
IB Math AI SL 5.2 – Increasing and Decreasing Functions
Topic: Calculus
Level: IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (SL)
File Type: Editable Slides / Lesson Presentation
Overview
This resource introduces the concept of increasing and decreasing functions through the interpretation of the first derivative.
Students learn how to determine where a function is increasing, decreasing, or constant by analyzing the sign of the derivative ( f’(x) ), linking algebraic and graphical reasoning.
The lesson builds intuition for how the derivative represents the slope of a curve, forming the foundation for later topics such as local maxima, minima, and optimization.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Define and describe increasing, decreasing, and constant functions.
- Use the sign of the derivative ( f’(x) ) to determine the behavior of a function.
- Interpret increasing and decreasing behavior both algebraically and graphically.
- Identify intervals of increase and decrease from a derivative expression.
What’s Included
- Step-by-step explanation of how the derivative describes the slope of a curve.* Graphical demonstrations showing increasing, decreasing, and constant functions.
- Formal definitions of each function type using inequalities on ( f’(x) ).
- Simple, intuitive examples connecting derivative values to graphical behavior.
- Guided discussion slides prompting conceptual reasoning before formula introduction.
- Practice exercises asking students to classify functions based on derivative information.
Topics Covered
- Derivatives and function behavior.
- Increasing, decreasing, and constant intervals.
- Graphical interpretation of ( f’(x) ).
- Connection between slope, rate of change, and function direction.
- Foundational analysis for optimization and extrema.
Why You’ll Love It
- Provides a clean, conceptual introduction to how derivatives describe function behavior.
- Reinforces understanding through visuals and interactive examples.
- Builds essential skills for later calculus applications.
- Fully aligned with IB Math AI SL Topic 5: Calculus.
- Ready-to-teach, visually structured, and classroom-friendly.
Tags: IB Math SL, Increasing and Decreasing Functions, Derivatives, Function Behavior, Calculus, Slope, IB Curriculum, Lesson Slides
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