Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Solutions to Exercise 4A
1a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 at the points 𝐴, 𝐺 and 𝐼 because the slope of the tangent line is positive
at 𝐴, 𝐺 and 𝐼.

1b 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 at the points 𝐶 and 𝐸 because the slope of the tangent line is negative
at 𝐶 and 𝐸.

1c 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 at the points 𝐵, 𝐷, 𝐹 and 𝐻 because the slope of the tangent line is zero
at the points 𝐵, 𝐷, 𝐹 and 𝐻.

2a 𝑦 = −5𝑥 + 2
𝑑𝑦
= −5
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
Hence, 𝑑𝑥 < 0 for all 𝑥 ∈ ℝ.

Therefore, 𝑦 = −5𝑥 + 2 is decreasing for all 𝑥.

2b 𝑦 =𝑥+7
𝑑𝑦
=1
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
Hence, 𝑑𝑥 > 0 for all 𝑥 ∈ ℝ.

Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 7 is increasing for all 𝑥.

2c 𝑦 = 𝑥3
𝑑𝑦
= 3𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
Hence, 𝑑𝑥 > 0 for all 𝑥 in ℝ except 0 and = 0 for 𝑥 = 0.
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 is increasing in ℝ\{0} and stationary at 𝑥 = 0.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
2d = 6𝑥 and 𝑑𝑥 = 0 when 6𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 0
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
The sign table for 𝑑𝑥 is shown below.

𝑥 −1 0 +1

𝑑𝑦 − 0 +
𝑑𝑥

Minimum
𝑦 \ turning /
point

Therefore, 𝑦 is stationary at 𝑥 = 0 and increasing for 𝑥 > 0.

𝑑𝑦 1 𝑑𝑦
2e =2 and 𝑑𝑥 is never zero.
𝑑𝑥 √𝑥
𝑑𝑦
The sign table for 𝑑𝑥 is shown below.

𝑥 𝑥>0

𝑑𝑦 +
𝑑𝑥

𝑦 /

Therefore, 𝑦 is increasing for 𝑥 > 0.

𝑑𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦
2f = −2 × 𝑥 −3 = − and is never zero.
𝑑𝑥 𝑥3 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
The sign table for 𝑑𝑥 is shown below.

𝑥 −1 0 +1

𝑑𝑦 + undefined −
𝑑𝑥

𝑦 / undefined \

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Therefore, 𝑦 is undefined at 𝑥 = 0 , increasing for 𝑥 < 0 and decreasing for 𝑥 > 0.

3a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 4 − 2𝑥

3b i The sign table for 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) is shown below.

𝑥 1 2 3

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) + 0 −

𝑦 / Maximum \
turning
point

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 when 𝑥 < 2

3b ii 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 when 𝑥 > 2 (as shown in 3bi)

3b iii 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when 4 − 2𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2

3c 𝑓(2) = 4 × (2) − (2)2 = 4 when 𝑥 = 2. Therefore, (2, 4) is the maximum

turning point.
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) is shown below.

4a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

4b i The sign table for 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) is shown below.

𝑥 −1 0 1 2 3

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) + 0 − 0 +

Maximum Minimum
𝑦 / turning \ turning /
point point

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 when 𝑥 < 0 or 𝑥 > 2

4b ii 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 when 0 < 𝑥 < 2 (as shown in 4bi)

4b iii 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 = 0

3𝑥(𝑥 − 2) = 0
𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2

4c 𝑓(0) = (0)3 − 3(0)2 + 5 = 5 when 𝑥 = 0. Therefore, (0, 5) is the maximum

turning point.
𝑓(2) = (2)3 − 3(2)2 + 5 = 1 when 𝑥 = 2. Therefore, (2, 1) is the minimum
turning point.

3
5a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −3 × (−1) × 𝑥 −2 = 𝑥 2

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 for all 𝑥. Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing for all 𝑥 in its domain.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

5b The function is not continuous at 𝑥 = 0,

𝑓(𝑥) > 0 for 𝑥 < 0 and 𝑓(𝑥) < 0 for 𝑥 > 0 as shown in the below graph of 𝑓(𝑥).

6a 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1
𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 − 4
𝑦 ′ > 0 when 2𝑥 − 4 > 0 or 𝑥 > 2
Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1 is increasing when 𝑥 > 2.

6b 𝑦 = 7 − 6𝑥 − 𝑥 2
𝑦 ′ = −6 − 2𝑥
𝑦 ′ > 0 when −6 − 2𝑥 > 0 or −6 > 2𝑥 or 𝑥 < −3
Therefore, 𝑦 = 7 − 6𝑥 − 𝑥 2 is increasing when 𝑥 < −3.

6c 𝑦 = 2𝑥 3 − 6𝑥
𝑦 ′ = 6𝑥 2 − 6
𝑦 ′ > 0 when 6𝑥 2 − 6 > 0
6𝑥 2 > 6
𝑥2 > 1
or 𝑥 < −1 or 𝑥 > 1
Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1 is increasing when 𝑥 < −1 or 𝑥 > 1.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

6d 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 7
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥
𝑦 ′ > 0 when 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 > 0
3𝑥(𝑥 − 2) > 0
or 𝑥 < 0 or 𝑥 > 2
Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1 is increasing when 𝑥 < 0 or 𝑥 > 2.

𝑑𝑦 1
7a = 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 1 = (3𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1) = 0 when 𝑥 = − 3 or 𝑥 = 1
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 −1 1 0 1 2
−
3
𝑑𝑦 + 0 − 0 +
𝑑𝑥

Maximum Minimum
𝑦 / turning \ turning /
point point

1
As shown on the above table, 𝑦 is decreasing for − 3 < 𝑥 < 1

𝑑𝑦
7b = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 24 = 3(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 4) = 0 when 𝑥 = −2 or 𝑥 = 4
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 −3 −2 0 4 5

𝑑𝑦 + 0 − 0 +
𝑑𝑥

Maximum Minimum
𝑦 / turning \ turning /
point point

As shown on the above table, 𝑦 is increasing for 𝑥 < −2 or 𝑥 > 4

1
8a 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 7 then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 5

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

8b 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 5 − 4 + 4
= 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1 + 4
= (𝑥 + 1)2 + 4
Since 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 for all 𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing for all 𝑥

1
8c 𝑓(−3) = 3 (−3)3 + (−3)2 + 5 × (−3) + 7 = −9 + 9 − 15 + 7 = −8
1
𝑓(0) = 3 (0)3 + (0)2 + 5 × (0) + 7 = 7

𝑓(−3) = −8, 𝑓(0) = 7 and 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing for all 𝑥.

Hence the curve crosses the 𝑥-axis exactly once between 𝑥 = −3 and 𝑥 = 0 and
nowhere else.

2𝑥
9a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−3 where 𝑥 ≠ 3

2 × (𝑥 − 3) − (2𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 − 3)2
2𝑥 − 6 − 2𝑥
=
(𝑥 − 3)2
6
=−
(𝑥 − 3)2
Since (𝑥 − 3)2 > 0, 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 for all 𝑥 ≠ 3

𝑥3
9b 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 +1

3𝑥 2 (𝑥 2 + 1) − 𝑥 3 (2𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 2 + 1)2
𝑥 2 (𝑥 2 + 3)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 2 + 1)2
𝑥3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 for all 𝑥 ≠ 0 and 𝑓 ′ (0) = 0. Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 +1 is increasing for
𝑥 ≠ 0 and stationary for 𝑥 = 0.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

10a Since 𝑓(1) = 0 and 𝑓(−3) = 0, the 𝑥-intercepts are (1, 0) and (−3, 0).
Since 𝑓 ′ (−1) = 0 , and 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 when 𝑥 < −1 and 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 when 𝑥 > −1,
there is a maximum turning point at 𝑥 = −1.
Therefore, a possible graph is:

10b Since 𝑓 ′ (0) = 0 , 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 when 𝑥 < 0 and 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 when 𝑥 > 0 there is a
minimum turning point at 𝑥 = 0. There is no 𝑥-intercept because 𝑓(𝑥) > 0 for all
𝑥. Therefore, a possible graph is:

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

10c Since 𝑓(3) = 0, (3, 0) is an 𝑥-intercept. Since 𝑓(𝑥) is odd, 𝑓(−𝑥) = −𝑓(𝑥).
Hence, 𝑓(−3) = −𝑓(3). Therefore, 𝑓(−3) = 0 and (−3, 0) is an 𝑥-intercept.
Since 𝑓 ′ (1) = 0 , and 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 when 𝑥 > 1 and 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 when 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 1,
there is a minimum turning point at 𝑥 = 1. Therefore, there is a maximum
turning point at 𝑥 = −1.

11a III (If the function is a parabola then the first derivative is a linear function.)

11b I (As 𝑥 → 0− , 𝑓(𝑥) → ∞ and so does the first derivative.)

11c IV (The function has a stationary point at 𝑥 = 0 and the function has stationary
point of inflection at 𝑥 = −𝑎 and 𝑥 = 𝑎 where 𝑎 > 0.)

11d II (The function has a stationary point of inflection at 𝑥 = 0.)

12a From the graph of the function, (a horizontal line), we see that as x changes, y
remains constant.
The function can be expressed in the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏.

Hence f   x   0 over its domain.

So the graph of y  f   x  i.e. y  0 is shown below.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

12b From the graph of the function (a straight line with positive gradient), we see
that as x increases, y increases.

The function can be expressed in the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where m  0 .

Hence f   x   m over its domain.

So the graph of y  f   x  i.e. f   x   m where m  0 is shown below.

12c From the graph of the function (a straight line with negative gradient), we see
that as x increases, y decreases.

The function can be expressed in the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where m  0 .

Hence f   x   m over its domain.

So the graph of y  f   x  i.e. f   x   m where m  0 is shown below.

12d The graph of the function is decreasing for x  0 , is stationary at x  0 and is

increasing for x  0 .

f   x   0 for x  0 , f   x   0 at x  0 and f   x   0 for x  0

So the graph of y  f   x  is shown below.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

12e The graph of the function is increasing for x  0 , is stationary at x  0 and

increasing for x  0 .

f   x   0 for x  0 , f   x   0 at x  0 and f   x   0 for x  0

So the graph of y  f   x  is shown below.

12f The graph of the function is increasing for x  a , is stationary at x  a , is

decreasing for a  x  b , is stationary at x  b and increasing for x  b .

f   x   0 for x  a , f   x   0 at x  a , f   x   0 for a  x  b , f   x   0 at x  b
and f   x   0 for x  b

So the graph of y  f   x  is shown below.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

12g The graph of the function is decreasing for x  c , is stationary at x  c , is

increasing for c  x  d , is stationary at x  d , is decreasing for d  x  e , is
stationary at x  e and increasing for x  e .

f   x   0 for x  c , f   x   0 at x  c , f   x   0 for c  x  d , f   x   0 at x  d ,
f   x   0 for d  x  e , f   x   0 at x  e and f   x   0 for x  e

So the graph of y  f   x  is shown below.

12h The graph of the function is increasing for x  0 and increasing for x  0 .

f   x   0 for x  0 and f   x   0 for x  0

So the graph of y  f   x  is shown below.

13
𝑑𝑦 2𝑥 × (2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1) − 𝑥 2 × (4𝑥 + 1)
=
𝑑𝑥 (2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1)2
4𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 4𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2
=
(2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1)2

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑥 2 + 2𝑥
=
(2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1)2
𝑥(𝑥 + 2)
=
(2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1)2
𝑑𝑦 𝑥(𝑥+2)
= 0 when (2𝑥 2 +𝑥+1)2 = 0 or 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = −2
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 −3 −2 −1 0 1

𝑑𝑦 + 0 − 0 +
𝑑𝑥

Maximum Minimum
𝑦 / turning \ turning /
point point

As shown on the above table, 𝑦 is decreasing for −2 < 𝑥 < 0

−2𝑥×(𝑥 2 +1)−(1−𝑥2 )×2𝑥 −2𝑥 3 −2𝑥−2𝑥+2𝑥 3 −4𝑥

14a i 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (𝑥 2 +1)2
= (𝑥 2 +1)2
= (𝑥 2
+1)2

1−(0)2
14a ii 𝑓(0) = (0)2 +1 = 1

1−(−𝑥)2 1−𝑥 2
14a iii 𝑓(−𝑥) = (−𝑥)2 +1 = 𝑥 2 +1 = 𝑓(𝑥). Since 𝑓(−𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥), 𝑓(𝑥) is an even function.

14b 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when 𝑥 = 0

𝑥 −1 0 1

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) + 0 −

𝑦 / Maximum \
turning
point

As shown in the above table, (0, 1) is a maximum turning point and

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1−𝑥 2
since lim = −1, 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 1 for all 𝑥 ∈ ℝ.
𝑥→±∞ 𝑥 2 +1

15a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = −2 or 𝑥 = 1. Therefore, the graph of 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) cuts the

𝑥-axis at (−2, 0), (0, 0) and (1, 0)

𝑓 ′ (−3) = −(−3) × ((−3) + 2) × ((−3) − 1) = 12.

Therefore, 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 for 𝑥 < −2

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 for −2 < 𝑥 < 0
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 for 0 < 𝑥 < 1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 for 𝑥 > 1 as shown in the below graph.

15b
𝑥 −3 −2 −1 0 1 1 2
2

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) + 0 − 0 + 0 −

Maximum Minimum Maximum

𝑓(𝑥) / turning \ turning / turning \
point point point

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

As shown in the above table, the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) is,

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Solutions to Exercise 4B
1a 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 8
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑥 − 6
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when 2𝑥 − 6 = 0 or 𝑥 = 3
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, 𝑥 = 3 is the 𝑥-coordinate of the stationary point of 𝑦.

