How to find the intervals of increasing and decreasing functions. Graph of a function
1. Find the domain of the function
2. Find the derivative of the function
3. Equate the derivative to zero and find the critical points of the function
4. Mark critical points on the definition area
5. Calculate the sign of the derivative in each of the resulting intervals
6. Find out the behavior of the function in each interval.
Example: Find the intervals of increasing and decreasing functionf(x) = and the number of zeros of this function on the interval .
Solution:
1.D( f) = R
2. f"(x) =
D( f") = D( f) = R
3. Find the critical points of the function by solving the equation f"(x) = 0.
x(x – 10) = 0
critical points of a function x= 0 and x = 10.
4. Let's determine the sign of the derivative.
f"(x) + – +
f(x) 0 10x
in the intervals (-∞; 0) and (10; +∞) the derivative of the function is positive and at the points x= 0 and x = 10 function f(x) is continuous, therefore, this function increases on the intervals: (-∞; 0]; .
Let us determine the sign of the function values at the ends of the segment.
f(0) = 3, f(0) > 0
f(10) = , f(10) < 0.
Since the function decreases on the segment and the sign of the function values changes, then there is one zero of the function on this segment.
Answer: the function f(x) increases on the intervals: (-∞; 0]; ;
on the interval the function has one function zero.
2. Extremum points of the function: maximum points and minimum points. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of an extremum of a function. Rule for studying a function for extremum .
Definition 1:The points at which the derivative is equal to zero are called critical or stationary.
Definition 2. A point is called a minimum (maximum) point of a function if the value of the function at this point is less (greater than) the nearest values of the function.
It should be kept in mind that the maximum and minimum in in this case are local.
In Fig. 1. Local maxima and minima are shown.
The maximum and minimum of a function are united by a common name: extremum of the function.Theorem 1. (necessary sign existence of an extremum of the function). If a function differentiable at a point has a maximum or minimum at this point, then its derivative at vanishes, .
Theorem 2.(a sufficient sign of the existence of an extremum of the function). If a continuous function has a derivative at all points of some interval containing a critical point (with the possible exception of this point itself), and if the derivative, when the argument passes from left to right through the critical point, changes sign from plus to minus, then the function at this point has a maximum, and when the sign changes from minus to plus, it has a minimum.
Very important information about the behavior of a function is provided by the increasing and decreasing intervals. Finding them is part of the process of examining the function and plotting the graph. In addition, the extremum points at which there is a change from increasing to decreasing or from decreasing to increasing are given Special attention when finding the largest and smallest values of a function on a certain interval.
In this article we will give the necessary definitions, formulate a sufficient criterion for the increase and decrease of a function on an interval and sufficient conditions for the existence of an extremum, and apply this entire theory to solving examples and problems.
Page navigation.
Increasing and decreasing function on an interval.
Definition of an increasing function.
The function y=f(x) increases on the interval X if for any and 
inequality holds. In other words, a larger value of the argument corresponds to a larger value of the function.
Definition of a decreasing function.
The function y=f(x) decreases on the interval X if for any and inequality holds 
. In other words, a larger value of the argument corresponds to a smaller value of the function.
NOTE: if the function is defined and continuous at the ends of the increasing or decreasing interval (a;b), that is, at x=a and x=b, then these points are included in the increasing or decreasing interval. This does not contradict the definitions of an increasing and decreasing function on the interval X.
For example, from the properties of the main elementary functions we know that y=sinx is defined and continuous for all real values of the argument. Therefore, from the increase in the sine function on the interval, we can assert that it increases on the interval.
Extremum points, extrema of a function.
The point is called maximum point function y=f(x) if the inequality is true for all x in its neighborhood. The value of the function at the maximum point is called maximum of the function and denote .
The point is called minimum point function y=f(x) if the inequality is true for all x in its neighborhood. The value of the function at the minimum point is called minimum function and denote .
The neighborhood of a point is understood as the interval 
, where is a sufficiently small positive number.
The minimum and maximum points are called extremum points, and the function values corresponding to the extremum points are called extrema of the function.
Do not confuse the extrema of a function with the largest and lowest value functions.
In the first picture highest value function on the segment is achieved at the maximum point and is equal to the maximum of the function, and in the second figure - the maximum value of the function is achieved at the point x=b, which is not the maximum point.
