AP Calculus Unit 6 MCQ Review

Front

What is the definition of a derivative?

Back

The derivative of a function at a point is the limit of the average rate of change of the function as the interval approaches zero. It represents the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function at that point.

Front

What is the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus?

Back

The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus links the concept of differentiation and integration, stating that if F is an antiderivative of f on an interval [a, b], then ∫_a^b f(x) dx = F(b) - F(a).

Front

How do you find the critical points of a function?

Back

Critical points occur where the derivative is zero or undefined. To find them, set the derivative of the function equal to zero and solve for x.

Front

What is the Mean Value Theorem?

Back

The Mean Value Theorem states that if a function is continuous on the closed interval [a, b] and differentiable on the open interval (a, b), then there exists at least one c in (a, b) such that f'(c) = (f(b) - f(a)) / (b - a).

Front

What is the difference between a local maximum and a global maximum?

Back

A local maximum is the highest point in a specific neighborhood of a function, while a global maximum is the highest point over the entire domain of the function.

Front

What is the purpose of using L'Hôpital's Rule?

Back

L'Hôpital's Rule is used to evaluate limits of indeterminate forms (0/0 or ∞/∞) by taking the derivative of the numerator and the derivative of the denominator.

Front

What is an inflection point?

Back

An inflection point is a point on the curve of a function where the concavity changes, which can be determined by analyzing the second derivative.

Front

What does it mean for a function to be continuous?

Back

A function is continuous at a point if the limit of the function as it approaches that point equals the function's value at that point. It must also be defined at that point.

Front

What is the relationship between the first derivative and the graph of a function?

Back

The first derivative indicates the slope of the function. If f'(x) > 0, the function is increasing; if f'(x) < 0, the function is decreasing; and if f'(x) = 0, the function may have a local extremum.

Front

What is the second derivative test?

Back

The second derivative test is used to determine the concavity of a function at critical points. If f''(x) > 0, the function is concave up (local minimum); if f''(x) < 0, it is concave down (local maximum).