1b 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑥 + 4
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when 2𝑥 + 4 = 0 or 𝑥 = −2
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, 𝑥 = −2 is the 𝑥-coordinate of the stationary point of 𝑦.

1c 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 3𝑥 2 − 3
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when 3𝑥 2 − 3 = 0
𝑑𝑥

𝑥2 = 1
𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 1
Therefore, 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 1 are the 𝑥-coordinates of the stationary points of 𝑦.

2a 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 7
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑥 − 4
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when 2𝑥 − 4 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, 𝑥 = 2 is the 𝑥-coordinate of the stationary point.

For 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 22 − 4 × 2 + 7 = 3.
Therefore, the coordinates of the stationary point are (2, 3).

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

2b 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 16
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑥 − 8
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when 2𝑥 − 8 = 0 or 𝑥 = 4
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, 𝑥 = 4 is the 𝑥-coordinate of the stationary point.

For 𝑥 = 4, 𝑦 = 42 − 8 × 4 + 16 = 0.
Therefore, the coordinates of the stationary point are (4, 0).

2c 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 1
𝑑𝑦
= 6𝑥 − 6
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when 6𝑥 − 6 = 0 or 𝑥 = 1
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, 𝑥 = 1 is the 𝑥-coordinate of the stationary point.

For 𝑥 = 1, 𝑦 = 3 × 12 − 6 × 1 + 1 = −2.
Therefore, the coordinates of the stationary point are (1, −2).

2d 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1
𝑑𝑦
= −2𝑥 + 2
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when −2𝑥 + 2 = 0 or 𝑥 = 1
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, 𝑥 = 1 is the 𝑥-coordinate of the stationary point.

For 𝑥 = 1, 𝑦 = −12 + 2 × 1 − 1 = 0.
Therefore, the coordinates of the stationary point are (1, 0).

2e 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2
𝑑𝑦
= 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 3𝑥(𝑥 − 2)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
= 0 when 3𝑥(𝑥 − 2) = 0. Hence, 𝑑𝑥 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2.
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 2 are the 𝑥-coordinates of the stationary points.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

For 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 03 − 3 × 02 = 0.
Therefore, one of the stationary points is at (0, 0).
For 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 23 − 3 × 22 = −4.
Therefore, the other stationary point is at (2, −4).

2f 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 + 1
𝑑𝑦
= 4𝑥 3 − 4
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 4(𝑥 3 − 1)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when 4(𝑥 3 − 1) = 0 or 𝑥 = 1.
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, 𝑥 = 1 is the 𝑥-coordinate of the stationary point.

For 𝑥 = 1, 𝑦 = 14 − 4 × 1 + 1 = −2.
Therefore, the coordinates of the stationary point are (1, −2).

3a 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3 or 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3)
𝑥-intercepts: 1, 3
𝑦-intercept: 3
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑥 − 4
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when 2𝑥 − 4 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2.
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 1 2 3
𝑦 0 −1 0
slope −2 0 2

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

3b 𝑦 = 12 + 4𝑥 − 𝑥 2 or 𝑦 = −(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 6)
𝑥-intercepts: −2, 6
𝑦-intercept: 12
𝑑𝑦
= 4 − 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when 4 − 2𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2.
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 1 2 3
𝑦 15 16 15
slope 2 0 −2

3c 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8 or 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 4)
𝑥-intercepts: −4, −2
𝑦-intercept: 8
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑥 + 6
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when 2𝑥 + 6 = 0 or 𝑥 = −3.
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 −4 −3 −2
𝑦 0 −1 0
slope −2 0 2

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

3d 𝑦 = 15 − 2𝑥 − 𝑥 2 or 𝑦 = −(𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 3)
𝑥-intercepts: −5, 3
𝑦-intercept: 15
𝑑𝑦
= −2 − 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when −2 − 2𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = −1.
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 −2 −1 0
𝑦 15 16 15
slope 2 0 −2

4a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 2
𝑓 ′ (1) = 2 × 1 − 2 = 0.
Therefore, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = 1.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑥 0 1 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) \ 0 /

Therefore, the stationary point at 𝑥 = 1 is a local minimum.

4b 𝑓(𝑥) = 15 + 2𝑥 − 𝑥 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2 − 2𝑥
𝑓 ′ (1) = 2 − 2 × 1 = 0.
Therefore, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = 1.
𝑥 0 1 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) / 0 \

Therefore, the stationary point at 𝑥 = 1 is a local maximum.

4c 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 + 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 9
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 3)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = −3.
Hence, there are stationary points at both 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = −3.
𝑥 −4 −3 0 1 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) / 0 \ 0 /

Therefore, the stationary point at 𝑥 = 1 is a local minimum.

4d 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3(𝑥 − 1)2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when 𝑥 = 1.
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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Therefore, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = 1.

𝑥 0 1 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) / 0 /

Therefore, the stationary point at 𝑥 = 1 is a stationary or horizontal point of

inflection.

5a 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 12 or 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 2)
𝑥-intercepts: −6, 2
𝑦-intercept: −12
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑥 + 4
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when 2𝑥 + 4 = 0 or 𝑥 = −2.
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = −2.

When 𝑥 = −2, 𝑦 = (−2)2 + 4 × (−2) − 12 = −16
𝑥 −3 −2 0
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) \ 0 /

Therefore, the stationary point at (−2, −16) is a local minimum.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

5b 𝑦 = 5 − 4𝑥 − 𝑥 2 or 𝑦 = −(𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 1)
𝑥-intercepts: −5, 1
𝑦-intercept: 5
𝑑𝑦
= −4 − 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 0 when −4 − 2𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = −2.
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = −2.

When 𝑥 = −2, 𝑦 = 5 − 4 × (−2) − (−2)2 = 9
𝑥 −3 −2 0
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) / 0 \

Therefore, the stationary point at (−2, 9) is a local maximum.

𝑑𝑦
6a 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 then = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 = 3𝑥(𝑥 − 2)
𝑑𝑥

6b 3𝑥(𝑥 − 2) = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2

𝑥 −1 0 1 2 3
𝑑𝑦 + 0 − 0 +
𝑑𝑥
𝑦 / Maximum \ Minimum /
turning point turning point

𝑦 = (0)3 − 3(0)2 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦 = (2)3 − 3(2)2 = −4 when 𝑥 = 2

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Therefore, there is a maximum turning point at (0, 0) and a minimum turning

point at (2, −4).

6c 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 3. So (0, 0) and (3, 0) are the 𝑥-intercepts.

7a 𝑦 = 12𝑥 − 𝑥 3
𝑦 ′ = 12 − 3𝑥 2
𝑦 ′ = 3(4 − 𝑥 2 )
𝑦 ′ = 3(2 − 𝑥)(2 + 𝑥)

7b 𝑦 ′ = 0 when 3(2 − 𝑥)(2 + 𝑥) = 0. So 𝑦 ′ = 0 when 𝑥 = −2 or 𝑥 = 2.

When 𝑥 = −2, 𝑦 = −16 and when 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 16.
𝑥 −3 −2 0 2 3
𝑦 −9 −16 0 16 9
𝑦′ \ 0 / 0 \

Therefore, there is a maximum turning point at (2, 16) and a minimum turning
point at (−2, −16).

7c 𝑦 = 12𝑥 − 𝑥 3
𝑦 = 𝑥(12 − 𝑥 2 )

𝑦 = 𝑥(2√3 + 𝑥)(2√3 − 𝑥)

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑥-intercepts: −2√3, 2√3

𝑦-intercept: 0

8a 𝑦 = 2𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 36𝑥 + 15 and the 𝑦-intercept is (0, 15)

𝑦 ′ = 6𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 36 = 6(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2)
6(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2) = 0 when 𝑥 = −3 and 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 −4 −3 0 2 3
𝑦 79 96 15 −29 −12
𝑦′ + 0 − 0 +
𝑦 / Maximum \ Minimum /
turning point turning point

8b 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 = 𝑥(𝑥 + 2)2 , 𝑥-intercepts are (0, 0) and (−2, 0)

and the 𝑦-intercept is (0, 0).
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 4 = (3𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 2)
2
(3𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 2) = 0 when 𝑥 = − and 𝑥 = −2
3

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑥 −3 −2 −1 2 0
−
3
𝑦 −3 0 −1 32 0
−
27
𝑦′ + 0 − 0 +
𝑦 / Maximum \ Minimum /
turning point turning point

8c 𝑦 = 16 + 4𝑥 3 − 𝑥 4 , and the 𝑦-intercept is (0, 16).

𝑦 ′ = 12𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 3 = 4𝑥 2 (3 − 𝑥)
4𝑥 2 (3 − 𝑥) = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 3
𝑥 −1 0 1 3 4
𝑦 11 16 19 43 16
𝑦′ + 0 + 0 −
𝑦 / Stationary point / Maximum \
of inflection turning point

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

8d 𝑦 = 3𝑥 4 − 16𝑥 3 + 24𝑥 2 + 11, and the 𝑦-intercept is (0, 11).

𝑦 ′ = 12𝑥 3 − 48𝑥 2 + 48𝑥 = 12𝑥(𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4) = 12𝑥(𝑥 − 2)2
4𝑥 2 (3 − 𝑥) = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 3
𝑥 −1 0 1 2 3
𝑦 48 11 22 27 38
𝑦′ − 0 + 0 +
𝑦 \ Minimum / Stationary point /
turning point of inflection

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

9a 𝑦 = 𝑥(𝑥 − 2)3
𝑦 ′ = 1 × (𝑥 − 2)3 + 𝑥 × 3(𝑥 − 2)2 × 1
𝑦 ′ = (𝑥 − 2)3 + 3𝑥(𝑥 − 2)2
𝑦 ′ = (𝑥 − 2)2 [(𝑥 − 2) + 3𝑥]
𝑦 ′ = 2(2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2)2

1
9b 𝑦 ′ = 0 when 2(2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2)2 = 0. So 𝑦 ′ = 0 when 𝑥 = or 𝑥 = 2.
2
1 27
When 𝑥 = 2 , 𝑦 = − 16 and when 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 0.

𝑥 0 1 1 2 3
2
𝑦′ \ 0 / 0 /

1 27
Therefore, (2 , − 16) is a minimum turning point and (2, 0) is a stationary point of
inflection.

9c 𝑦 = 𝑥(𝑥 − 2)3
𝑥-intercepts: 0, 2
𝑦-intercept: 0

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦
10a 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 4)2 then 𝑑𝑥 = 2𝑥 × (𝑥 − 4)2 + 𝑥 2 × 2(𝑥 − 4)

= 2𝑥(𝑥 − 4)((𝑥 − 4) + 𝑥)

= 4𝑥(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 2)
and (0, 0) and (4, 0) are 𝑥-intercepts.

10b 4𝑥(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 2) = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2 or 𝑥 = 4

𝑥 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5
𝑦′ − 0 + 0 − 0 +
𝑦 \ Minimum / 0 \ Maximum /
turning turning
point point

2
𝑦 = (0)2 ((0) − 4) = 0 when 𝑥 = 0, so (0, 0) is the minimum turning point.
2
𝑦 = (2)2 ((2) − 4) = 16 when 𝑥 = 2, so (2, 16) is the maximum turning point.
2
𝑦 = (4)2 ((4) − 4) = 0 when 𝑥 = 4, so (4, 0) is the minimum turning point.

10c

11a 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 5)2 (2𝑥 + 1)

𝑦 ′ = 2(𝑥 − 5)(2𝑥 + 1) + (𝑥 − 5)2 × 2
𝑦 ′ = (𝑥 − 5)[(4𝑥 + 2) + (2𝑥 − 10)]

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑦 ′ = (𝑥 − 5)(6𝑥 − 8)
𝑦 ′ = 2(𝑥 − 5)(3𝑥 − 4)

4
11b 𝑦 ′ = 0 when 𝑥 = 5 or 𝑥 = 3
4 8
When 𝑥 = 3 , 𝑦 = 49 27 and when 𝑥 = 5, 𝑦 = 0.

𝑥 1 4 2 5 6
3
𝑦′ / 0 \ 0 /

4 8
Therefore, (3 , 49 27) is a maximum turning point and (5, 0) is a minimum turning
point.

11c 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 5)2 (2𝑥 + 1)

1
𝑥-intercepts: − 2 , 5

𝑦-intercept: 25

12a 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑎𝑥 − 15 then 𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 + 𝑎
2𝑥 + 𝑎 = 0 when 𝑥 = 4 then 2 × 4 + 𝑎 = 0 and 𝑎 = −8

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

12b 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑎𝑥 + 7 then 𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 + 𝑎
2𝑥 + 𝑎 = 0 when 𝑥 = −1 then 2 × −1 + 𝑎 = 0 and 𝑎 = 2

13a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 𝑐
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑎𝑥 + 4
If (−1, 1) is a turning point, then 𝑓 ′ (−1) = 0 and 2𝑎 × (−1) + 4 = 0
Therefore, 𝑎 = 2.
If 𝑎 = 2, then 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 𝑐
Since (−1, 1) is a point on 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 𝑐,
𝑓(−1) = 2(−1)2 + 4 × (−1) + 𝑐 = 1
Therefore, 𝑐 = 3.

