MATH-101 Calculus and Analytical Geometry – 3-0 CHs

By

Prof Dr Safia Akram

THE DERIVATIVE IN GRAPHING AND APPLICATIONS

Lec # 13

1
OBJECTIVE

• In this lecture we will study various applications of the

derivative. For example, we will use methods of calculus to
analyze functions and their graphs. In the process, we will
show how calculus and graphing utilities, working together,
can provide most of the important information about the
behavior of functions.

• The purpose of this lecture is to develop mathematical tools

that can be used to determine the exact shape of a graph and
the precise locations of its key features.

• In this lecture we will develop methods for finding the high

and low points on the graph of a function and we will
discuss procedures for analyzing the graphs of polynomials.
2
THE DERIVATIVE IN GRAPHING AND APPLICATIONS

In this topic we will study various applications of the derivatives. For

example, we will be shown how methods of calculus to analyze
functions and their graphs. In the process, we will show how calculus
and graphing utilities, working together can provide most of the
important information about the behavior of functions.

ANALYSIS OF FUNCTIONS:
INCREASE , DECREASE AND CONCAVITY

Although graphing utilities are useful for determining the general

slope of a graph, many problems require more precision than
graphing utilities are capable of producing. The purpose of this
section is to develop mathematical tools that can be used to determine
the exact shape of a graph and the precise locations of its key
features.
3
 INCREASING AND DECREASING FUNCTIONS
The terms increasing, decreasing and constant are used to describe
the behavior of a function as we travel left to right along its graph.
For example, the function graphed in Figure can be described as
increasing to the left of 𝑥 = 0, decreasing from 𝑥 = 0 to 𝑥 = 2,
increasing from 𝑥 = 2 to 𝑥 = 4 and constant to the right of 𝑥 = 4.

Figure

4
 DEFINITION

A “ CRITICAL NUMBER” of a function ‘𝑓’ is a number ‘𝑐’ in

the domain of ‘𝑓’ such that either 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 = 0 or 𝑓′(𝑐) doesn't
exist.
EXAMPLE:
3Τ
Find the Critical numbers of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 5 (4 − 𝑥)
3 −2Τ 3Τ
Solution: 𝑓′ 𝑥 = 𝑥 5 (4 − 𝑥) + 𝑥 5 (−1)
5

3(4−𝑥) 3Τ 3 4−𝑥 −5𝑥 12−8𝑥

= 2ൗ −𝑥 5 = 2ൗ = 2ൗ
5 (𝑥 5 ) 5𝑥 5 5𝑥 5

3
Therefore 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 0 if 12 − 8𝑥 = 0 that is 𝑥 = and 𝑓′(𝑥) doesn’t
2
exist when 𝑥 = 0. Thus, the critical numbers are (0 , 3Τ2).
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 THEOREM
(TEST FOR INCREASING AND DECREASING)

Let 𝑓 be a function that is continuous on a closed interval

[ 𝑎 , 𝑏] and differentiable on the open interval (𝑎 , 𝑏 ).

a) If 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 > 0 on an interval, then 𝑓 is increasing on that

interval.

b) If 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 < 0 on an interval, then f is decreasing on an

interval.

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EXAMPLE - 1: Find the intervals on which 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 is
increasing and the intervals on which it is decreasing.
Sol: 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 0 ⇒ 3 𝑥 2 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 = 0

Thus

𝑓′ 𝑥 > 0 if 𝑥<0
𝑓′ 𝑥 > 0 if 0<𝑥 ⇒ 𝑥>0
⇒ 𝑓 is increasing on (−∞ , 0)
and
𝑓 is increasing on ( 0 , +∞).

