- 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 26
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) = 3x/(x² + 3)

1
Identify the domain of the function \( f(x) = \frac{3x}{x^2 + 3} \). Since the denominator \( x^2 + 3 \) is always positive for all real numbers, the domain is all real numbers \( \mathbb{R} \).
Find the critical points by taking the derivative of \( f(x) \). Use the quotient rule: if \( f(x) = \frac{u(x)}{v(x)} \), then \( f'(x) = \frac{u'(x)v(x) - u(x)v'(x)}{(v(x))^2} \). Here, \( u(x) = 3x \) and \( v(x) = x^2 + 3 \).
Calculate \( u'(x) = 3 \) and \( v'(x) = 2x \). Substitute these into the quotient rule to find \( f'(x) = \frac{3(x^2 + 3) - 3x(2x)}{(x^2 + 3)^2} \). Simplify the expression to find the critical points by setting \( f'(x) = 0 \).
Determine the behavior of \( f(x) \) at the critical points and endpoints (if any) by using the first derivative test. This involves checking the sign of \( f'(x) \) around the critical points to determine if they are local maxima, minima, or points of inflection.
Analyze the end behavior of \( f(x) \) as \( x \to \pm \infty \). Since the degree of the polynomial in the denominator is higher than in the numerator, \( f(x) \to 0 \) as \( x \to \pm \infty \). Use this information along with the critical points to sketch the graph of \( f(x) \).
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
13mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Watch next
Master Summary of Curve Sketching with a bite sized video explanation from Callie
Start learning