities take arcane mathematical concepts and present them in clear, visual formats that are easier to understand.
- Using a graphing utility, you can plot \(f(x) = \tan^{-1}(x)\) along with its first and second derivatives.
- This graphical representation shows the increasing nature of \(\tan^{-1}(x)\) and the asymptotic behavior leading to its horizontal asymptotes.