- 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 4.4.14g
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.
g. Use your work in parts (a) through (f) to sketch a graph of ƒ .

1
Step 1: Identify the critical points of the function f(x) by setting the first derivative f'(x) equal to zero and solving for x. This will help determine where the function has potential maxima, minima, or points of inflection.
Step 2: Analyze the sign of f'(x) around the critical points to determine the intervals where the function is increasing or decreasing. This will help in understanding the behavior of the function on different intervals.
Step 3: Use the second derivative f''(x) to determine the concavity of the function. Check the sign of f''(x) at the critical points and intervals to identify where the function is concave up or concave down, and locate any points of inflection.
Step 4: Consider the asymptotic behavior of f(x) by examining the limits as x approaches positive or negative infinity. This will help in understanding the end behavior of the graph.
Step 5: Combine the information from the critical points, intervals of increase/decrease, concavity, and asymptotic behavior to sketch the graph of f(x). Ensure that the graph reflects all the analyzed characteristics accurately.
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