Sufficient conditions for increasing and decreasing functions.
Based on sufficient conditions (signs) for the increase and decrease of a function, intervals of increase and decrease of the function are found.
Here are the formulations of the signs of increasing and decreasing functions on an interval:
- if the derivative of the function y=f(x) is positive for any x from the interval X, then the function increases by X;
- if the derivative of the function y=f(x) is negative for any x from the interval X, then the function decreases on X.
Thus, to determine the intervals of increase and decrease of a function, it is necessary:
Let's consider an example of finding the intervals of increasing and decreasing functions to explain the algorithm.
Example.
Find the intervals of increasing and decreasing function.
Solution.
The first step is to find the domain of definition of the function. In our example, the expression in the denominator should not go to zero, therefore, .
Let's move on to finding the derivative of the function: 
To determine the intervals of increase and decrease of a function based on a sufficient criterion, we solve inequalities on the domain of definition. Let's use a generalization of the interval method. The only one real root the numerator is x = 2 and the denominator goes to zero at x=0 . These points divide the domain of definition into intervals in which the derivative of the function retains its sign. Let's mark these points on the number line. We conventionally denote by pluses and minuses the intervals at which the derivative is positive or negative. The arrows below schematically show the increase or decrease of the function on the corresponding interval. 
Thus, 
And 
.
At the point The x=2 function is defined and continuous, so it should be added to both the increasing and decreasing intervals. At the point x=0 the function is not defined, so we do not include this point in the required intervals.
We present a graph of the function to compare the results obtained with it.
Answer:
The function increases with 
, decreases on the interval (0;2] .
Sufficient conditions for the extremum of a function.
To find the maxima and minima of a function, you can use any of the three signs of extremum, of course, if the function satisfies their conditions. The most common and convenient is the first of them.
The first sufficient condition for an extremum.
Let the function y=f(x) be differentiable in the -neighborhood of the point and continuous at the point itself.
In other words:
Algorithm for finding extremum points based on the first sign of extremum of a function.
- We find the domain of definition of the function.
- We find the derivative of the function on the domain of definition.
- We determine the zeros of the numerator, the zeros of the denominator of the derivative and the points of the domain of definition in which the derivative does not exist (all listed points are called points of possible extremum, passing through these points, the derivative can just change its sign).
- These points divide the domain of definition of the function into intervals in which the derivative retains its sign. We determine the signs of the derivative on each of the intervals (for example, by calculating the value of the derivative of a function at any point in a particular interval).
- We select points at which the function is continuous and, passing through which, the derivative changes sign - these are the extremum points.
There are too many words, let’s better look at a few examples of finding extremum points and extrema of a function using the first sufficient condition for the extremum of a function.
Example.
Find the extrema of the function.
Solution.
The domain of a function is the entire set real numbers, except x=2 .
Finding the derivative: 
The zeros of the numerator are the points x=-1 and x=5, the denominator goes to zero at x=2. Mark these points on the number axis 
We determine the signs of the derivative at each interval; to do this, we calculate the value of the derivative at any of the points of each interval, for example, at the points x=-2, x=0, x=3 and x=6.
Therefore, on the interval the derivative is positive (in the figure we put a plus sign over this interval). Likewise 
Therefore, we put a minus above the second interval, a minus above the third, and a plus above the fourth.
It remains to select points at which the function is continuous and its derivative changes sign. These are the extremum points.
At the point x=-1 the function is continuous and the derivative changes sign from plus to minus, therefore, according to the first sign of extremum, x=-1 is the maximum point, the maximum of the function corresponds to it 
.
At the point x=5 the function is continuous and the derivative changes sign from minus to plus, therefore, x=-1 is the minimum point, the minimum of the function corresponds to it 
.
Graphic illustration.
Answer:
PLEASE NOTE: the first sufficient criterion for an extremum does not require differentiability of the function at the point itself.
Example.
Find extremum points and extrema of the function 
.
Solution.
The domain of a function is the entire set of real numbers. The function itself can be written as: 
Let's find the derivative of the function: 
At the point x=0 the derivative does not exist, since the values of the one-sided limits do not coincide when the argument tends to zero: 
At the same time, the original function is continuous at the point x=0 (see the section on studying the function for continuity): 
Let's find the value of the argument at which the derivative goes to zero: 
Let's mark all the obtained points on the number line and determine the sign of the derivative on each of the intervals. To do this, we calculate the values of the derivative at arbitrary points of each interval, for example, at x=-6, x=-4, x=-1, x=1, x=4, x=6.
