In this post we will consider how the shapes discussed in the previous two posts can join together. Continuity and the derivative at the point where two shapes join tell us what’s going on.

Graphs can change from one shape to another only at places where:

• The first derivative changes sign. For this to happen, the first derivative has to be either zero or undefined.  The x-coordinate at such places is called a critical number; the point is called a critical point. The function may have a local extreme value (a maximum or minimum) at its critical values. Not all critical numbers are the location of an extreme value, but all extreme values occur at critical numbers.
• The second derivative changes sign. Such places are called a point of inflection (or, outside of the USA, point of inflexion.)  As with the first derivative, the second derivative can change sign only where it is zero or undefined. (Also, in order for there to be a second derivative at a point, the first derivative cannot be undefined there.)
• The function is not continuous. The separate pieces can easily be different shapes. This really falls under the first bullet above, but functions may be continuous and still fail to have a derivative at a critical number.

This suggests a procedure: First, find the critical numbers by finding where  or is undefined and then determining if there is a change of sign of the first derivative at the critical number. This may be the location of an extreme value. Compare y = x² and y = x³ at the origin.

Do the same for points of inflection: find where  or is undefined and determine if there is a sign change there. These places may be points of inflection. Compare y = x³ and y = x⁴ at the origin.

A word of caution: Some authors require a non-vertical tangent line at a point of inflection and/or that the derivative exists there. This eliminates functions like y = x^1/3 which has no derivative at the origin and a vertical tangent line. I see no reason for this: if there is a point where the concavity changes, that’s a point of inflection. Still you should go with your textbook’s author. The AP exams avoid asking about this situation.

If the function is not continuous (and therefore not differentiable) at a point, then the shapes don’t join. You need to look separately on each side of the point where the function is not continuous. The missing point, the jump or step, or the vertical asymptote is the clue that there may be a change in the shape. There does not have to be a change in shape at all, but as with all discontinuities be sure to check what’s happening on both sides. .

If the function is continuous, but not differentiable at a point then the shape may, but does not have to change shape there. If this is the case, the graph is not locally linear. It may have a sharp point or just a little “kink” there. But the non-differentiability tells us that something interesting is happening there.

Next: Extreme Values