identify (a) the point(s) of inflection and (b) the intervals where the function is concave up or concave…

identify (a) the point(s) of inflection and (b) the intervals where the function is concave up or concave down.

identify (a) the point(s) of inflection and (b) the intervals where the function is concave up or concave down.

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall inflection - point definition

Inflection points are where the concavity of the function changes. Visually, it is where the curve changes from concave - up to concave - down or vice - versa.

Step2: Analyze the graph

Looking at the graph, the curve changes concavity at the point $(0,-1)$.

Step3: Recall concavity intervals

A function is concave up when the second - derivative is positive and concave down when the second - derivative is negative. Visually, a function is concave up if it "holds water" and concave down if it "spills water".

Step4: Determine concavity intervals from the graph

The function is concave down on the interval $(-\infty,0)$ and concave up on the interval $(0,\infty)$.

Answer:

D. (a) Inflection point at $(0, - 1)$, (b) concave upward on $(0,\infty)$, concave downward on $(-\infty,0)$