That is, 
Thus, according to the first sign of an extremum, the minimum points are 
, the maximum points are 
.
We calculate the corresponding minima of the function 
We calculate the corresponding maxima of the function 
Graphic illustration.
Answer:
.
The second sign of an extremum of a function.
As you can see, this sign of an extremum of a function requires the existence of a derivative at least to the second order at the point.
The final work in the form of the Unified State Exam for 11th graders necessarily contains tasks on calculating limits, intervals of decreasing and increasing derivatives of a function, searching for extremum points and constructing graphs. Good knowledge of this topic allows you to correctly answer several exam questions and not experience difficulties in further professional training.
Fundamentals of differential calculus - one of the main topics of mathematics modern school. She studies the use of the derivative to study the dependencies of variables - it is through the derivative that one can analyze the increase and decrease of a function without resorting to a drawing.
Comprehensive preparation of graduates for passing the Unified State Examination educational portal“Shkolkovo” will help you deeply understand the principles of differentiation - understand the theory in detail, study examples of solutions typical tasks and try your hand at independent work. We will help you close gaps in knowledge - clarify your understanding of the lexical concepts of the topic and the dependencies of quantities. Students will be able to review how to find intervals of monotonicity, which means the derivative of a function rises or decreases on a certain segment when boundary points are and are not included in the intervals found.
Before you begin directly solving thematic problems, we recommend that you first go to the “Theoretical Background” section and repeat the definitions of concepts, rules and tabular formulas. Here you can read how to find and write down each interval of increasing and decreasing function on the derivative graph.
All information offered is presented in the most accessible form for understanding, practically from scratch. The website provides materials for perception and assimilation in several various forms– reading, video viewing and direct training under the guidance of experienced teachers. Professional teachers will tell you in detail how to find the intervals of increasing and decreasing derivatives of a function analytically and graphically. During the webinars, you will be able to ask any question you are interested in, both on theory and on solving specific problems.
Having remembered the main points of the topic, look at examples of increasing the derivative of a function, similar to the tasks in the exam options. To consolidate what you have learned, take a look at the “Catalog” - here you will find practical exercises For independent work. The tasks in the section have been selected different levels difficulties taking into account the development of skills. For example, each of them is accompanied by solution algorithms and correct answers.
By choosing the "Constructor" section, students will be able to practice studying the increase and decrease of the derivative of a function on real options The Unified State Exam is constantly updated taking into account the latest changes and innovations.
Increasing, decreasing and extrema of a function
Finding the intervals of increase, decrease and extrema of a function is both an independent task and an essential part of other tasks, in particular, full function study. Initial information about the increase, decrease and extrema of the function is given in theoretical chapter on derivative, which I highly recommend for preliminary study (or repetition)– also for the reason that the following material is based on the very essentially derivative, being a harmonious continuation of this article. Although, if time is short, then a purely formal practice of examples from today’s lesson is also possible.
And today there is a spirit of rare unanimity in the air, and I can directly feel that everyone present is burning with desire learn to explore a function using its derivative. Therefore, reasonable, good, eternal terminology immediately appears on your monitor screens.
For what? One of the reasons is the most practical: so that it is clear what is generally required of you in a particular task!
Monotonicity of the function. Extremum points and extrema of a function
Let's consider some function. To put it simply, we assume that she continuous on the entire number line:
Just in case, let’s immediately get rid of possible illusions, especially for those readers who have recently become acquainted with intervals of constant sign of the function. Now we NOT INTERESTED, how the graph of the function is located relative to the axis (above, below, where the axis intersects). To be convincing, mentally erase the axes and leave one graph. Because that’s where the interest lies.
Function increases on an interval if for any two points of this interval connected by the relation , the inequality is true. That is, a larger value of the argument corresponds to a larger value of the function, and its graph goes “from bottom to top”. The demonstration function grows over the interval.
Likewise, the function decreases on an interval if for any two points of a given interval such that , the inequality is true. That is, a larger value of the argument corresponds to a smaller value of the function, and its graph goes “from top to bottom.” Our function decreases on intervals 
.
