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 4.4.23
Textbook Question
Graphing functions Use the guidelines of this section to make a complete graph of f.
f(x) = x³ - 6x² - 135x

1
Identify the domain of the function. Since f(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 - 135x is a polynomial, its domain is all real numbers.
Find the critical points by taking the derivative of f(x) and setting it equal to zero. The derivative is f'(x) = 3x^2 - 12x - 135. Solve 3x^2 - 12x - 135 = 0 to find the critical points.
Determine the intervals of increase and decrease by using the first derivative test. Evaluate the sign of f'(x) on intervals determined by the critical points.
Find the second derivative, f''(x) = 6x - 12, to determine concavity and points of inflection. Set f''(x) = 0 to find potential inflection points and test intervals to determine concavity.
Evaluate f(x) at critical points, inflection points, and endpoints of the domain (if applicable) to determine local maxima, minima, and overall behavior. Use this information to sketch the graph, noting intercepts and asymptotic behavior if any.
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