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The first derivative f'(x) gives the instantaneous slope of f(x). If f'(x) is positive, then f(x) is increasing (positive slope), and if f'(x) is negative, then f(x) is decreasing (negative slope). If f'(x) = 0, then the graph of f(x) is flat at the point (slope = 0).

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Q: What is the first derivative used for?
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How do you find second derivative of a function?

All it means to take the second derivative is to take the derivative of a function twice. For example, say you start with the function y=x2+2x The first derivative would be 2x+2 But when you take the derivative the first derivative you get the second derivative which would be 2


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What is the second derivative of a function's indefinite integral?

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