7
EXAMPLE - 2:
Find the intervals on which 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3 is
increasing and the intervals on which it is decreasing.
Sol: 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4 = 2(𝑥 − 2)
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 0 ⇒ 2 𝑥 − 2 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 = 2

Thus

𝑓′ 𝑥 < 0 if 𝑥<2
𝑓′ 𝑥 > 0 if 2 < 𝑥 ⇒ 𝑥 >2
⇒ 𝑓 is decreasing on (−∞ , 2)
and
𝑓 is increasing on (2 , +∞).
8
EXAMPLE - 3:
Find where the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 −12𝑥 2 + 5 is
increasing and where it is decreasing.
Solution: 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 −12𝑥 2 + 5
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 12𝑥 3 −12𝑥 2 −24𝑥
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 12𝑥 (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2)
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 12𝑥 (𝑥 − 2) (𝑥 + 1)
Thus, if 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 0,
we have 𝑥 = 0 , 𝑥 = 2 , 𝑥 = −1.
These are the critical numbers.
Intervals 𝟏𝟐𝒙 (𝒙 − 𝟐) (𝒙 + 𝟏) 𝒇′ 𝒙 Result
(behavior of 𝒇′ 𝒙 )
𝑥 < −1 − − − − Decreasing on (−∞, −1)

−1 < 𝑥 < 0 − − + + increasing on (−1, 0)

0<𝑥<2 + − + − Decreasing on (0,2)
𝑥 >2 + + + + increasing on (2, ∞)
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EXAMPLE - 4:
Find the intervals on which 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 4 + 4𝑥 3 −12𝑥 2 + 2 is
increasing and where it is decreasing.
Solution: 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 4 + 4𝑥 3 −12𝑥 2 + 2
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 12𝑥 3 + 12𝑥 2 −24𝑥
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 12𝑥(𝑥 2 +𝑥 − 2)
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 12𝑥 (𝑥 + 2) (𝑥 − 1)
Thus, if 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 0,
we have 𝑥 = 0 , 𝑥 = −2 , 𝑥 = 1.
These are the critical numbers.
Intervals 𝟏𝟐𝒙 (𝒙 + 𝟐) (𝒙 − 𝟏) 𝒇′ 𝒙 Result
(behavior of 𝒇′ 𝒙 )
𝑥 < −2 − − − − Decreasing on (−∞, −2)

−2 < 𝑥 < 0 − + − + increasing on (−2, 0)

0<𝑥<1 + + − − Decreasing on (0,1)
𝑥>1 + + + + increasing on (1, ∞)
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 LOCAL MAXIMUM & LOCAL MINIMUM

Local maximum and minimum are the points of the

functions, which give the maximum and minimum range.
The local maxima and minima are the input values for
which the function gives the maximum and minimum
output values, respectively.

In the graph, local

maximum will be the
highest point while
local minimum is the
lowest point on the
graph around the
point.

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 LOCAL MAXIMUM & LOCAL MINIMUM

The function equation or the graphs are not sufficiently

useful to find the local maxima and local minima points.
The derivative of the function is very helpful in finding the
local maximum and local minimum of the function.

The local maxima and local minima can be computed by

finding the derivative of the function. The first derivative
test and the second derivative test are the two important
methods of finding the local maximum and local minimum.

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 THE FIRST DERIVATIVE TEST
Suppose ‘𝑐’ is a critical number of a continuous function 𝑓.
a) If 𝑓′(𝑥) changes from “+ive” to “−ive” at 𝑐,
then 𝑓 is local maximum at 𝑐.
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 > 0 for 𝑥 < 𝑐 and
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 < 0 for 𝑥 > 𝑐

b) If 𝑓′(𝑥) changes from “−ive” to “+ive” at 𝑐,

then 𝑓 is local maximum at 𝑐.
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 < 0 for 𝑥 < 𝑐 and
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 > 0 for 𝑥 > 𝑐

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c) If 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 doesn’t change sign at 𝑐 (that is 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 is
“+ive” on both side or “−ive” on both sides), then
𝑓(𝑥) has no local maximum or minimum at 𝑐.
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 > 0 or 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 < 0 ∀ 𝑥

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 EXAMPLE:
Find the local Minimum and Maximum values of ‘𝑓’ in
Example 3 and 4 given on slides - 8 and 9.
Solution:
a) EXAMPLE 3:
Given on slide -8 we see from the table that
1. 𝑓′(𝑥) changes from “− ive” to “+ive” at 𝑥 = −1 so
𝑓 −1 = 0 is a local Minimum value.
2. 𝑓′(𝑥) changes from “+ive” to “− ive” at 𝑥 = 0 so
𝑓 0 = 5 is a local Maximum value.
3. 𝑓′(𝑥) changes from “− ive” to “+ive” at 𝑥 = 2 so
𝑓 2 = −27 is a local Minimum value.