If a function increases or decreases over an interval, then it is called strictly monotonous at this interval. What is monotony? Take it literally – monotony.
You can also define non-decreasing function (relaxed condition in the first definition) and non-increasing function (softened condition in the 2nd definition). A non-decreasing or non-increasing function on an interval is called a monotonic function on a given interval (strict monotonicity is a special case of “simply” monotonicity).
The theory also considers other approaches to determining the increase/decrease of a function, including on half-intervals, segments, but in order not to pour oil-oil-oil on your head, we will agree to operate with open intervals with categorical definitions - this is clearer, and for solving many practical problems quite enough.
Thus, in my articles the wording “monotonicity of a function” will almost always be hidden intervals strict monotony(strictly increasing or strictly decreasing function).
Neighborhood of a point. Words after which students run away wherever they can and hide in horror in the corners. ...Although after the post Cauchy limits They are probably no longer hiding, but only shuddering slightly =) Don’t worry, now there will be no proofs of the theorems of mathematical analysis - I needed the surroundings to formulate the definitions more strictly extremum points. Let's remember:
Neighborhood of a point an interval that contains a given point is called, and for convenience the interval is often assumed to be symmetrical. For example, a point and its standard neighborhood:
Actually, the definitions:
The point is called strict maximum point, If exists her neighborhood, for all values of which, except for the point itself, the inequality . In our specific example this is the point.
The point is called strict minimum point, If exists her neighborhood, for all values of which, except for the point itself, the inequality . In the drawing there is point “a”.
Note : the requirement of neighborhood symmetry is not at all necessary. In addition, it is important the very fact of existence neighborhood (whether tiny or microscopic) that satisfies the specified conditions
The points are called strictly extremum points or simply extremum points functions. That is, it is a generalized term for maximum points and minimum points.
How do we understand the word “extreme”? Yes, just as directly as monotony. Extreme points of roller coasters.
As in the case of monotonicity, loose postulates exist and are even more common in theory (which, of course, the strict cases considered fall under!):
The point is called maximum point, If exists its surroundings are such that for all
The point is called minimum point, If exists its surroundings are such that for all values of this neighborhood, the inequality holds.
Note that according to the last two definitions, any point of a constant function (or a “flat section” of a function) is considered both a maximum and a minimum point! The function, by the way, is both non-increasing and non-decreasing, that is, monotonic. However, we will leave these considerations to theorists, since in practice we almost always contemplate traditional “hills” and “hollows” (see drawing) with a unique “king of the hill” or “princess of the swamp”. As a variety, it occurs tip, directed up or down, for example, the minimum of the function at the point.
Yes, by the way, oh royalty:
– the meaning is called maximum functions;
– the meaning is called minimum functions.
Common name – extremes functions.
Please be careful with your words!
Extremum points– these are “X” values.
Extremes– “game” meanings.
! Note : sometimes the listed terms refer to the “X-Y” points that lie directly on the GRAPH OF the function ITSELF.
How many extrema can a function have?
None, 1, 2, 3, ... etc. to infinity. For example, sine has infinitely many minima and maxima.
IMPORTANT! The term "maximum of function" not identical the term “maximum value of a function”. It is easy to notice that the value is maximum only in a local neighborhood, and at the top left there are “cooler comrades”. Likewise, “minimum function” is not the same as “ minimum value functions”, and in the drawing we see that the value is minimal only in a certain area. In this regard, extremum points are also called local extremum points, and the extrema – local extremes. They walk and wander nearby and global brethren. So, any parabola has at its vertex global minimum or global maximum. Further, I will not distinguish between types of extremes, and the explanation is voiced more for general educational purposes - the additional adjectives “local”/“global” should not take you by surprise.
Let’s summarize our short excursion into the theory with a test shot: what does the task “find the monotonicity intervals and extremum points of the function” mean?
The wording encourages you to find:
– intervals of increasing/decreasing function (non-decreasing, non-increasing appears much less often);
– maximum and/or minimum points (if any exist). Well, to avoid failure, it’s better to find the minimums/maximums themselves ;-)
How to determine all this? Using the derivative function!
How to find intervals of increasing, decreasing,
extremum points and extrema of the function?
Many rules, in fact, are already known and understood from lesson about the meaning of a derivative.
