Step 1: Function Definition
The function provided is f(x) = x³, a continuous and differentiable cubic function.
Step 2: First Derivative Calculation
The first derivative is f'(x) = 3x². Setting f'(x) = 0 yields x = 0 as a critical point.
Step 3: Second Derivative Calculation
The second derivative is f''(x) = 6x. At the critical point x = 0, f''(0) = 0, indicating the second derivative test is inconclusive.
Step 4: Concavity Analysis
The sign of f''(x) around x = 0 is analyzed: f''(x)<0 for x<0 (concave down) and f''(x)>0 for x>0 (concave up). This shows a change in concavity at x = 0.
Step 5: Conclusion
A change in concavity at x = 0 signifies an inflection point, where the curve's curvature changes but it is not a local extremum.
Final Answer: (D) inflexion