So 𝑓 −1 = 0 and 𝑓 2 = −27 are local Minimum.

and 𝑓 0 = 5 is a local Maximum.
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 b. EXAMPLE 4:
Given on Slide -9 we see from the table that

1. 𝑓′(𝑥) changes from “− ive” to “+ive” at 𝑥 = −2

so 𝑓 −2 = −30 is a local Minimum value.
2. 𝑓′(𝑥) changes from “+ive” to “− ive” at 𝑥 = 0 so
𝑓 0 = 2 is a local Maximum value.
3. 𝑓′(𝑥) changes from “− ive” to “+ive” at 𝑥 = 1 so
𝑓 1 = −3 is a local Minimum value.

So 𝑓 −2 = −30 and 𝑓 1 = −3 are local Minimum at

𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = 1.
and 𝑓 0 = 2 is a local Maximum at 𝑥 = 0.

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 EXAMPLE: Find the relative extreme values of
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 8𝑥 3 + 22𝑥 2 − 24𝑥 + 1
Solution:

Try
Yourself

Relative extreme means local Maximum and Minimum Value.

Answer:
𝑥 = 1 and 3 Relative Minimum
𝑥=2 Relative Maximum
𝑓 1 = −8 and 𝑓 3 = 17 Relative Minimum
𝑓 2 = −7 Relative Maximum

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 THE 2nd DERIVATIVE TEST
Suppose 𝑓 ′′ is continuous near ‘𝑐’.
a) If 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 = 0 and 𝑓 ′′ 𝑐 > 0, then𝑓(𝑥)has local minimum at 𝑐.
b) If 𝑓 ′ 𝑐 = 0 and 𝑓 ′′ 𝑐 < 0, then 𝑓(𝑥)has local maximum at 𝑐.

EXAMPLE:
Find the 𝑙ocal Maximum and Minimum 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 using 2nd
Derivative test.
Solution: 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 4𝑥 3 −12𝑥 2
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 4𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 3)
𝑓′′ 𝑥 = 12𝑥 (𝑥 − 2)
To find the critical number we set 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 0 and obtain 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 3.
Now when 𝑥 = 0 𝑓 ′′ 0 = 0 and
when 𝑥 = 3 𝑓 ′′ 3 = 12(3)(3 − 2) = 36 > 0
⇒ 𝑓 ′′ 3 > 0 and 𝑓 3 = −27 is a local Minimum value. The 2nd
derivative test gives no information at 𝑥 = 0.
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 CONCAVITY
Although the sign of the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) reveals where the
graph of 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing or decreasing, it doesn’t reveal the
direction of curvature.
For example:
The graph is increasing on both sides
of the point in Figure, but on the left
side it has an upward curvature (holds
water) and on the right side it has a
downward curvature (spills water) on
the intervals where the graph of 𝑓 has
upward curvature we say that ‘𝑓’ is
concave up, and on intervals where
the graph has downward curvature, we
say that 𝑓 is concave down.
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 THEOREM (CONCAVITY TEST)

Let ‘𝑓(𝑥)’ be twice differentiable on an open interval.

a) If 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 > 0 for all values of 𝑥 in the open interval, then

𝑓(𝑥) is concave up on that interval.

b) If 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 < 0 for all values of 𝑥 in the open interval, then

𝑓(𝑥) is concave down on that interval.

REMARK:

In view of concavity test, there is a point of inflection at any

point, where the second derivative changes sign.
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 POINTS OF INFLECTION (DEFINITION)

A point 𝑥 = 𝑐 on a curve 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is called a point of

inflection if 𝑓(𝑥) is concave up on one side of 𝑐 and concave
down on the other side of 𝑐 and 𝑓 is continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑐.

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EXAMPLE: Discuss the curve y = 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 with respect to
concavity and the points of inflection.
Solution: If 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 4𝑥 3 −12𝑥 2
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 4𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 3)
𝑓′′ 𝑥 = 12𝑥 (𝑥 − 2)
𝑓′′ 𝑥 = 0
⇒ 12𝑥 (𝑥 − 2) = 0
⇒ 𝑥 = 0 ,𝑥 = 2
Intervals 𝟏𝟐𝒙 (𝒙 − 𝟐) 𝒇′′ 𝒙 Result
′′
(behavior of 𝒇 𝒙 )

𝑥<0 − − + upward (−∞, 0)

0<𝑥<2 + − − downward (0, 2)
𝑥>2 + + + upward (2, ∞)

Concavity upward on the interval (-∞ , 0) and (2 , ∞).