13b 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 5
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
If there are stationary points at 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = 4, then 𝑦 ′ = 0 for 𝑥 = −2 and
𝑥 = 4.
Thus, 3(−2)2 + 2𝑏 × (−2) + 𝑐 = 0 and 3(4)2 + 2𝑏 × (4) + 𝑐 = 0
4𝑏 − 𝑐 = 12 and 8𝑏 + 𝑐 = −48
Adding the two equations gives 12𝑏 = −36 or 𝑏 = −3.
Substituting 𝑏 = −3 into 8𝑏 + 𝑐 = −48 gives − 24 + 𝑐 = −48, so 𝑐 = −24.
Therefore, 𝑏 = −3 and 𝑐 = −24.

14a 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 then 𝑦 ′ = 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏

If the function passes through the point, (1, 4) then 𝑎(1)2 + 𝑏 × (1) + 𝑐 = 4
Therefore, 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 = 4
If the function passes through the point, (−1, 6) then 𝑎(−1)2 + 𝑏 × (−1) + 𝑐 = 6
Therefore, 𝑎 − 𝑏 + 𝑐 = 6
1 1
If the slope is zero at 𝑥 = − 2 then 𝑦 ′ = 2𝑎 × (− 2) + 𝑏 = 0

Therefore, −𝑎 + 𝑏 = 0

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

14b Since −𝑎 + 𝑏 = 0, 𝑎 = 𝑏
Hence, 2𝑎 + 𝑐 = 4 and 𝑐 = 6 (substitute 𝑎 for 𝑏 in the first two equations)
So 2𝑎 + 6 = 4, 𝑎 = 𝑏 = −1 and 𝑐 = 6.

15a 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 passes through the origin. So 𝑎(0)2 + 𝑏 × 0 + 𝑐 = 0.

Therefore, 𝑐 = 0.

15b 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏
𝑑𝑥

Slope of the line 𝑦 = 2𝑥 is 2 for all 𝑥 ∈ ℝ and since 𝑦 = 2𝑥 is tangent to the curve
𝑑𝑦
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 at the origin, 𝑑𝑥 = 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 = 2 for 𝑥 = 0.

Hence, 2𝑎 × 0 + 𝑏 = 2 and 𝑏 = 2.

𝑑𝑦
15c = 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 and there is a maximum turning point at 𝑥 = 1, then 2𝑎(1) + 𝑏 = 0
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, 2𝑎 + 𝑏 = 0.
𝑏 = 2 (from 15b) and 2𝑎 + 𝑏 = 0, then 2𝑎 + 2 = 0. Therefore, 𝑎 = −1.

16 Given y  ax 3  bx 2  cx  d

dy
 3ax 2  2bx  c
dx
dy
The function has a relative maximum at  2, 27  . So when x  2 ,  0.
dx

3a  2   2b  2   c  0
2

Hence 12a  4b  c  0 .
dy
The function has a relative minimum at 1, 0  . So when x  2 ,  0.
dx

3a 1  2b 1  c  0
2

Hence 3a  2b  c  0 .

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1, 0  lies on the curve and so when x  1, y  0

a 1  b 1  c 1  d  0

3 2

Hence a  b  c  d  0 .

 2, 27  lies on the curve and so when x  2, y  27

a  2   b  2   c  2   d  27
3 2

Hence 8a  4b  2c  d  27 .
By subtracting we obtain:
9a  3b  3c  27
3a  2b  c  0 (1)
12a  4b  c  0 (2)
9a  3b  3c  27 (3)
(2)  (1) gives:
9a  6b  0 (4)
3  (2)  (3) gives:
27a  9b  27 (5)
(5)  3  (4) gives:
9b  27  b  3
Substituting b  3 into (4) and solving 9a 18  0 for a we obtain a  2 .
Substituting a  2 and b  3 into (1) and solving c  12  0 for c we obtain
c  12 .
So a  2, b  3 and c  12 .

Substituting a  2 , b  3 and c  12 into a  b  c  d  0 and solving d  7  0

for d we obtain d  7 .

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

3x
17a Given f  x  
x 12

3x
Applying the quotient rule on f  x   :
x 1
2

Let u  3x and v  x 2  1 .
Then u  3 and v  2 x .
vu   uv
f  x 
v2
3  x 2  1   3 x  2 x 

x  1
2 2

3x 2  3  6 x 2

x  1
2 2

3  3x 2

x  1
2 2

3 1  x 1  x 
So f   x   .
x  1
2 2

17b There are stationary points where f   x   0 .

3 1  x 1  x   0  x  1

So there are stationary points at x  1 and x  1 .

x 2 1 0 1 2
9 9
f  x  0 3 0 
25 25
slope \  /  \

3 3
When x  1 , y   and when x  1 , y  .
2 2

 3  3
Hence  1,   is a minimum turning point and  1,  is a maximum turning
 2  2
point.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

17c
3
(1, )
2

3
(−1, − )
2

3
17d i The line y  c where c  does not intersect the graph of y  f  x  .
2
3
Hence, for c  , the equation has no roots.
2

3
17d ii The line y  touches the graph of y  f  x  at the maximum turning point.
2
3
Hence, for c  , the equation has one root.
2

3
17d iii The line y  c where 0  c  intersects the graph of y  f  x  at two points.
2
3
Hence, for 0  c  , the equation has two roots.
2

17d iv The line y  0 touches the graph of y  f  x  at the origin.

Hence, for c  0 , the equation has one root.

18a To answer this question as framed, it is best to graph polynomial functions that
have only even powers of x . Derivatives of such polynomial functions will
therefore have only odd powers of x .

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

So f   x   f  x  and f    x    f   x  .

To formally prove that the derivative of an even function is odd, we would need
to prove that if f is even then f    x    f   x  .

18b To answer this question as framed, it is best to graph polynomial functions that
have only odd powers of x . Derivatives of such polynomial functions will
therefore have only even powers of x .

So f   x    f  x  and f    x   f   x  .

To formally prove that the derivative of an odd function is even, we would need
to prove that if f is odd then f    x   f   x  .

18c If f is an even polynomial function and hence has only even powers of x , then
f   x   f  x  . Derivatives of f will therefore have only odd powers of x and so
f x   f  x .

If f is an odd polynomial function and hence has only even powers of x , then
f   x    f  x  . Derivatives of f will therefore have only even powers of x and
so f    x   f   x  .

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Solutions to Exercise 4C
1a 𝐴 maximum turning point, 𝐵 minimum turning point.

1b 𝐶 is a minimum point.

1c 𝐷 is a horizontal point of inflection, because the graph is stationary at 𝐷 and

concavity changes before and after 𝐷. 𝐸 is a maximum turning point.

1d 𝐹 and 𝐻 are minimum turning points and 𝐺 is a maximum point.

1e 𝐼 is a minimum point.

1f 𝐽 is a horizontal point of inflection, because it is a stationary point and the

concavity changes before and after 𝐷. 𝐾 is a minimum turning point and 𝐿 is a
maximum turning point.

2a 𝑦 ′ = 𝑥(𝑥 − 3)2 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 3. Hence, 𝑦 has stationary points

at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 3. 𝑦 ′′ = 3(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 1) = 0 when 𝑥 = 1 or 𝑥 = 3. Hence,
there are points of inflection at 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = 3. Therefore, there is a turning
point at 𝑥 = 0 and a horizontal point of inflection at 𝑥 = 3 as shown in the below
table.
𝑥 −1 0 1 3 4

𝑦′ − 0 + 0 +

Minimum Horizontal
𝑦 \ turning / point of /
point inflection

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

2b 𝑦 ′ = (𝑥 + 2)3 (𝑥 − 4) = 0 when 𝑥 = −2 or 𝑥 = 4. Hence, there are stationary

5
points at 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = 4. 𝑦 ′′ = 2(𝑥 + 2)2 (2𝑥 − 5) = 0 when 𝑥 = −2 or 𝑥 = 2.
5
Hence, there is a point of inflection at 𝑥 = 2 but not at 𝑥 = −2 ,because 𝑥 = −2 is
5
a double root and concavity is the same when 𝑥 < −2 and −2 < 𝑥 < 2 .

Therefore, 𝑦 has a turning point at 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = 4 as shown in the below

table.
𝑥 −3 −2 0 4 5

𝑦′ + 0 − 0 +

Maximum Minimum
𝑦 / turning \ turning /
point point

𝑥
2c 𝑦 ′ = 𝑥−1 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 and undefined when 𝑥 = 1. Hence, 𝑦 has a stationary

point at 𝑥 = 1.
−1
𝑦 ′′ = (𝑥−1)2 < 0 for 𝑥 ∈ ℝ − {1}

𝑥 −1 0 1 1 2
2

𝑦′ + 0 − undefined +

𝑦 / Maximum \ undefined /
turning
point

As shown in the above table, 𝑦 has a maximum turning point at 𝑥 = 0 and a

discontinuity at 𝑥 = 1.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑥2
2d 𝑦 ′ = 𝑥−1 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦 ′ is undefined when 𝑥 = 1. Hence, 𝑦 has a

stationary point at 𝑥 = 0 and not defined at 𝑥 = 1.

𝑥(𝑥−2)
𝑦 ′′ = (𝑥−1)2
= 0 when 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 2. Hence, 𝑦 has an inflection point at 𝑥 = 0

and 𝑥 = 2.
𝑥 −1 0 1 1 2
2

𝑦′ − 0 − undefined +

𝑦 \ Horizontal \ undefined /
point of
inflection

As shown in the above table, 𝑦 has a horizontal point of inflection at 𝑥 = 0 and

has a discontinuity at 𝑥 = 1.

𝑥
2e 𝑦 ′ = (𝑥−1)2 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦 ′ is undefined when 𝑥 = 1. Hence, 𝑦 has a

stationary point at 𝑥 = 0 and has a discontinuity at 𝑥 = 1.

−(𝑥+1)
𝑦 ′′ = (𝑥−1)3
= 0 when 𝑥 = −1. Hence, 𝑦 has an inflection point at 𝑥 = −1.

𝑥 −1 0 1 1 2
2

𝑦′ − 0 + undefined +

𝑦 \ Minimum / undefined /
turning
point

As shown in the above table, 𝑦 has a minimum turning point at 𝑥 = 0 and

has a discontinuity at 𝑥 = 1.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑥2
2f 𝑦 ′ = (𝑥−1)3 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦 ′ is undefined when 𝑥 = 1. Hence, 𝑦 has a

stationary point at 𝑥 = 0 and has a discontinuity at 𝑥 = 1.

−𝑥(𝑥+2)
𝑦 ′′ = (𝑥−1)4
= 0 when 𝑥 = −2 or 𝑥 = 0. Hence, 𝑦 has inflection points at 𝑥 = −2

and 𝑥 = 0.

𝑥 −1 0 1 1 2
2

𝑦′ − 0 − undefined +

𝑦 \ Horizontal \ undefined /
point of
inflection

As shown in the above table, 𝑦 has a horizontal point of inflection at 𝑥 = 0 and

has a discontinuity at 𝑥 = 1.

1 𝑥 2 −1
2g 𝑦′ = 𝑥 − 𝑥 = = 0 when 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 1. Hence, 𝑦 has stationary points at
𝑥

𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 1. 𝑦 ′ is undefined when 𝑥 = 0

then 𝑦 has a discontinuity at 𝑥 = 0.
𝑥 2 +1
𝑦 ′′ = > 0 for all 𝑥.
𝑥2

𝑥 −3 −1 −1 0 1 1 2
2

𝑦′ − 0 + undefined − 0 +

Minimum undefined Minimum

𝑦 \ turning / \ turning /
point point

As shown in the above table, 𝑦 has minimum turning points at 𝑥 = −1 and

at 𝑥 = 1, and has a discontinuity at 𝑥 = 0.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1 𝑥−1
2h 𝑦 ′ = √𝑥 − = = 0 when 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑦 ′ is undefined when 𝑥 ≤ 0.
√ 𝑥 √𝑥

Therefore, 𝑦 has a stationary point at 𝑥 = 1 and is undefined when 𝑥 < 0.

𝑥+1
𝑦 ′′ = = 0 when 𝑥 = −1. Hence, 𝑦 has an inflection point at 𝑥 = −1.
2√𝑥 3

𝑥 1 1 2
2

𝑦′ − 0 +

Minimum
𝑦 \ turning /
point

As shown in the above table, 𝑦 has a minimum turning point at 𝑥 = 1 and is

undefined when 𝑥 < 0.

2−𝑥
2i 𝑦′ = = 0 when 𝑥 = 2. Therefore, 𝑦 has a stationary point at 𝑥 = 2
√2+𝑥×(1−𝑥)3

and is undefined when 𝑥 ≤ −2 and when 𝑥 = 1.

𝑥 −2 −1 1 3 2 3
2

𝑦′ undefined + undefined − 0 +

Minimum
𝑦 undefined / undefined \ turning /
point

As shown in the above table, 𝑦 has a minimum turning point at 𝑥 = 2 and is

discontinuous at 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = 1.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

3a
Let 𝑔 = |𝑥| be a function defined on real numbers.
When the graph of 𝑔 = |𝑥| (shown below)

is translated 3 units upwards along the 𝑦-axis, the graph of 𝑦 = |𝑥| + 3 is

obtained (shown below).

3b 𝑦 ′ = 1 when 𝑥 > 0 and 𝑦 ′ = −1 when 𝑥 < 0

3c 𝑦 ′ is not defined at (0, 3), because it is a sharp corner and 𝑦 ′ = 1 when 𝑥 > 0 and
𝑦 ′ = −1 when 𝑥 < 0

4a Let 𝑔 = |𝑥| be a function defined on real numbers.

When the graph of 𝑔 = |𝑥| (shown below)

is translated 2 units towards right along the 𝑥-axis, the graph of 𝑦 = |𝑥 − 2| is

obtained (shown below).

