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
Curve Sketching
Problem 25
Textbook Question
Use the guidelines given in Section 4.4 to make a complete graph of the following functions on their domains or on the given interval. Use a graphing utility to check your work.
ƒ(x) = (x⁴/2) - 3x² + 4x + 1

1
Identify the domain of the function. Since \( f(x) = \frac{x^4}{2} - 3x^2 + 4x + 1 \) is a polynomial, its domain is all real numbers, \( (-\infty, \infty) \).
Find the first derivative \( f'(x) \) to determine critical points and analyze increasing/decreasing behavior. Differentiate: \( f'(x) = 2x^3 - 6x + 4 \). Set \( f'(x) = 0 \) and solve for \( x \) to find critical points.
Find the second derivative \( f''(x) \) to determine concavity and points of inflection. Differentiate \( f'(x) \): \( f''(x) = 6x^2 - 6 \). Set \( f''(x) = 0 \) and solve for \( x \) to find potential inflection points.
Evaluate \( f(x) \) at critical points and endpoints (if any) to determine local maxima and minima. Use the first derivative test or second derivative test to classify these points.
Sketch the graph using the information from the previous steps: domain, critical points, intervals of increase/decrease, concavity, and points of inflection. Use a graphing utility to verify the accuracy of your sketch.
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