Concavity downward on the interval (0 , 2). 22
EXAMPLE: Using 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 and 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 to Graph 𝑓 𝑥
Sketch the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 10
using the following step
a) Identify where the extrema of ƒ occur.
b) Find the intervals on which ƒ is increasing and the
intervals on which ƒ is decreasing.
c) Find where the graph of ƒ is concave up and where it is
concave down.
d) Sketch the general shape of the graph for ƒ.
SOLUTION:
Calculating the 1st and 2nd Derivatives of ‘𝑓’ we obtain
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 4𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 = 4𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 3)
𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 12𝑥 2 − 24𝑥 = 12𝑥(𝑥 − 2)
The sign analysis of these derivatives is shown in the
following tables
23
The sign analysis of these derivatives is shown in the following tables
Intervals 𝒇′ 𝒙 Result
(behavior of 𝒇′ 𝒙 )

𝑥<0 − 𝑓 is decreasing on (−∞, 0)

0<𝑥<3 − 𝑓 is decreasing on (0, 3)
𝑥>3 + 𝑓 is increasing on (3, ∞)

Using the First Derivative Test for local extrema and the table above,
we see that there is no extremum at 𝑥 = 0 and a local minimum at
𝑥 = 3.
Concavity
Intervals 𝒇′′ 𝒙 Result
(behavior of 𝒇′′ 𝒙 )

𝑥<0 + 𝑓 concave up on (−∞, 0)

0<𝑥<2 − 𝑓 concave down on (0, 3)
𝑥>2 + 𝑓 is concave up on (3, ∞)
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 Summarizing the information in the two tables above, we obtain
Intervals Result

𝑥<0 𝑓 is decreasing and

concave up
0<𝑥<2 𝑓 is decreasing and
and Concave down
2<𝑥<3 𝑓 is decreasing
and Concave up
𝑥>3 𝑓 is increasing
and Concave up

The general shape of the curve is

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 EXAMPLE:
Discuss the curve y = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 1 with respect to
increasing , decreasing , concave up and concave
downward. Locate all inflection points.
Solution: Calculating the 1st and 2nd Derivatives of ‘𝑓 ′ we
obtain
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 = 3𝑥(𝑥 − 2)
𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 6𝑥 − 6 = 6(𝑥 − 1)
The sign analysis of these derivatives is shown in the following
tables
Intervals 3𝒙 (𝒙 − 𝟐) 𝒇′ 𝒙 Result
(behavior of 𝒇′ 𝒙 )

𝑥<0 − − + f is increasing on (−∞, 0)

0<𝑥<2 + − − f is decreasing on (0, 2)
𝑥>2 + + + f is increasing on (2, ∞)
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 EXAMPLE(cont.)
Intervals 6(𝒙 − 𝟏) 𝒇′′ 𝒙 Result
(behavior of 𝒇′′ 𝒙 )

𝑥<1 − − f is concave down on (−∞, 1)

𝑥>1 + + f is concave up on (1, ∞)

Since 𝑓 changes from concave

down to concave up at 𝑥 = 1.
The inflection point is
1 , 𝑓 1 = (1, −1)

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 EXAMPLE:
Find the intervals for which the curve 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 𝑒 −𝑥 is
increasing , decreasing , concave up and concave down.
Locate all inflection points.
Solution: Calculating the 1st and 2nd Derivatives of 𝑓, we
obtain
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 1 − 𝑥 𝑒 −𝑥
𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 2 𝑒 −𝑥
Keeping in mind that 𝑒 −𝑥 is positive for all 𝑥, the sign analysis
of these derivatives is easily determined:
Intervals (𝟏 − 𝒙) 𝑒 −𝑥 (behavior of 𝒇 ′ 𝒙 ) Result

𝑥<1 (+) (+) + f is increasing on (−∞, 1)

𝑥>1 (−) (+) − f is decreasing on (1, ∞)

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 EXAMPLE (cont.)