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

4b 𝑦 ′ = 1 when 𝑥 > 2 and 𝑦 ′ = −1 when 𝑥 < 2

4c 𝑦 ′ is not defined at (2, 0), because it is a sharp corner and 𝑦 ′ = 1 when 𝑥 > 2 and
𝑦 ′ = −1 when 𝑥 < 2

1×(𝑥 2 −1)−𝑥×(2𝑥) 𝑥 2 −1−2𝑥 2 −(𝑥 2 +1)

5a 𝑦′ = (𝑥 2 −1)2
= (𝑥 2 −1)2
= (𝑥 2 −1)2
then 𝑦 ′ < 0 for all 𝑥. Thus, the function

𝑦 is decreasing for all values of 𝑥 where it is defined.

(𝑥 2 − 1)2 = 0 when 𝑥 2 − 1 = 0 or when 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 1
Therefore, 𝑦 ′ has vertical asymptotes at 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 1

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

2𝑥×(1+𝑥 2 )−𝑥 2 ×(2𝑥) 2𝑥+2𝑥 3 −2𝑥 3 2𝑥

5b 𝑦′ = (1+𝑥 2 )2
= (1+𝑥 2 )2
= (1+𝑥 2 )2 then 𝑦 ′ < 0 when 𝑥 < 0 and 𝑦 ′ > 0

when 𝑥 > 0. Therefore, 𝑦 is decreasing when 𝑥 < 0 and increasing when 𝑥 > 0.
𝑥 −1 0 1

𝑦′ − 0 +

𝑦 \ Minimum /
turning
point

𝑓(0) = 0 then the minimum turning point is (0, 0)

(1 + 𝑥 2 )2 is never zero. Therefore, there are no vertical asymptotes.
𝑥2
Since lim = 1, there is a horizontal asymptote at 𝑦 = 1.
𝑥→±∞ 1+𝑥 2

2𝑥×(𝑥 2 −1)−(𝑥 2 −4)×(2𝑥) 2𝑥 3 −2𝑥−2𝑥 3 +8𝑥 6𝑥

5c 𝑦′ = (𝑥 2 −1)2
= (𝑥 2 −1)2
= (𝑥 2 −1)2 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0. Therefore,

𝑦 has a stationary point at 𝑥 = 0. 𝑓(0) = 4, then the stationary point is (0, 4).
(𝑥 2 − 1)2 = 0 when 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 1. Therefore, there are vertical asymptotes at
𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 1.
Since lim 𝑦 = 1 there is a horizontal asymptote at 𝑦 = 1.
𝑥→±∞

𝑥 −2 −1 1 0 1 1 2
2 2

𝑦′ − undefined − 0 + undefined +

𝑦 \ Vertical \ / Vertical /
asymptote asymptote

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Minimum
turning
point

2𝑥×(𝑥−1)2 −(𝑥 2 +1)×(2𝑥−2) 2𝑥 3 −4𝑥+2𝑥−2𝑥 3 +2𝑥 2 +2𝑥−2 −2(𝑥+1)

5d 𝑦′ = ((𝑥−1)2 )2
= (𝑥−1)4
= (𝑥−1)3
= 0 when

𝑥 = −1. Therefore, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = −1.

𝑥 −2 −1 0 1 2

𝑦′ − 0 + undefined −

Minimum Vertical
𝑦 \ turning / asymptote \
point

1 1
𝑓(−1) = 2 then the minimum turning point is (−1, 2) and the 𝑦-intercept is (0, 1)

because 𝑓(0) = 1. Since (𝑥 − 1)3 = 0 when 𝑥 = 1, there is a vertical asymptote

at 𝑥 = 1.
Since lim 𝑦 = 1 there is a horizontal asymptote at 𝑦 = 1.
𝑥→±∞

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

4
1 1
6a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 5 (𝑥 − 2)−5 = 5
5× √(𝑥−2)4

6b 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) is never zero.

1
𝑓(2) = ((2) − 2) = 0 then the function passes through (2, 0) and 𝑓 ′ (2) is
5

undefined. Therefore, there is a vertical tangent at 𝑥 = 2

6c Table of slopes:
𝑥 0 2 3

𝑦′ + undefined +

Vertical
𝑦 / tangent /

Graph:

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1
5 5
𝑓(0) = ((0) − 2)5 = − √2 . The 𝑦-intercept is (0, − √2 )

1
2 2
7a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3 (𝑥 − 1)−3 = 3
3× √𝑥−1

7b 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) is never zero.

1
𝑓(1) = ((1) − 1) = 0 then the function passes through (1, 0) and 𝑓 ′ (1) is
5

undefined. Therefore, there is a vertical tangent at 𝑥 = 1

7c Table of slopes:
𝑥 0 1 2

𝑦′ − undefined +

Vertical
𝑦 \ tangent /

Graph:
2
𝑓(0) = ((0) − 1)3 = 1. The 𝑦-intercept is (0, 1 )

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

8a The domain is ℝ − {0} (All the real numbers except zero), because the function
is not defined at 𝑥 = 0.

1 𝑥 2 +1
8b 𝑦 =𝑥+𝑥 = 𝑥

𝑑𝑦 2𝑥×𝑥−(𝑥 2 +1)×1 𝑥 2 −1
= =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥2 𝑥2

𝑑𝑦 𝑥 2 −1
= 0 when = 0 or 𝑥 2 − 1 = 0 which is satisfied when 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 1
𝑑𝑥 𝑥2
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
And 𝑑𝑥 is undefined when 𝑥 = 0. Therefore, 𝑑𝑥 is not continuous at 𝑥 = 0.

8c Table of slopes:
𝑥 −2 −1 1 0 1 1 2
−
2 2

𝑦′ + 0 − undefined − 0 +

Maximum Minimum
𝑦 / turning \ Vertical \ turning /
point Asymptote point

1 1
8d lim = 0 (As 𝑥 gets larger, 𝑥 converges to zero)
𝑥→±∞ 𝑥

The vertical asymptote is 𝑥 = 0.

The oblique asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑥 because 𝑦 − 𝑥 → 0 as |𝑥| → ∞.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

8e

1
9a 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + and 𝑓(𝑥) is not defined for 𝑥 ≤ 0.
√𝑥

Therefore, the domain of 𝑓(𝑥) is ℝ+ or 𝑥 > 0 (All positive real numbers).

1 𝑥+1
9b 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + = then
√𝑥 √𝑥
1 𝑥+1 2𝑥−𝑥−1
1×√𝑥−(𝑥+1)× √𝑥− 2√𝑥 𝑥−1
′ (𝑥) 2√𝑥 2√𝑥
𝑓 = = = = 2𝑥
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 √𝑥
𝑥−1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when 2𝑥 = 0 or when 𝑥 = 1
√𝑥

9c Table of slopes:
𝑥 0 1 2

𝑦′ − 0 +

Minimum
𝑦 \ turning /
point

1
𝑓(1) = √1 + = 2. Therefore, the minimum turning point is (1, 2)
√1

1
9d lim √𝑥 + 𝑥 = ∞. Therefore as 𝑥 gets larger, 𝑓(𝑥) gets larger.
𝑥→∞ √
𝑥−1
lim = 0. Therefore as 𝑥 gets larger, 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) converges to zero.
𝑥→∞ 2𝑥√𝑥

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

9e

1 𝑥 2 −1
10a 𝑦 =𝑥−𝑥 = then 𝑦 has a vertical asymptote at 𝑥 = 0
𝑥

𝑦 = 0 when 𝑥 = 1 or 𝑥 = −1 .
Therefore, (−1, 0) and (1, 0) are the 𝑥-intercepts of 𝑦.
𝑑𝑦 2𝑥×𝑥−(𝑥 2 −1)×1 𝑥 2 +1
= =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥2 𝑥2
𝑑𝑦
is never zero. Therefore, the graph of 𝑦 does not have any stationary points.
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
is undefined when 𝑥 = 0. Therefore, 𝑑𝑥 is not continuous at 𝑥 = 0.
𝑑𝑥

Table of slopes:
𝑥 −1 0 1

𝑦′ + undefined +

𝑦 / Vertical /
Asymptote

1 1
lim = 0 (As 𝑥 gets larger, converges to zero)
𝑥→±∞ 𝑥 𝑥

The vertical asymptote is 𝑥 = 0.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

The oblique asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑥 because 𝑦 − 𝑥 → 0 as |𝑥| → ∞.

1 𝑥 4 +1
10b 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥2 = then 𝑦 is never zero. Therefore, the graph of 𝑦 does not have
𝑥2

an 𝑥-intercept.

𝑑𝑦 4𝑥 3 ×𝑥 2 −(𝑥4 +1)×2𝑥 4𝑥 5 −2𝑥 5 −2𝑥 2𝑥 5 −2𝑥 2𝑥(𝑥 4 −1) 2(𝑥 4 −1)

= = = = =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥4 𝑥4 𝑥4 𝑥4 𝑥3

𝑑𝑦 2(𝑥 4 −1)
= 0 when = 0 or 𝑥 4 − 1 = 0 which is satisfied when 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 1
𝑑𝑥 𝑥3
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
And 𝑑𝑥 is undefined when 𝑥 = 0. Therefore, 𝑑𝑥 is not continuous at 𝑥 = 0.

Table of slopes:
𝑥 −2 −1 1 0 1 1 2
−
2 2

𝑦′ − 0 + undefined − 0 +

Minimum Minimum
𝑦 \ turning / Vertical \ turning /
point Asymptote point

The vertical asymptote is 𝑥 = 0, because 𝑦 is undefined at 𝑥 = 0.

𝑦 = 2 when 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 1. Hence, (−1, 2) and (1, 2) are the minimum
turning points.
1 1
lim 𝑥2
= 0 (As 𝑥 gets larger, 𝑥 2 converges to zero)
𝑥→±∞

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

The oblique asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 because 𝑦 − 𝑥 2 → 0 as |𝑥| → ∞.

1
Therefore, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2 is,

11a The domain of 𝑦 is 𝑥 ≥ 0 because √𝑥 is not defined when 𝑥 < 0 and

𝑦 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0. Therefore, (0, 0) is both the 𝑥- and 𝑦-intercept of 𝑦.

𝑦 does not have a vertical asymptote because √9 + 𝑥 2 is never zero.

lim 𝑦 = 0 because the denominator of 𝑦 increases faster than its numerator as 𝑥
𝑥→∞

gets larger. Therefore, 𝑦 has a horizontal asymptote at 𝑥 = 0.

1
√𝑥 𝑥 2
11b 𝑦= √9+𝑥 2
= (𝑥 2 +9) then
1
𝑑𝑦 1 𝑥 − 1×(𝑥 2 +9)−𝑥×2𝑥
2
= 2 × (𝑥 2 +9) × (𝑥 2 +9)2
𝑑𝑥
1
𝑑𝑦 1 𝑥 2 +9 2 9−𝑥 2
=2×( ) × (𝑥 2 +9)2
𝑑𝑥 𝑥

𝑑𝑦 √𝑥 2 +9 9−𝑥 2
= × (𝑥 2 +9)2
𝑑𝑥 2√𝑥

𝑑𝑦 1 9−𝑥 2
= 1 ×
(𝑥 2 +9)2
𝑑𝑥 −
2√𝑥×(𝑥 2 +9) 2

𝑑𝑦 9−𝑥 2
= 3
𝑑𝑥
2√𝑥×(𝑥 2 +9)2

𝑑𝑦 (3−𝑥)(3+𝑥)
= 3
𝑑𝑥
2√𝑥×(𝑥 2 +9)2

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦 (3−𝑥)(3+𝑥)
11c = 0 when 3 = 0 or when 𝑥 = −3 or 𝑥 = 3
𝑑𝑥
2√𝑥×(𝑥 2 +9)2

𝑑𝑦 √6
is not defined when 𝑥 ≤ 0 and 𝑦 = when 𝑥 = 3.
𝑑𝑥 6

√6
Therefore, (3, ) is the maximum turning point.
6

The table of slopes is as shown below.

𝑥 0 3 4

𝑦′ + 0 −

Maximum
𝑦 / turning \
point

𝑑𝑦
11d 𝑦 → 0 and 𝑑𝑥 → ∞ as 𝑥 → 0+ . Therefore, the curve emerges almost vertically

from the origin.

1 3 1 1
1 3 1 3√𝑥 √𝑥−3𝑥√𝑥 √𝑥(1−3𝑥)
12a 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 2 then 𝑦 ′ = 2 𝑥 −2 − 2 𝑥 2 = 2 − = =
√𝑥 2 2𝑥 2𝑥

√𝑥(1−3𝑥) 1
Hence, 𝑦 ′ = 0 when = 0 or 1 − 3𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 3
2𝑥

(𝑥 ≠ 0 because 𝑦 ′ is undefined at 𝑥 = 0)
1 2√3
The coordinates of the point where 𝑦 ′ is zero are (3 , )
9

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1 3
1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2√3
because 𝑦 = (3) − (3) = − 3√3 = 3√3 =
√3 9

12b The graph of 𝑦 2 = 𝑥(1 − 𝑥)2 can be sketched by first sketching the graph of

𝑦1 = √𝑥(1 − 𝑥)2 and then 𝑦2 = −√𝑥(1 − 𝑥)2 on the same set of axes.