Tangent derivative 
brings the cheerful news that function is increasing throughout domain of definition.
With cotangent and its derivative 
the situation is exactly the opposite.
The arcsine increases over the interval - the derivative here is positive: 
.
When the function is defined, but not differentiable. However, at the critical point there is a right-handed derivative and a right-handed tangent, and at the other edge there are their left-handed counterparts.
I think you won't mind special labor Carry out similar reasoning for the arc cosine and its derivative.
All of the above cases, many of which are tabular derivatives, I remind you, follow directly from derivative definitions.
Why explore a function using its derivative?
To better understand what the graph of this function looks like: where it goes “bottom up”, where “top down”, where it reaches minimums and maximums (if it reaches at all). Not all functions are so simple - in most cases we have no idea at all about the graph of a particular function.
It's time to move on to more meaningful examples and consider algorithm for finding intervals of monotonicity and extrema of a function:
Example 1
Find intervals of increase/decrease and extrema of the function
Solution:
1) The first step is to find domain of a function, and also take note of the break points (if they exist). In this case, the function is continuous on the entire number line, and this action to a certain extent formally. But in a number of cases, serious passions flare up here, so let’s treat the paragraph without disdain.
2) The second point of the algorithm is due to
a necessary condition for an extremum:
If there is an extremum at a point, then either the value does not exist.
Confused by the ending? Extremum of the “modulus x” function .
The condition is necessary, but not enough, and the converse is not always true. So, it does not yet follow from the equality that the function reaches a maximum or minimum at point . A classic example has already been highlighted above - this is a cubic parabola and its critical point.
But be that as it may, the necessary condition for an extremum dictates the need to find suspicious points. To do this, find the derivative and solve the equation:
At the beginning of the first article about function graphs I told you how to quickly build a parabola using an example 
: “...we take the first derivative and equate it to zero: ...So, the solution to our equation: - it is at this point that the vertex of the parabola is located...”. Now, I think, everyone understands why the vertex of the parabola is located exactly at this point =) In general, we should start with a similar example here, but it is too simple (even for a teapot). In addition, there is an analogue at the very end of the lesson about derivative of a function. Therefore, let's increase the degree:
Example 2
Find intervals of monotonicity and extrema of the function
This is an example for you to solve on your own. A complete solution and an approximate final sample of the problem at the end of the lesson.
The long-awaited moment of meeting with fractional-rational functions has arrived:
Example 3
Explore a function using the first derivative
Pay attention to how variably one and the same task can be reformulated.
Solution:
1) The function suffers infinite discontinuities at points.
2) We detect critical points. Let's find the first derivative and equate it to zero: 
Let's solve the equation. A fraction is zero when its numerator is zero:
Thus, we get three critical points: 
3) We plot ALL detected points on the number line and interval method we define the signs of the DERIVATIVE:
I remind you that you need to take some point in the interval and calculate the value of the derivative at it 
and determine its sign. It’s more profitable not to even count, but to “estimate” verbally. Let's take, for example, a point belonging to the interval and perform the substitution: 
. 
Two “pluses” and one “minus” give a “minus”, therefore, which means that the derivative is negative over the entire interval.
The action, as you understand, needs to be carried out for each of the six intervals. By the way, note that the numerator factor and denominator are strictly positive for any point in any interval, which greatly simplifies the task.
So, the derivative told us that the FUNCTION ITSELF increases by 
and decreases by . It is convenient to connect intervals of the same type with the join icon.
At the point the function reaches its maximum:
At the point the function reaches a minimum: 
Think about why you don't have to recalculate the second value ;-)
When passing through a point, the derivative does not change sign, so the function has NO EXTREMUM there - it both decreased and remained decreasing.
! Let's repeat important point : points are not considered critical - they contain a function not determined. Accordingly, here In principle there can be no extremes(even if the derivative changes sign).
Answer: function increases by 
and decreases by At the point the maximum of the function is reached: 
, and at the point – the minimum: .
Knowledge of monotonicity intervals and extrema, coupled with established asymptotes already gives a very good idea of appearance function graphics. A person of average training is able to verbally determine that the graph of a function has two vertical asymptotes and an oblique asymptote. Here is our hero: 
Try once again to correlate the results of the study with the graph of this function.
There is no extremum at the critical point, but there is graph inflection(which, as a rule, happens in similar cases).
