First derivatives
Subject:
Calculus [1]
The first derivative of a function can tell a lot about how the original function looks. The first derivative tells us the critical numbers, and when the original function is increasing or decreasing.
Finding the critical numbers of a function is easy. You have a critical number anytime the derivative function equals 0, or if it does not exist. Critical numbers in the derivative usually tell us that there is a minimum, maximum, or a vertical asymptote. However, it does not guarantee a min/max.