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You can differentiate and integrate n times but what if n is not a whole number? This generalisation of calculus was introduced and discussed on askNRICH by some school students.

Turning to Calculus

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level

The following curve turns once. It changes sign twice and the sign of its gradient changes once, giving rise to four distinct regions, as shown in the image below:





What are the different possibilities of sign combination for a curve which turns exactly once? How can you be sure you have found them all? Give a clear explanation.
 
Which are the different possibilities of sign combination for a curve which turns exactly twice? How can you be sure you have found them all? Give a clear explanation.
 
Explore other numbers of turns and the curves which give rise to various numbers of regions.

It is not intended that you use algebra; simply experiment with sketches and focus on clear mathematical reasoning.

Further extensions:
Once you have a good feel for the setup, you might wish to think about these more tricky or general questions:
 
1. Are there any curves which always have the same sign for the function and gradient?
2. Are there any curves which always have the opposite sign for the function and gradient?
3. Are there any impossible combinations of sign?
4. How do zeros of the function and zeros of the gradient enter into the analysis?
5. Find algebraic expressions for any functions you use in this problem.