Example 4
Find the extrema of the function
Example 5
Find monotonicity intervals, maxima and minima of the function
…it’s almost like some kind of “X in a cube” holiday today....
Soooo, who in the gallery offered to drink for this? =)
Each task has its own substantive nuances and technical subtleties, which are commented on at the end of the lesson.
"Increasing and decreasing functions"
Lesson objectives:
1. Learn to find periods of monotony.
2. Development of thinking abilities that ensure analysis of the situation and development of adequate methods of action (analysis, synthesis, comparison).
3. Forming interest in the subject.
During the classesToday we continue to study the application of the derivative and consider the question of its application to the study of functions. Front work
Now let’s give some definitions to the properties of the “Brainstorming” function.
1. What is a function called?
2. What is the name of the variable X?
3. What is the name of the variable Y?
4. What is the domain of a function?
5. What is the value set of a function?
6. Which function is called even?
7. Which function is called odd?
8. What can you say about the graph of an even function?
9. What can you say about the graph of an odd function?
10. What function is called increasing?
11. Which function is called decreasing?
12. Which function is called periodic?
Mathematics is the study of mathematical models. One of the most important mathematical models is a function. Exist different ways descriptions of functions. Which one is the most obvious?
– Graphic.
– How to build a graph?
- Point by point.
This method is suitable if you know in advance what the graph approximately looks like. For example, what is the graph of a quadratic function, linear function, inverse proportionality, functions y = sinx? (The corresponding formulas are demonstrated, students name the curves that are graphs.)
But what if you need to plot a graph of a function or even more complex one? You can find multiple points, but how does the function behave between these points?
Place two dots on the board and ask students to show what the graph “between them” might look like:
Its derivative helps you figure out how a function behaves.
Open your notebooks, write down the number, great job.
The purpose of the lesson: learn how the graph of a function is related to the graph of its derivative, and learn to solve two types of problems:
1. Using the derivative graph, find the intervals of increase and decrease of the function itself, as well as the extremum points of the function;
2. Using the scheme of derivative signs on intervals, find the intervals of increase and decrease of the function itself, as well as the extremum points of the function.
Similar tasks are not in our textbooks, but are found in tests of the same state exam(part A and B).
Today in the lesson we will look at a small element of the work of the second stage of studying the process, the study of one of the properties of the function - determining the intervals of monotonicity
To solve this problem, we need to recall some issues discussed earlier.
So, let's write down the topic of today's lesson: Signs of increasing and decreasing functions.
Signs of increasing and decreasing function:
If the derivative of a given function is positive for all values of x in the interval (a; b), i.e. f"(x) > 0, then the function increases in this interval.
If the derivative of a given function is negative for all values of x in the interval (a; b), i.e. f"(x)< 0, то функция в этом интервале убывает
The order of finding intervals of monotonicity:
Find the domain of definition of the function.
1. Find the first derivative of the function.
2. decide for yourself on the board
Find critical points, investigate the sign of the first derivative in the intervals into which the found critical points divide the domain of definition of the function. Find intervals of monotonicity of functions:
a) domain of definition,
b) find the first derivative:
c) find the critical points: ; , And
3. Let us examine the sign of the derivative in the resulting intervals and present the solution in the form of a table.
point to extremum points
Let's look at several examples of studying functions for increasing and decreasing.
A sufficient condition for the existence of a maximum is to change the sign of the derivative when passing through the critical point from “+” to “-”, and for a minimum from “-” to “+”. If, when passing through the critical point, the sign of the derivative does not change, then there is no extremum at this point
1. Find D(f).
2. Find f"(x).
3. Find stationary points, i.e. points where f"(x) = 0 or f"(x) does not exist.
(The derivative is 0 at the zeros of the numerator, the derivative does not exist at the zeros of the denominator)
4. Place D(f) and these points on the coordinate line.
5. Determine the signs of the derivative on each of the intervals
6. Apply signs.
7. Write down the answer.
Consolidation of new material.
Students work in pairs and write down the solution in their notebooks.
a) y = x³ - 6 x² + 9 x - 9;
b) y = 3 x² - 5x + 4.
Two people are working at the board.
a) y = 2 x³ – 3 x² – 36 x + 40
b) y = x4-2 x³
3. Lesson summary
Homework: test (differentiated)