The 𝑥-intercepts of both 𝑦1 and 𝑦2 are (0, 0) and (1, 0) because 𝑦1 = 𝑦2 = 0 when
𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 1.
𝑥−1
𝑦1 ′ = √𝑥 + 2 𝑥 > 0 when 𝑥 > 1. Therefore, 𝑦1 is increasing when 𝑥 > 1
√
𝑥−1 1
𝑦1 ′ = √𝑥 + 2 = 0 when 𝑥 = 3.
√𝑥
1
Therefore, 𝑦1 has a minimum turning point at 𝑥 = 3.

Since 𝑦2 is the reflection of 𝑦1 in the 𝑥-axis, the graph of 𝑦 2 = 𝑥(1 − 𝑥)2 is:

13a To sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥), sketch the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3) and then
fold the part of the function below the 𝑥-axis such that 𝑔(𝑥) is never zero.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

13b To sketch the graph of 𝑦 = |𝑥 − 2| + |𝑥 + 1| construct a sign-table as shown

below (the critical points are 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑥 = −1)

𝑥 𝑥 < −1 −1 −1 < 𝑥 < 2 2 𝑥>2

𝑦 −2𝑥 + 1 3 3 3 2𝑥 − 1

13c To sketch the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + |𝑥| construct a sign-table as shown

below (the critical point is 𝑥 = 0)

𝑥 𝑥<0 0 𝑥>0

𝑦 𝑥2 − 𝑥 3 𝑥2 + 𝑥

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Solutions to Exercise 4D
1a 𝑦 = 𝑥3
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2
𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑥
𝑦 ′′′ = 6

1b 𝑦 = 𝑥10
𝑦 ′ = 10𝑥 9
𝑦 ′′ = 90𝑥 8
𝑦 ′′′ = 720𝑥 7

1c 𝑦 = 𝑥7
𝑦 ′ = 7𝑥 6
𝑦 ′′ = 42𝑥 5
𝑦 ′′′ = 210𝑥 4

1d 𝑦 = 𝑥2
𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥
𝑦 ′′ = 2
𝑦 ′′′ = 0

1e 𝑦 = 2𝑥 4
𝑦 ′ = 8𝑥 3
𝑦 ′′ = 24𝑥 2
𝑦 ′′′ = 48𝑥

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1f 𝑦 = 3𝑥 5
𝑦 ′ = 15𝑥 4
𝑦 ′′ = 60𝑥 3
𝑦 ′′′ = 180𝑥 2

1g 𝑦 = 4 − 3𝑥
𝑦 ′ = −3
𝑦 ′′ = 0
𝑦 ′′′ = 0

1h 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥
𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 − 3
𝑦 ′′ = 2
𝑦 ′′′ = 0

1i 𝑦 = 4𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2
𝑦 ′ = 12𝑥 2 − 2𝑥
𝑦 ′′ = 24𝑥 − 2
𝑦 ′′′ = 24

1j 𝑦 = 4𝑥 5 + 2𝑥 3
𝑦 ′ = 20𝑥 4 + 6𝑥 2
𝑦 ′′ = 80𝑥 3 + 12𝑥
𝑦 ′′′ = 240𝑥 2 + 12

2a 𝑦 = 𝑥(𝑥 + 3)
𝑦 ′ = 1 × (𝑥 + 3) + 𝑥 × 1
= 2𝑥 + 3
𝑦 ′′ = 2

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

2b 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 4)
𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 × (𝑥 − 4) + 𝑥 2 × 1
= 3𝑥 2 − 8𝑥
𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑥 − 8

2c 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1)
𝑦 ′ = 1 × (𝑥 + 1) + (𝑥 − 2) × 1
= 2𝑥 − 1
𝑦 ′′ = 2

2d 𝑦 = (3𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 5)
𝑦 ′ = 3 × (𝑥 − 5) + (3𝑥 + 2) × 1
= 6𝑥 − 13
𝑦 ′′ = 6

2e 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 (2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 )
𝑦 ′ = 6𝑥 × (2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 ) + 3𝑥 2 × (6𝑥 2 − 6𝑥)
= 12𝑥 4 − 18𝑥 3 + 18𝑥 4 − 18𝑥 3
= 30𝑥 4 − 36𝑥 3
𝑦 ′′ = 120𝑥 3 − 108𝑥 2

2f 𝑦 = 4𝑥 3 (𝑥 5 + 2𝑥 2 )
𝑦 ′ = 12𝑥 2 × (𝑥 5 + 2𝑥 2 ) + 4𝑥 3 × (5𝑥 4 + 4𝑥)
= 12𝑥 7 + 24𝑥 4 + 20𝑥 7 + 16𝑥 4
= 32𝑥 7 + 40𝑥 4
𝑦 ′′ = 224𝑥 6 + 160𝑥 3

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

3a 𝑦 = 𝑥 0.3
𝑦 ′ = 0.3𝑥 −0.7
𝑦 ′′ = −0.21𝑥 −1.7
𝑦 ′′′ = 0.357𝑥 −2.7

3b 𝑦 = 𝑥 −1
𝑦 ′ = −𝑥 −2
1
= − 𝑥2

𝑦 ′′ = 2𝑥 −3
2
= 𝑥3

𝑦 ′′′ = −6𝑥 −4
6
= − 𝑥4

3c 𝑦 = 𝑥 −2
𝑦 ′ = −2𝑥 −3
2
= − 𝑥3

𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑥 −4
6
= 𝑥4

𝑦 ′′′ = −24𝑥 −5
24
= − 𝑥5

3d 𝑦 = 5𝑥 −3
𝑦 ′ = −15𝑥 −4
15
= − 𝑥4

𝑦 ′′ = 60𝑥 −5
60
= 𝑥5

𝑦 ′′′ = −300𝑥 −6
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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

300
=− 𝑥6

3e 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 −1
𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 − 𝑥 −2
1
= 2𝑥 − 𝑥 2

𝑦 ′′ = 2 + 2𝑥 −3
2
= 2 + 𝑥3

𝑦 ′′′ = −6𝑥 −4
6
= − 𝑥4

4a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 −3
3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −3𝑥 −4 = − 𝑥 4
12
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 12𝑥 −5 = 𝑥 5

4b 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 −4
4
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −4𝑥 −5 = − 𝑥 5
20
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 20𝑥 −6 = 𝑥 6

4c 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 −2
6
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −6𝑥 −3 = − 𝑥 3
18
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 18𝑥 −4 = 𝑥 4

4d 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 −3
6
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −6𝑥 −4 = −
𝑥4
24
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 24𝑥 −5 = 𝑥 5

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

5a 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 1)2
𝑦 ′ = 2(𝑥 + 1)
= 2𝑥 + 2
𝑦 ′′ = 2

5b 𝑦 = (3𝑥 − 5)3
𝑦 ′ = 3(3𝑥 − 5)2 × 3
= 9(3𝑥 − 5)2
𝑦 ′′ = 18(3𝑥 − 5) × 3
= 54(3𝑥 − 5)

5c 𝑦 = (1 − 4𝑥)2
𝑦 ′ = 2(1 − 4𝑥) × (−4)
= −8(1 − 4𝑥)
= 32𝑥 − 8
𝑦 ′′ = 32

5d 𝑦 = (8 − 𝑥)11
𝑦 ′ = 11(8 − 𝑥)10 × (−1)
= −11(8 − 𝑥)10
𝑦 ′′ = −110(8 − 𝑥)9 × (−1)
= 110(8 − 𝑥)9

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

6a 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2)−1
𝑦 ′ = −(𝑥 + 2)−2
1
=−
(𝑥 + 2)2
𝑦 ′′ = 2(𝑥 + 2)−3
2
=
(𝑥 + 2)3

6b 𝑦 = (3 − 𝑥)−2
𝑦 ′ = −2(3 − 𝑥)−3 × (−1)
2
=
(3 − 𝑥)3
𝑦 ′′ = −6(3 − 𝑥)−4 × (−1)
6
=
(3 − 𝑥)4

6c 𝑦 = (5𝑥 + 4)−3
𝑦 ′ = −3(5𝑥 + 4)−4 × (5)
15
=−
(5𝑥 + 4)4
𝑦 ′′ = 60(5𝑥 + 4)−5 × (5)
300
=
(5𝑥 + 4)5

6d 𝑦 = 2(4 − 3𝑥)−2
𝑦 ′ = −4(4 − 3𝑥)−3 × (−3)
12
=
(4 − 3𝑥)3
𝑦 ′′ = −36(4 − 3𝑥)−4 × (−3)
108
=
(4 − 3𝑥)4

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

7a 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥
1
= 𝑥2
1
1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2 𝑥 −2
1
=2
√𝑥
3
1
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = − 4 𝑥 −2
1
= − 4𝑥
√𝑥

3
7b 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥
1
= 𝑥3
2
1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3 𝑥 −3
5
2
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = − 9 𝑥 −3

7c 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 √𝑥
3
= 𝑥2
1
3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2 𝑥 2

3√𝑥
= 2
1
3
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 4 𝑥 −2
3
=
4√𝑥

1
7d 𝑓(𝑥) =
√𝑥
1
= 𝑥 −2
3
1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = − 2 𝑥 −2
1
= − 2𝑥
√𝑥

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

5
3
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 4 𝑥 −2

3
=
4𝑥 2 √𝑥

7e 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 2
1
= (𝑥 + 2)2
1
1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2 (𝑥 + 2)−2 × 1

1
=
2 √𝑥 + 2
3
1
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = − 4 (𝑥 + 2)−2 × 1

1
=− 3
4(𝑥 + 2)2

7f 𝑓(𝑥) = √1 − 4𝑥
1
= (1 − 4𝑥)2
1
1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2 (1 − 4𝑥)−2 × (−4)

2
=−
√1 − 4𝑥
3
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = (1 − 4𝑥)−2 × (−4)
4
=− 3
(1 − 4𝑥 )2

8a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 5
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 + 6

8b i 𝑓 ′ (0) = 3(0)2 + 6(0) + 5 = 5

8b ii 𝑓 ′ (1) = 3(1)2 + 6(1) + 5 = 14

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

8b iii 𝑓 ′′ (0) = 6 × (0) + 6 = 6

8b iv 𝑓 ′′ (1) = 6 × (1) + 6 = 12

9a i 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 𝑥 3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3 + 3𝑥 2
𝑓 ′ (2) = 3 + 3 × 22 = 15

9a ii 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 𝑥 3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3 + 3𝑥 2
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥
𝑓 ′′ (2) = 6 × 2 = 12

9a iii 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 𝑥 3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3 + 3𝑥 2
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥
𝑓 ′′′ (𝑥) = 6
𝑓 ′′′ (2) = 6

9a iv 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 𝑥 3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3 + 3𝑥 2
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥
𝑓 ′′′ (𝑥) = 6
𝑓 ′′′′ (𝑥) = 0
𝑓 ′′′′ (2) = 0

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

9b i 𝑓(𝑥) = (2𝑥 − 3)4

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 4(2𝑥 − 3)3 × 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 8(2𝑥 − 3)3
𝑓 ′ (1) = 8(2 × 1 − 3)3 = −8

9b ii 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 24(2𝑥 − 3)2 × 2

𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 48(2𝑥 − 3)2
𝑓 ′′ (1) = 48(2 × 1 − 3)2 = 48

9b iii 𝑓 ′′′ (𝑥) = 96(2𝑥 − 3) × 2

𝑓 ′′′ (1) = 192(2 × 1 − 3) = −192

9b iv 𝑓 ′′′′ (𝑥) = 192 × 2 = 384

𝑓 ′′′′ (1) = 384

𝑥
10a 𝑦 = 𝑥+1

(𝑥 + 1) − 𝑥
𝑦′ =
(𝑥 + 1)2
1
=
(𝑥 + 1)2
= (𝑥 + 1)−2
𝑦 ′′ = −2(𝑥 + 1)−3
−2
=
(𝑥 + 1)3

𝑥−1
10b 𝑦 = 2𝑥+5

(2𝑥 + 5) − (𝑥 − 1) × 2
𝑦′ =
(2𝑥 + 5)2
7
=
(2𝑥 + 5)2

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

= 7(2𝑥 + 5)−2
𝑦 ′′ = −14(2𝑥 + 5)−3 × 2
−28
=
(2𝑥 + 5)3

11 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥(𝑥 − 1)4

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 1 × (𝑥 − 1)4 + 𝑥 × 4(𝑥 − 1)3 × 1
= (𝑥 − 1)4 + 4𝑥(𝑥 − 1)3
= (𝑥 − 1)3 (5𝑥 − 1)
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 3(𝑥 − 1)2 × 1 × (5𝑥 − 1) + (𝑥 − 1)3 × 5
= (𝑥 − 1)2 × (15𝑥 − 3) + 5(𝑥 − 1)3
= (𝑥 − 1)2 [(15𝑥 − 3) + 5(𝑥 − 1)]
= (𝑥 − 1)2 (20𝑥 − 8)
= 4(𝑥 − 1)2 (5𝑥 − 2)

12a 𝑦 ′ = 4𝑥 3 − 12𝑥
𝑦 ′′ = 12𝑥 2 − 12
12𝑥 2 − 12 = 0 when 𝑥 2 = 1
Therefore, 𝑦 ′′ = 0 when 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 1.

12b 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 7
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 5
𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑥 + 2
1
6𝑥 + 2 = 0 when 𝑥 = − 3
1
Therefore, 𝑦 ′′ = 0 when = − 3 .