Concavity
Intervals (𝒙 − 𝟐) 𝑒 −𝑥 𝒇 ′′ 𝒙 Result
′′
(behavior of 𝒇 𝒙 )

𝑥<2 − + − f is concave down on (−∞, 2)

𝑥>2 + + + f is concave up on(2, ∞)

Since 𝑓 changes from concave down to concave up at 𝑥 = 2

so there is a point of inflection.

29
 EXAMPLE: Find the intervals for which the curve
𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 6𝑥 3 + 12𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 7
i. Face up
ii. Face down
Solution:
Try Yourself

ANSWER: Face up (−∞ , 1) and ( 2 , ∞ )

Face down ( 1 , 2 ).
30
 EXAMPLE:
2 4
Find the point of inflection of the curve 𝑦 = −
𝑥 𝑥2
Solution:
2 4
𝑓(𝑥) = − 2
𝑥 𝑥
′ −2 8
𝑓 𝑥 = 2+ 3
𝑥 𝑥
′′ 4 24 4 (𝑥−6)
𝑓 𝑥 = 3− 4=
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥4
Now 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 0 when 𝑥 = 6
When 𝑥 < 6 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 < 0 and
𝑥 > 6 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 > 0

Thus, the concavity of 𝑓(𝑥) changes at 𝑥 = 6.

2
Therefore ( 6 , ) is a point of infection.
9
31
 MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM VALUE
Definition:
A function 𝑓(𝑥) has an absolute maximum (or global maximum) at 𝑐 if

𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 𝑓 𝑐 for all x in D, where D is the domain of function.

The number 𝑓(𝑐) is called the maximum value of 𝑓on 𝐷.

Similarly, absolute minimum at 𝑐 if
𝑓 𝑐 ≤𝑓 𝑥 for all 𝑥 on 𝐷
The Maximum and Minimum value of 𝑓 are called the “extreme
values” of 𝑓
Figure shows the graph of a function
‘𝑓’ with absolute maximum at 𝑑 and
absolute minimum at 𝑎. Note that
(𝑑 , 𝑓 𝑑 ) is the highest point on the
graph and (𝑎 , 𝑓 𝑎 ) is the lowest
point.
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 THE CLOSED INTERVAL METHOD

To find the absolute maximum and minimum values of a

continuous function ‘𝑓’ on a closed interval
[a , b].

1. Find the values of ‘𝑓’ at a critical numbers of ‘𝑓’ in

[a , b].
2. Find the values of ‘ 𝑓 ’ at the endpoints of the
intervals.
3. The largest of the values from step 1 and 2 is the
absolute maximum value, the smallest of these values
is the absolute minimum value.

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 EXAMPLE:
Find the absolute maximum and minimum values of
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 on [−2 , 1 ]
Solution:
The function is differentiable over its entire domain, so the only
critical point is where 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 2𝑥 = 0, namely 𝑥 = 0.

We need to check the functions values at 𝑥 = 0 and at the end

points 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = 1.

Critical point value = 𝑓 0 = 0

End point value = 𝑓 −2 = 4 , 𝑓 1 = 1

The function has an absolute maximum value of 4 at 𝑥 = −2

and an absolute minimum value of 0 at 𝑥 = 0.
34
 EXAMPLE:
2Τ
If 𝑓 𝑥 = (𝑥 − 1) 3 + 2. Find the maximum and minimum
values of ‘𝑓’ on the interval [ 0 , 9 ].
Solution:
2 −1Τ 2
𝑓′ 𝑥 = (𝑥 − 1) 3 = 1 provided 𝑥 ≠ 1
3 3(𝑥−1) ൗ3

Thus ‘1’ is only critical number b/c 𝑓′(1) is undefined.

So 𝑓 1 = 2 , 𝑓 0 = 3 , 𝑓 9 = 6

Thus ‘𝑓’ has min value 𝑓 1 = 2.

‘𝑓’ has max value 𝑓 9 = 6.

