Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals3h 25m
5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives
Intro to Extrema
Problem 4.4.14d
Textbook Question
if ƒ(x) = 1 / (3x⁴ + 5) , it can be shown that ƒ'(x) = 12x³ / (3x⁴ + 5)² and ƒ"(x) = 180x² (x² + 1) (x + 1) (x - 1) / (3x⁴ + 5)³ . Use these functions to complete the following steps.
d. Identify the local extreme values and inflection points of ƒ .

1
To find the local extreme values of the function ƒ(x), set the first derivative ƒ'(x) = 0 and solve for x. This will help identify critical points where the function may have local maxima or minima.
Evaluate the first derivative ƒ'(x) at the critical points found in the previous step to determine whether each point is a local maximum, local minimum, or neither. You can use the first derivative test for this purpose.
To find the inflection points of the function ƒ(x), set the second derivative ƒ''(x) = 0 and solve for x. Inflection points occur where the concavity of the function changes.
Analyze the sign of the second derivative ƒ''(x) around the inflection points to confirm that the concavity changes at those points, indicating they are indeed inflection points.
Compile the results from the previous steps to summarize the local extreme values and inflection points, including their coordinates and the nature of each point.
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
8mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Watch next
Master Finding Extrema Graphically with a bite sized video explanation from Callie
Start learning