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

13a Let y  x n .

y  nx n 1

y  n  n  1 x n2

y  n  n  1 n  2  x n3

13b Continuing the pattern from part a until n  k  0 where k is the order of the
derivative we obtain:

y  k   n  n  1 n  2  ...  n  k  1 x n k

Setting n  k we obtain:

y     n  n  1 n  2  ...1 x 0
n

 n  n  1 n  2  ...1

The  n  1 derivative of x n is:

st

y
n 1

d
dx
 n  n  1 n  2  ...1
0

14a
𝑑 𝑑𝑦
(𝑥 )
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑
= (𝑥(6𝑥 + 7))
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
= (6𝑥 2 + 7𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
= 12𝑥 + 7

𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑥 +
𝑑𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥
= 𝑥(6) + (6𝑥 + 7)
= 12𝑥 + 7

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑 𝑑𝑦 𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
Therefore, 𝑑𝑥 (𝑥 𝑑𝑥 ) = 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 2 + 𝑑𝑥

14b
𝑑 𝑑𝑦
(𝑦 )
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑
= ((2𝑥 − 1)4 (4 × (2𝑥 − 1)3 × 2))
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
= (8(2𝑥 − 1)7 )
𝑑𝑥
= 56 × (2𝑥 − 1)6 × 2 = 112(2𝑥 − 1)6

𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 2
𝑦 2+( )
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= (2𝑥 − 1)4 (24(2𝑥 − 1)2 × 2) + (8(2𝑥 − 1)3 )2
= 48(2𝑥 − 1)6 + (8(2𝑥 − 1)3 )2
= 48(2𝑥 − 1)6 + 64(2𝑥 − 1)6
= 112(2𝑥 − 1)6
𝑑 𝑑𝑦 𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 2
Therefore, 𝑑𝑥 (𝑦 𝑑𝑥 ) = 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 2 + (𝑑𝑥 )

1 3 5
3 𝑑𝑦 3 𝑑2 𝑦 9
14c 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 − = 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 −2 then 𝑑𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 2 𝑥 −2 and = 4 − 4 𝑥 −2
√ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 2
5 1
𝑑2 𝑦 9 9
Hence, 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 2 = 2𝑥 2 (4 − 4 𝑥 −2 ) = 8𝑥 2 − 2 𝑥 −2 and
3 1 1
𝑑𝑦 3 9
𝑥 𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 𝑥 (4𝑥 + 2 𝑥 −2 ) + 2 (2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 −2 ) = 8𝑥 2 − 2 𝑥 −2

𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
Therefore, 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 2 = 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑦

15 𝑦 = 𝑥 𝑎 + 𝑥 −𝑏 then 𝑦 ′ = 𝑎𝑥 𝑎−1 − 𝑏𝑥 −𝑏−1 and

𝑦 ′′ = 𝑎(𝑎 − 1)𝑥 𝑎−2 + 𝑏(𝑏 + 1)𝑥 −𝑏−2
Hence,
𝑥 2 𝑦 ′′ + 2𝑥𝑦 ′ = 𝑥 2 (𝑎(𝑎 − 1)𝑥 𝑎−2 + 𝑏(𝑏 + 1)𝑥 −𝑏−2 ) + 2𝑥(𝑎𝑥 𝑎−1 − 𝑏𝑥 −𝑏−1 )

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

= 𝑎(𝑎 − 1)𝑥 𝑎 + 𝑏(𝑏 + 1)𝑥 −𝑏 + 2𝑎𝑥 𝑎 − 2𝑏𝑥 −𝑏

= (𝑎2 + 𝑎)𝑥 𝑎 + (𝑏 2 − 𝑏)𝑥 −𝑏

(𝑎2 + 𝑎)𝑥 𝑎 + (𝑏 2 − 𝑏)𝑥 −𝑏 = 12(𝑥 𝑎 + 𝑥 −𝑏 ) when 𝑎2 + 𝑎 = 12 and 𝑏 2 − 𝑏 = 12

Or when 𝑎2 + 𝑎 − 12 = 0 and 𝑏 2 − 𝑏 − 12 = 0.
Therefore, 𝑎 = −4 or 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑏 = −3 or 𝑏 = 4.
A possible combination can be 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑏 = 4.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Solutions to Exercise 4E
1a
Point 𝐴 𝐵 𝐶 𝐷 𝐸 𝐹 𝐺 𝐻 𝐼
𝑦′ 0 + 0 − 0 − 0 + 0
𝑦 ′′ + 0 − 0 0 0 + 0 0

2a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 − 6
For 𝑥 = 0, 𝑓 ′′ (0) = −6 and −6 < 0. Therefore, 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) is concave down at 𝑥 = 0.

2b 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 7
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 5
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 + 8
For 𝑥 = 0, 𝑓 ′′ (0) = 8 and 8 > 0. Therefore, 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) is concave up at 𝑥 = 0.

2c 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 2 − 3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 + 4𝑥
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 12𝑥 2 + 4
For 𝑥 = 0, 𝑓 ′′ (0) = 4 and 4 > 0. Therefore, 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) is concave up at 𝑥 = 0.

2d 𝑓(𝑥) = 6𝑥 − 7𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 4
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6 − 14𝑥 − 32𝑥 3
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = −14 − 96𝑥 2
For 𝑥 = 0, 𝑓 ′′ (0) = −14 and −14 < 0.
Therefore, 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) is concave down at 𝑥 = 0.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

3a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4
For 𝑥 = 2, 𝑓 ′ (2) = 2 × 0 − 4 = 0. So 𝑓(𝑥) has a stationary point at 𝑥 = 2.
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 2 and since 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) > 0 for all values of 𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥) is concave up for all
values of 𝑥. Therefore, the stationary point at 𝑥 = 2 is a local minimum.

3b 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 + 4𝑥 − 𝑥 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 4 − 2𝑥
For 𝑥 = 2, 𝑓 ′ (2) = 4 − 2 × 2 = 0. So 𝑓(𝑥) has a stationary point at 𝑥 = 2.
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = −2 and since 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) < 0 for all values of 𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥) is concave down for all
values of 𝑥. Therefore, the stationary point at 𝑥 = 2 is a local maximum.

3c 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 12𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 12
For 𝑥 = 2, 𝑓 ′ (2) = 3 × 22 − 12 = 0. So 𝑓(𝑥) has a stationary point at 𝑥 = 2.
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥
For 𝑥 = 2, 𝑓 ′′ (2) = 6 × 2 = 12. Since 𝑓 ′′ (2) > 0, 𝑓(𝑥) is concave up at 𝑥 = 2.
Therefore, the stationary point at 𝑥 = 2 is a local minimum.

3d 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 5
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 12
For 𝑥 = 2, 𝑓 ′ (2) = 6 × 22 − 6 × 2 − 12 = 0. So 𝑓(𝑥) has a stationary point at
𝑥 = 2.
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 12𝑥 − 6
For 𝑥 = 2, 𝑓 ′′ (2) = 12 × 2 − 6 = 18. Since 𝑓 ′′ (2) > 0, 𝑓(𝑥) is concave up at
𝑥 = 2. Therefore, the stationary point at 𝑥 = 2 is a local minimum.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

4a 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 7
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑥 − 3
𝑑𝑥

𝑑2 𝑦
=2
𝑑𝑥 2

𝑑2 𝑦
> 0 for all values of 𝑥. Therefore, the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 7 is concave up for
𝑑𝑥 2

all values of 𝑥.

4b 𝑦 = −3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 4
𝑑𝑦
= −6𝑥 + 2
𝑑𝑥

𝑑2 𝑦
= −6
𝑑𝑥 2

𝑑2 𝑦
< 0 for all values of 𝑥. Therefore, the curve 𝑦 = −3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 4 is concave
𝑑𝑥 2

down for all values of 𝑥.

5a 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 2
𝑑𝑦
= 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 5
𝑑𝑥

𝑑2 𝑦
= 6𝑥 − 6
𝑑𝑥 2

𝑑2 𝑦
5b i = 0 when 6𝑥 − 6 = 0 or 𝑥 = 1.
𝑑𝑥 2

𝑑2 𝑦
> 0 when 6𝑥 − 6 > 0 or 6𝑥 > 6 or 𝑥 > 1
𝑑𝑥 2

Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 2 is concave up for 𝑥 > 1.

𝑑2 𝑦
5b ii < 0 when 6𝑥 − 6 < 0 or 6𝑥 < 6 or 𝑥 < 1
𝑑𝑥 2

Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 2 is concave down for 𝑥 < 1.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦
6a = 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 5𝑥
𝑑𝑥

𝑑2 𝑦
= 6𝑥 − 2
𝑑𝑥 2

𝑑2 𝑦
6b i = 6𝑥 − 2 and 6𝑥 − 2 = 0 when 𝑥 = 3
𝑑𝑥 2

𝑑2 𝑦 1
> 0 when 6𝑥 − 2 > 0 or 6𝑥 > 2 or 𝑥 > 3.
𝑑𝑥 2
1
Therefore, 𝑦 is concave up when 𝑥 > 3.

𝑑2 𝑦
6b ii < 0 when 𝑥 < 3. Therefore, 𝑦 is concave down when 𝑥 < 3.
𝑑𝑥 2

7 𝑦 ′′ = 3𝑥 3 (𝑥 + 3)2 (𝑥 − 2)
𝑦 ′′ = 0 when 3𝑥 3 (𝑥 + 3)2 (𝑥 − 2) = 0,
𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = −3 or 𝑥 = 2.
As shown in the below table, 𝑦 ′′ > 0 for 𝑥 < −3 and −3 < 𝑥 < 0.
Hence, 𝑥 = −3 is not an inflection point.
𝑥 −4 −3 −1 0 1 2 3
𝑦 ′′ + 0 + 0 − 0 +

The 𝑥-coordinates of the points of inflection are 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 2.

8a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 3 = 3(𝑥 2 − 1) = 3(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥

8b 3(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 when 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 1

𝑓(−1) = (−1)3 − 3 × (−1) = 2. Therefore, (−1, 2) is a stationary point.
𝑓(1) = (1)3 − 3 × (1) = −2. Therefore, (1, −2) is a stationary point.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

8c 𝑓 ′′ (−1) = 6 × (−1) = −6 so 𝑓 ′′ (−1) < 0.

Therefore, (−1, 2) is a local maximum turning point.
𝑓 ′′ (1) = 6 × 1 = 6 so 𝑓 ′′ (1) > 0.
Therefore, (1, −2) is a local minimum turning point.

8d 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0
𝑓(0) = (0)3 − 3 × 0 = 0 so (0, 0) is the point of inflection.

8e 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥

𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 = 0 when 𝑥(𝑥 − √3)(𝑥 + √3) = 0

Therefore, (0, 0), (√3, 0) and (−√3, 0) are the 𝑥-intercepts.

9a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 − 15𝑥 + 1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 − 15
= 3(𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 5)
= 3(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 1)
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 − 12
= 6(𝑥 − 2)

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

9b When 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0, 3(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 so 𝑥 = 5 or 𝑥 = −1.

Therefore, there is a stationary point at both 𝑥 = 5 and 𝑥 = −1.
𝑓(5) = 53 − 6 × 52 − 15 × 5 + 1 = −99
𝑓(−1) = (−1)3 − 6 × (−1)2 − 15 × (−1) + 1 = 9
At 𝑥 = 5, 𝑓 ′′ (5) = 6(5 − 2) = 18.
Since 𝑓 ′′ (5) > 0, 𝑓(𝑥) is concave up at 𝑥 = 5 and the stationary point at (5, −99)
is a local minimum.
At 𝑥 = −1, 𝑓 ′′ (−1) = 6(−1 − 2) = −18.
Since 𝑓 ′′ (−1) < 0, 𝑓(𝑥) is concave down at 𝑥 = −1 and the stationary point at
(−1, 9) is a local maximum.

9c 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 0 when 6(𝑥 − 2) = 0 or when 𝑥 = 2

𝑓(2) = 23 − 6 × 22 − 15 × 2 + 1 = −45
𝑥 1 2 3
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) − 0 +

𝑓(𝑥) is concave down for 𝑥 < 2 and concave up for 𝑥 > 2. Therefore, there is a
point of inflection at (2, −45).

9d

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

10a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 9 = 3(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3) = 3(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1)

𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 − 6 = 6(𝑥 − 1)

10b 3(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 when 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 3

𝑓(−1) = (−1)3 − 3 × (−1)2 − 9 × (−1) + 11 = 16
𝑓(3) = 33 − 3 × 32 − 9 × 3 + 11 = −16
Therefore, (−1, 16) and (3, −16) are stationary points.
𝑓 ′′ (−1) = 6 × (−1) − 6 = −12 so 𝑓 ′′ (−1) < 0.
Therefore, (−1, 16) is a maximum turning point.
𝑓 ′′ (3) = 6 × 3 − 6 = 12 so 𝑓 ′′ (3) > 0.
Therefore, (3, −16) is a minimum turning point.

10c 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 − 6 = 0 when 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑓(1) = 0

Therefore, (1, 0) is an inflection point.

10d

Since 𝑓(0) = 11, the 𝑦-intercept is (0, 11).

11a 𝑦 = 3 + 4𝑥 3 − 𝑥 4
𝑦 ′ = 12𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 3
= 4𝑥 2 (3 − 𝑥)

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑦 ′′ = 24𝑥 − 12𝑥 2
= 12𝑥(2 − 𝑥)

11b 𝑦 ′ = 0 when 4𝑥 2 (3 − 𝑥) = 0 or when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 3

𝑥 −1 0 1 3 4
𝑦′ / 0 / 0 \
𝑓(𝑥) is increasing for 𝑥 < 0 and 0 < 𝑥 < 3.
Therefore, there is a stationary point of inflection at 𝑥 = 0.
𝑓(𝑥) is increasing for 0 < 𝑥 < 3 and decreasing for 𝑥 > 3.
Therefore, there is a local maximum at 𝑥 = 3.
For 𝑥 = 3 𝑦 = 3 + 4 × 33 − 34 = 30
The local maximum point is at (3, 30).

