Reconstructing a Function from its Derivative Data

00:00 7 marks

  • Build Confidence
  • SL
  • Tier 3
  • Graphical analysis
  • Linear functions
  • Derivatives
  • Indefinite integration
  • Constant of Integration

The derivative of a function \(f(x)\), denoted by \(f'(x)\), has been approximated using data points from its graph. The data indicates that at \(x = 2\), \(f'(x) \approx 4\), and at \(x = 5\), \(f'(x) \approx 7\), with a linear behavior assumed between these points.

(a) Explain how you would reconstruct \(f(x)\) from these derivative data points and discuss the significance of the constant of integration.

(b) Assuming that \(f'(x)\) is linear between \(x = 2\) and \(x = 5\), derive an expression for \(f(x)\) on the interval \([2, 5]\).

(c) Given that \(f(2) = 3\), determine the value of \(f(5)\) using your expression.

Part a

3 minutes 2 marks

Question

Explain how you would reconstruct the function \(f(x)\) from the given derivative data points and discuss the significance of the constant of integration.



Hint Hint

Hint

Consider the process of integrating \(f'(x)\) and how initial conditions determine the constant.

  • Answer Answer

Complete Answer

Integrating \(f'(x)\) gives \(f(x)\) up to an arbitrary constant. The constant of integration is then determined by using an initial condition such as \(f(2) = 3\).

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Part b

3 minutes 2 marks

Question

Assuming that \(f'(x)\) is linear between \(x = 2\) and \(x = 5\), derive an expression for \(f(x)\) on the interval \([2, 5]\).



Hint Hint

Hint

First, determine the linear function for \(f'(x)\) using the points \((2, 4)\) and \((5, 7)\), then integrate.

  • Answer Answer

Complete Answer

The slope of \(f'(x)\) is \((7 – 4)/(5 – 2) = 1\), so \(f'(x) = 1*(x – 2) + 4 = x + 2\). Integrating gives \(f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x^2 + 2x + C\).

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Part c

4 minutes 3 marks

Question

Given that \(f(2) = 3\), use your expression from part (b) to calculate \(f(5)\).



Hint Hint

Hint

Substitute \(x = 2\) into \(f(x)\) to solve for \(C\), then use that constant to find \(f(5)\).

  • Answer Answer

Complete Answer

Using \(f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x^2 + 2x + C\), substitute \(x = 2\): \(f(2) = \frac{1}{2}(4) + 4 + C = 2 + 4 + C = 6 + C\). Setting \(f(2) = 3\) gives \(C = -3\). Then, \(f(5) = \frac{1}{2}(25) + 10 – 3 = 12.5 + 10 – 3 = 19.5\) or \(\frac{39}{2}\).

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