35
 EXAMPLE:
Find the absolute extrema values of 𝑔 𝑡 where
𝑔 𝑡 = 8𝑡 − 𝑡 4 on [-2 , 1].
Solution:
The function is differentiable on its entire domain so, the
only critical points occur where
1Τ
𝑔′ 𝑡 =0 ⇒8− 4𝑡 3 =0⇒ 𝑡3 = 2 ⇒ 𝑡 = (2) 3

𝑎 point not in the given domain. The functions local extrema

therefore occur at the endpoints, where we find

𝑔 −2 = −32 (Absolute Minimum)

𝑔 1 =7 (Absolute Maximum)
36
EXAMPLE:
Find the absolute maximum and minimum value of the
function f 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 2 sin 𝑥 0 < 𝑥 < 2𝜋

Solution: (Try Yourself)

Critical Points is 𝜋Τ3 or 5𝜋Τ3

Absolute Minimum = 𝑓 𝜋Τ3 = 𝜋Τ3 − 3
Absolute Maximum = 𝑓 5𝜋Τ3 = 5𝜋Τ3 + 3

37
 EXERCISE
Question-1
i. A sign chart is presented for the 1st and 2nd derivatives of a
function 𝑓. Assuming that 𝑓 is continuous everywhere, find
a) The intervals on which 𝑓 is increasing.
b) The intervals on which 𝑓 is decreasing.
c) The open intervals on which 𝑓 is concave up.
d) The open intervals on which 𝑓 is concave down.
e) The 𝑥-coordinates of all inflection points.

Interval Sign of 𝒇′(𝒙) Sign of 𝒇′′(𝒙)

𝑥<1 − +
1<𝑥<2 + +
2<𝑥<3 + −
3<𝑥<4 − −
𝑥>4 − + 38
ii. A sign chart is presented for the 1st and 2nd derivatives of a
function 𝑓. Assuming that 𝑓 is continuous everywhere, find
a) The intervals on which 𝑓 is increasing.
b) The intervals on which 𝑓 is decreasing.
c) The open intervals on which 𝑓 is concave up.
d) The open intervals on which 𝑓 is concave down.
e) The 𝑥-coordinates of all inflection points.

Interval Sign of 𝒇′(𝒙) Sign of 𝒇′′(𝒙)

𝑥<1 + +
1<𝑥<3 + −
𝑥>3 + +

39
 Question-2
Find
a) The intervals on which 𝑓 is increasing.
b) The intervals on which 𝑓 is decreasing.
c) The open intervals on which 𝑓 is concave up.
d) The open intervals on which 𝑓 is concave down.
e) The 𝑥-coordinates of all inflection points.
A. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 8
B. 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 − 4𝑥 − 𝑥 2
C. 𝑓 𝑥 = (2𝑥 + 1)3
D. 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 + 12𝑥 − 𝑥 3
E. 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3
F. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 5𝑥 3 + 9𝑥 2
𝑥
G. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 +2
2Τ
H. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 𝑥 3
4Τ 1Τ
I. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 𝑥 3
3

J. 𝑓 𝑥 = 12 𝑥 5 − 45𝑥 4 + 40𝑥 3 + 6 40
Question-3
Find all critical points of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 + 1.
Question-4
5Τ 2Τ
Find all critical points of 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 − 15𝑥 3 .
3

Question-5
Find the relative extrema of 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 5 − 5𝑥 3 .
Question-6
Use both the first and 2nd derivative tests to show that
𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 1 has a relative minimum at 𝑥 = 1.
Question-7
Use both the 1st and 2nd derivative tests to show that
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 + 3 has a relative minimum at 𝑥 = 1 and
a relative maximum at 𝑥 = −1.
41
 Question-8
Use any method to find the relative extrema of the function 𝑓
1. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 𝑥 + 1 2
2. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 𝑥 + 1 3
3. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 𝑥 − 4 3
1Τ
4. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 3𝑥 3
𝑥+3
5. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥−2
Question-9
Use the given derivative to find all critical points of 𝑓 and at each
critical point determine whether a relative maximum, relative
minimum or neither occurs.
1. 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 𝑥 3 − 5
2. 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 4𝑥 3 − 9𝑥
2−3𝑥
3. 𝑓′ 𝑥 = 3
𝑥+2

𝑥 2 −7
4. 𝑓′ 𝑥 = 3
𝑥 2 +4 42
Question-10

Find the absolute maximum and minimum of 𝑓 on the given

interval.
i. 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 − 6𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 3 −3 , 1
2Τ
ii. 𝑓 𝑥 = 1 − 𝑥 3 −1 , 8
iii. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 4 − 5𝑥 2 + 4 0,2
iv. 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 10𝑥 + 7 [−1 , 3]

43