11c 𝑦 ′′ = 0 when 12𝑥(2 − 𝑥) = 0 or when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2

𝑥 −1 0 1 2 3
𝑦 ′′ − 0 + 0 −

Therefore, there is a point of inflection at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 2

𝑓(0) = 3 + 4 × 03 − 04 = 3
𝑓(2) = 3 + 4 × 23 − 24 = 19
Stationary points of inflection are at (0, 3) and (2, 19).

11d

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

12a 𝑦 ′ = 6𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 12 = 6(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2) = 6(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1)

6(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 when 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 2

𝑥 −2 −1 0 2 3
𝑦′ + 0 − 0 +
slope / Maximum \ Minimum /
turning point turning point

𝑦 is increasing when 𝑦 ′ > 0 or when 𝑥 < −1 and 𝑥 > 2

12b 𝑦 is decreasing when 𝑦 ′ < 0 or when −1 < 𝑥 < 2 (refer to the table in 12a)

1
12c 𝑦 ′′ = 12𝑥 − 6 and 12𝑥 − 6 = 0 when 𝑥 = 2
1
𝑦 ′′ > 0 when 12𝑥 − 6 > 0 or 12𝑥 > 6 or when 𝑥 > 2

1
12d 𝑦 ′′ < 0 when 12𝑥 − 6 < 0 or 12𝑥 < 6 or when 𝑥 < 2

13a 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 72𝑥 + 14
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 72
= 3(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 24)
= 3(𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 4)
𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑥 + 6
= 6(𝑥 + 1)

13b 𝑦 ′′ = 0 when 6(𝑥 + 1) = 0 or 𝑥 = −1

Therefore, there is a point of inflection at 𝑥 = −1.
When 𝑥 = −1, 𝑦 = (−1)3 + 3(−1)2 − 72 × (−1) + 14 = 88.
Therefore the point of inflection is at (−1, 88).

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

13c The gradient of the tangent at 𝑥 = −1 is

𝑓 ′ (−1) = 3(−1)2 + 6 × (−1) − 72 = −75

13d The equation of the tangent at (−1, 88) is

𝑦 − 88 = −75(𝑥 − (−1))

𝑦 = −75𝑥 + 13 or 75𝑥 + 𝑦 − 13 = 0

14a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 and 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥

𝑔′ (𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 and 𝑔′′ (𝑥) = 12𝑥 2

14b 𝑓 ′′ (0) = 6 × 0 = 0
𝑔′′ (𝑥) = 12 × 02 = 0
No, we cannot determine the nature of the stationary points from this calculation
as 𝑓 ′′ (0) = 𝑔′′ (𝑥) = 0.

14c

𝑥 −1 0 1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) + 0 +
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) − 0 +
𝑓 / Stationary point of /
inflection
𝑔′ (𝑥) − 0 +
𝑔′′ (𝑥) + 0 +
𝑔 \ Minimum turning point /

𝑓 has a stationary point of inflection at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑔 has a minimum turning point

at 𝑥 = 0.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

15a 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 𝑎𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 4
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑎𝑥 + 3
𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑥 − 2𝑎
If 𝑦 ′′ = 0 when 𝑥 = 2, then 6 × 2 − 2𝑎 = 0 or 2𝑎 = 12
Therefore 𝑎 = 6.

15b 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑎𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 4
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 + 4𝑎𝑥 + 3
𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑥 + 4𝑎
When 𝑥 = −1, 𝑦 ′′ > 0
6 × (−1) + 4𝑎 > 0
4𝑎 > 6
3
𝑎>
2
1
Therefore 𝑦 ′′ is concave up when 𝑎 > 1 .
2

15c 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 + 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2
𝑦 ′ = 4𝑥 3 + 3𝑎𝑥 2 + 2𝑏𝑥
𝑦 ′′ = 12𝑥 2 + 6𝑎𝑥 + 2𝑏
If 𝑦 has a point of inflection at (2, 0) then when 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦′′ = 0. Hence:
12 × 22 + 6𝑎 × 2 + 2𝑏 = 0
48 + 12𝑎 + 2𝑏 = 0
12𝑎 + 2𝑏 = −48
6𝑎 + 𝑏 = −24 (1)
Also when 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 0
24 + 𝑎 × 23 + 𝑏 × 22 = 0
16 + 8𝑎 + 4𝑏 = 0
8𝑎 + 4𝑏 = −16
2𝑎 + 𝑏 = −4 (2)

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

(1) − (2) gives:

4𝑎 = −20
𝑎 = −5
Substituting 𝑎 = −5 into (2) gives:
−10 + 𝑏 = −4
𝑏=6

15d 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 + 𝑎𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2
𝑦 ′ = 4𝑥 3 + 3𝑎𝑥 2 − 2𝑥
𝑦 ′′ = 12𝑥 2 + 6𝑎𝑥 − 2
When 𝑥 = 1, 𝑦 ′′ > 0
12 × 12 + 6𝑎 × 1 − 2 > 0
12 + 6𝑎 − 2 > 0
6𝑎 > −10
5
𝑎>−
3
5
So 𝑦 ′′ is concave up when 𝑎 > − 3.

𝑦 is increasing when 𝑦 ′ > 0

4 × 13 + 3𝑎 × 12 − 2 × 1 > 0
4 + 3𝑎 − 2 > 0
3𝑎 > −2
2
𝑎>−
3
2
So 𝑦 ′ is increasing when 𝑎 > − 3.
2
Therefore, 𝑦 is concave up and increasing when 𝑎 > − 3 .

16a Increasing, because 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 in the domain of 𝑓.

16b Since 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) is decreasing in the domain of 𝑓, 𝑓 is concave down in its domain.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

17a If 𝑓 ′ (𝑎) > 0 and 𝑓 ′ ′(𝑎) > 0, then the continuous function 𝑓(𝑥) about 𝑥 = 𝑎 is
increasing and concave up about 𝑥 = 𝑎.

17b If 𝑓 ′ (𝑎) > 0 and 𝑓 ′ ′(𝑎) < 0, then the continuous function 𝑓(𝑥) about 𝑥 = 𝑎 is
increasing and concave down about 𝑥 = 𝑎.

17c If 𝑓 ′ (𝑎) < 0 and 𝑓 ′ ′(𝑎) > 0, then the continuous function 𝑓(𝑥) about 𝑥 = 𝑎 is
decreasing and concave up about 𝑥 = 𝑎.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

17d If 𝑓 ′ (𝑎) < 0 and 𝑓 ′ ′(𝑎) < 0, then the continuous function 𝑓(𝑥) about 𝑥 = 𝑎 is
decreasing and concave down about 𝑥 = 𝑎.

1
18a y  x3  3x 2  11x  9
3
𝑦 ′ = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 11
= (𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9) − 9 + 11
= (𝑥 − 3)2 + 2
So 𝑦′ ≥ 2 for all real 𝑥. Hence the equation 𝑦 ′ = 0 has no solutions and so the
graph of the function has no stationary points.

18b 𝑦 ′ = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 11
𝑦 ′′ = 2𝑥 − 6
𝑦 ′′ = 0 when 2𝑥 − 6 = 0 or x  3
So there is a point of inflection at x  3 .

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1
When 𝑥 = 3, 𝑦 = 3 × 33 − 3 × 32 + 11 × 3 − 9 = 6

x 2 3 4
𝑦′′ 2 0 2
concavity down up

So  3,6  is a point of inflection.

The graph is concave down for x  3 and concave up for x  3 .

18c The graph has one 𝑥-intercept because the function is continuous and increasing
for all real 𝑥.

𝑥+2 1×(𝑥−3)−(𝑥+2)×1 𝑥−3−𝑥−2 −5

19a 𝑦 = 𝑥−3 then 𝑦 ′ = (𝑥−3)2
= (𝑥−3)2
= (𝑥−3)2

0×(𝑥−3)2 −(−5)×2×(𝑥−3) 10𝑥−30 10(𝑥−3) 10

𝑦 ′′ = (𝑥−3)4
= (𝑥−3)4
= (𝑥−3)4
= (𝑥−3)3

19b The sign table of (𝑥 − 3)3 is shown below

𝑥 𝑥<3 3 𝑥>3
(𝑥 − 3)3 − 0 +
𝑥+2
Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥−3 is concave up when 𝑥 > 3 and concave down when 𝑥 < 3.

𝑥+2
19c Since 𝑥 − 3 = 0 when 𝑥 = 3, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥−3 has a vertical asymptote at
𝑥+2
𝑥 = 3 and since lim = 1, 𝑦 has a horizontal asymptote at 𝑦 = 1.
𝑥→±∞ 𝑥−3

−2+2
Since 𝑓(−2) = −2−3 = 0, the graph cuts the 𝑥-axis at (−2, 0) and the 𝑦-intercept
2 0+2 2
is (0, − 3) as 𝑓(0) = 0−3 = − 3

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

20a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 at 𝐴, 𝐶 and 𝐸

𝑓(𝑥) decreasing 𝐴 decreasing 𝐶 increasing 𝐸 decreasing
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) − 0 − 0 + 0 −

20b 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 0 at 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐷

𝑓(𝑥) Concave 𝐴 Concave 𝐵 Concave 𝐷 Concave
up down up down
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) + 0 − 0 + 0 −

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

21a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 1 × (𝑥 − 1)3 + 𝑥 × 3 × (𝑥 − 1)2 = (𝑥 − 1)2 (4𝑥 − 1)

𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 2 × (𝑥 − 1) × (4𝑥 − 1) + (𝑥 − 1)2 × 4 = 6(𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 − 1)

21b 𝑓(𝑥) has a minimum turning point where 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) cuts the 𝑥-axis and a stationary
point of inflection where 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) touches and 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) cuts the 𝑥-axis.
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 when 𝑓(𝑥) is decreasing and 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 when 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing.
𝑓(𝑥) is concave up when 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) > 0 and concave down when 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) < 0

22 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑
(0, 5) lies on the curve and so when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 5
Hence 𝑑 = 5.
The curve has a turning point at (0, 5). So when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦′ = 0.
𝑦′ = 3𝑎𝑥 2 + 2𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
Hence 𝑐 = 0.
(−1, 0) lies on the curve and so when 𝑥 = −1, 𝑦 = 0
−𝑎 + 𝑏 = −5 (1)
1 1
The curve has a point of inflection at x  . So when x  , 𝑦′′ = 0.
2 2
𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑎𝑥 + 2𝑏
3𝑎 + 2𝑏 = 0 (2)
3  (1)  (2) gives 5𝑏 = −15 and so 𝑏 = −3

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Substituting 𝑏 = −3 into (2) and solving 3𝑎 − 6 = 0 for 𝑎 we obtain 𝑎 = 2.

So 𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = −3, 𝑐 = 0 and 𝑑 = 5.

2 1 2
2
23a i 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 then 𝑦 ′ = 3 𝑥 −3 . 𝑦 ′ > 0 when 𝑥 > 0. Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 is increasing

when 𝑥 > 0.

2
23a ii 𝑦 ′ < 0 when 𝑥 < 0. Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 is decreasing when 𝑥 < 0.

4 2
2
23a iii 𝑦 ′′ = − 9 𝑥 −3 < 0 for all 𝑥 ∈ ℝ − {0}. Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 is never concave up in its

domain.

4 2
2
23a iv 𝑦 ′′ = − 9 𝑥 −3 < 0 for all 𝑥 ∈ ℝ − {0}. Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 is concave down

In its domain.

2
23b 𝑦 = (0)3 = 0 then the 𝑥- and 𝑦-intercept is (0, 0).

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Solutions to Exercise 4F
1a 𝑦 = 0 when 6𝑥 2 − 𝑥 3 = 0 or 𝑥 2 (6 − 𝑥) = 0.
Hence, 𝑦 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 6
Therefore, the point 𝐴 is at (6, 0).

1b 𝑦 = 6𝑥 2 − 𝑥 3
𝑦 ′ = 12𝑥 − 3𝑥 2 and 𝑦 ′ = 0 when 12𝑥 − 3𝑥 2 = 0 or 3𝑥(4 − 𝑥) = 0
Hence, 𝑦 ′ = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 4.
Therefore, both 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 4 are stationary points, and 𝑥 = 4 is the 𝑥-
coordinate of the point 𝐵.
When 𝑥 = 4, 𝑦 = 6(4)2 − (4)3 = 32. Therefore, 𝐵 is at (4, 32).

1c 𝑦 ′′ = 12 − 6𝑥
𝑦 ′′ = 0 when 12 − 6𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2. Hence, there is an inflection point at 𝑥 = 2.
When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 6(2)2 − (2)3 = 16. Therefore, 𝐶 is at (2, 16).

2a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 2.

2b 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 0 at the point of inflection. Without the rule of the function, this is
difficult to locate but it looks to be at 𝑥 = 0.

2c 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing when −1 < 𝑥 < 2.

2d Using the answer from part b, 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) > 0 when 𝑥 < 0.

3a 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 27𝑥 − 𝑥 3
𝑓(−𝑥) = 27(−𝑥) − (−𝑥)3
= −27𝑥 + 𝑥 3
= −(27𝑥 − 𝑥 3 )

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

= −𝑓(𝑥)
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 27𝑥 − 𝑥 3 is an odd function because 𝑓(−𝑥) = −𝑓(𝑥).
Since 𝑦 is an odd function, its graph has point symmetry in the origin.

3b 𝑦 ′ = 27 − 3𝑥 2
= 3(9 − 𝑥 2 )
𝑦 ′′ = −6𝑥

3c 𝑦 ′ = 0 when 3(9 − 𝑥 2 ) = 0 or 𝑥 = ±3
When 𝑥 = −3, 𝑦 = 27 × (−3) − (−3)3 = −54
When 𝑥 = 3, 𝑦 = 27 × 3 − 33 = 54
Therefore (−3, −54) and (3, 54) are stationary points.
𝑓 ′′ (−3) = −6 × (−3) = 18 and 18 > 0.
Therefore, 𝑦 is concave up at 𝑥 = −3 and (−3, −54) is a local minimum point.
𝑓 ′′ (3) = −6 × 3 = −18 and −18 < 0.
Therefore, 𝑦 is concave down at 𝑥 = 3 and (3, 54) is a local maximum point.

3d
𝑥 −1 0 1
𝑦 ′′ + 0 −

𝑦 ′′ > 0 for 𝑥 < 0 and 𝑦 ′′ < 0 for 𝑥 > 0.

Therefore, there is a point of inflection at 𝑥 = 0.

3e 𝑦 ′ = 27 − 3(0)2 = 27 when 𝑥 = 0. Therefore, the gradient at the point of

inflection is 27.

3f 𝑦 = 𝑥(27 − 𝑥 2 ) = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = ±3√3

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Therefore, (0, 0), (−3√3, 0) and (3√3, 0) are the 𝑥-intercepts and the graph of 𝑦

is shown below.

4a 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 5 then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 = 6𝑥(𝑥 − 1)

𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 12𝑥 − 6 = 6(2𝑥 − 1)

4b 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥(𝑥 − 1) = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 1.

Therefore, there are stationary points at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 1.
𝑓(0) = 2(0)3 − 3(0)2 + 5 = 5 and 𝑓(1) = 2(1)3 − 3(1)2 + 5 = 4
Therefore, (0, 5) and (1, 4) are the stationary points.
𝑓 ′′ (0) = 6(2 × 0 − 1) = −6 and 𝑓 ′′ (0) < 0. Hence the function is concave
down at 𝑥 = 0 and therefore, has a maximum turning point at (0, 5)
𝑓 ′′ (1) = 6(2 × 1 − 1) = 6 and 𝑓 ′′ (0) > 0. Hence the function is concave
up at 𝑥 = 1 and therefore, has a minimum turning point at (1, 4)

1
4c 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6(2𝑥 − 1) = 0 when 𝑥 = 2.
1
Therefore, there is a point of inflection at 𝑥 = 2.
1 1 1 3
𝑓 ′ (2) = 6 × 2 × (2 − 1) = − 2
3
At the point of inflection, the gradient is − 2.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

4d

1 1 3 1 2 9 1 9
𝑓 (2) = 2 (2) − 3 (2) + 5 = 4. Therefore, the point of inflection is at (2 , 4).

𝑓(−1) = 2(−1)3 − 3(−1)2 + 5 = −2 − 3 + 5 = 0.

Therefore, (−1, 0) is the 𝑥-intercept. Refer to 6b for the coordinates of the
turning points.

5a 𝑦 = 𝑥(𝑥 − 6)2
𝑦 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 6. Therefore, (0, 0) and (6, 0) are the 𝑥-intercepts.
𝑦 ′ = (𝑥 − 6)2 + 𝑥 × 2(𝑥 − 6)
= 3𝑥 2 − 24𝑥 + 36
= 3(𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 − 2)
𝑦 ′ = 0 when 𝑥 = 2 or 𝑥 = 6.
𝑦 = 32 when 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 0 when 𝑥 = 6
Therefore, (2, 32) and (6, 0) are stationary points.
𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑥 − 24
𝑦 ′′ = 0 when 6𝑥 − 24 = 0 or 𝑥 = 4.
𝑦 = 16 when 𝑥 = 4. Therefore, (4, 16) is a point of inflection.
Since 𝑦 ′′ < 0 when 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 ′′ > 0 when 𝑥 = 6, (2, 32) is a local maximum and
(6, 0) is a local minimum point.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

5b 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 24𝑥 + 5
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 24
= 3(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 2)
𝑦 ′ = 0 when 𝑥 = −2 or 𝑥 = 4.
𝑦 = 33 when 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑦 = −75 when 𝑥 = 4
Therefore (−2, 33) and (4, −75) are stationary points.
𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑥 − 6
𝑦 ′′ = 0 when 6𝑥 − 6 = 0 or 𝑥 = 1.
𝑦 = −21 when 𝑥 = 1. Therefore, (1, −21) is a point of inflection.
Since 𝑦 ′′ < 0 when 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑦 ′′ > 0 when 𝑥 = 4, (−2, 33) is a local maximum
and (4, −75) is a local minimum point.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

6a 𝑦 = 12𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 4 + 11
𝑦 ′ = 36𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 3 = 12𝑥 2 (3 − 𝑥)
𝑦 ′′ = 72𝑥 − 36𝑥 2 = 36𝑥(2 − 𝑥)

6b 𝑦 ′ = 12𝑥 2 (3 − 𝑥) = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 3. Therefore, there are stationary

points at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 3.
When 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 12(0)3 − 3(0)4 + 11 = 11
When 𝑥 = 3, 𝑦 = 12(3)3 − 3(3)4 + 11 = 92
Therefore (0, 11) and (3, 92) are the stationary points.

6c When 𝑥 = 3, 𝑦 ′′ = 72 × (3) − 36(3)2 = −108.

Since 𝑦 ′′ < 0 when 𝑥 = 3, the function is concave down at 𝑥 = 3. Therefore, the
point (3, 92) is a maximum turning point.
This method fails for 𝑥 = 0 because 𝑦 ′′ = 72 × (0) − 36(0)2 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0.

6d

𝑥 −1 0 1 3 4
𝑦′ + 0 + 0 −
Stationary Maximum
point of turning
𝑦 / / \
inflection point

6e 𝑦 ′′ = 36𝑥(2 − 𝑥) = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2.
Therefore there are inflection points at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 2.
When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 12(2)3 − 3(2)4 + 11 = 59

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

6f

7 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 16𝑥 3 + 72𝑥 2 + 10
𝑦 ′ = 4𝑥 3 − 48𝑥 2 + 144𝑥
= 4𝑥(𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 36)
= 4𝑥(𝑥 − 6)2
𝑦 ′ = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 6
𝑦 = 10 when 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦 = 442 when 𝑥 = 6
Therefore (0, 10) and (6, 442) are stationary points.
𝑥 −1 0 1 6 7
𝑦′ \ 0 / 0 /

𝑦 ′ < 0 when 𝑥 < 0 and 𝑦 ′ > 0 when 0 < 𝑥 < 6. Therefore, (0, 10) is a local
minimum point.
𝑦 ′ > 0 when 0 < 𝑥 < 6 and 𝑦 ′ > 0 when 𝑥 > 6. Therefore, (6, 442) is a
stationary point of inflection.
𝑦 ′′ = 12𝑥 2 − 96𝑥 + 144
= 12(𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 12)
= 12(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 6)
𝑦 ′′ = 0 when 12(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 6) = 0 or 𝑥 = 2 or 𝑥 = 6.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑥 1 2 3 6 7
𝑦 ′′ + 0 − 0 +

When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = −186. Therefore, (2, −186) is a point of inflection.

1
8a f  x  = (𝑥 2 − 4)−1
x 4
2

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −1 × (𝑥 2 − 4)−2 × 2𝑥
2𝑥
=−
(𝑥 2 − 4)2

8b There are stationary points where f   x   0 .

2𝑥
− (𝑥 2 −4)2 = 0 when −2𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 0

So there is a stationary point at x  0 and discontinuities at x  2 .

x 1 0 1

f  x
2 2
3 
9 9
slope /  \

1
When x  0 , y   .
4

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

 1
Hence  0,   is a maximum turning point.
 4

8c If the function is even, then f   x   f  x  .

1
f x 
x 4
2

1

x 4
2

 f  x

Hence the function is even.

The graph has line symmetry in the y - axis.

8d Vertical asymptotes occur for x 2  4  0 .

So the (vertical) asymptotes are x  2 .
The domain is x  2 .

8e As x  , f  x   0 .

So the horizontal asymptote is y  0 .

8f

1
−
4

1
8g The range is y  0 or y   .
4

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

x
9a f  x 
x 4
2

x
Applying the quotient rule on f  x   :
x 4
2

Let u  x and v  x 2  4 .
Then u  1 and v  2 x .

vu   uv
f  x 
v2
1  x 2  4    x  2 x 

x  4
2 2

  x2  4

x  4
2 2

x2  4
So f   x    .
 x2  4
2

x2  4
9b f  x  
x  4
2 2

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when 𝑥 2 + 4 = 0

So f   x   4 for all real x . Hence the equation f   x   0 has no solutions and

so the curve y  f  x  has no stationary points.

Further, as f   x   4 for all real x i.e. f   x  is negative for all values of x then
f  x  is decreasing for all values of x .

Hence the curve is always decreasing.

2 x3  24 x
9c f   x  
x  4
2 3

Solving f   x   0 for x we obtain:

2 x3  24 x  0  2 x  x 2  12   0

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

x 2  12  0 has no real solutions and so x  0 .

So there is a point of inflection at x  0 .

x 1 0 1
26 26
f   x   0
27 27
concavity down up

So  0, 0  is a point of inflection.

The gradient of the tangent at  0, 0  is given by f   0  .

1
f   0  
4
1
So the gradient of the tangent at  0, 0  is  .
4

9d The domain is x  2 .

Vertical asymptotes occur for x 2  4  0 .

So the (vertical) asymptotes are x  2 .

9e As x  , f  x   0 .

So the horizontal asymptote is y  0 .

9f If the function is odd, then f   x    f  x  .

f x 
x
x  4
2

x

x 4 2

  f  x

Hence the function is odd.

The graph has point symmetry in the origin.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

9g When x  0, y  0 . The function has discontinuities at x  2 .

x 3 2 1 0 1 2 3

3 1 1 3
f  x  undef 0  undef
5 3 3 5

Hence f  x  is positive for 2  x  0 or x  2 and negative for x  2 or

0  x  2.

9h

9i The range is all real values of y .

𝑥2 2𝑥×(1+𝑥 2 )−𝑥 2 ×(2𝑥) 2𝑥

10a 𝑓(𝑥) = 1+𝑥 2 then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (1+𝑥 2 )2
= (1+𝑥 2 )2 and
2
2×(1+𝑥 2 ) −2𝑥×(2×(1+𝑥 2 )×(2𝑥)) (1+𝑥 2 )(2+2𝑥 2 −8𝑥 2 ) 2−6𝑥 2
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = (1+𝑥 2 )4
= (1+𝑥 2 )4
= (1+𝑥 2 )3

2𝑥
10b 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when (1+𝑥 2 )2 = 0 or 𝑥 = 0, and 𝑓(0) = 0. Therefore, there is a

stationary point at (0, 0).

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑥 0

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) − 0 +

Hence, (0, 0) is a minimum turning point.

2−6𝑥 2
10c 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 0 when (1+𝑥 2 )3 = 0 or

2 − 6𝑥 2 = 0
1
𝑥2 = 3
1 1
𝑥=− or 𝑥 =
√3 √3

1 1 1
𝑓 (− ) = 𝑓( ) = 4
√3 √3

1 1 1 1
Therefore, there are points of inflection at (− , ) and ( , ).
√3 4 √3 4

𝑥2 12 1
10d lim = 1 and 𝑓(1) = 1+12 = 2
𝑥→±∞ 1+𝑥 2

2
Therefore, there is a horizontal asymptote at (1, 2)

10e

4𝑥 4×(𝑥 2 +9)−(4𝑥)(2𝑥) 36−4𝑥 2

11a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 +9 then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (𝑥 2 +9)2
= (𝑥 2 +9)2 and

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

2
(−8𝑥)×(𝑥2 +9) −(36−4𝑥 2 )×2×(𝑥 2 +9)(2𝑥) (4𝑥)(𝑥 2 +9)(−2𝑥 2 −18−36+4𝑥 2 ) 8𝑥 3 −216𝑥
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = (𝑥 2 +9)4
= (𝑥 2 +9)4
= (𝑥 2 +9)3

36−4𝑥 2
11b 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when (𝑥 2 +9)2 = 0 or when 𝑥 = −3 or 𝑥 = 3.

4×(−3) 12 2 4×(3) 2
𝑓(−3) = (−3)2 +9 = − 18 = − 3 and 𝑓(3) = (3)2 +9 = 3

2 2
Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) has stationary points at (−3, − 3 ) and (3, 3)

𝑥 −3 3

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) − 0 + 0 −

2 2
Hence, (−3, − 3 ) is a minimum turning point and (3, 3) is a maximum

turning point.

8𝑥 3 −216𝑥
11c 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 0 when (𝑥 2 +9)3
= 0 or when 8𝑥(𝑥 2 − 27) = 0

Or when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = −3√3 or 𝑥 = 3√3.

4×(0)
𝑓(0) = (0)2 +9 = 0

4×(−3√3) −12√3 √3
𝑓(−3√3) = 2 = =−
(−3√3) +9 36 3

4×(3√3) 12√3 √3
𝑓(3√3) = 2 = =
(3√3) +9 36 3

Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) has points of inflection at (0, 0) , (−3√3, ) and (3√3, )

4𝑥
11d lim =0
𝑥→±∞ 𝑥 2 +9

Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) has a horizontal asymptote at 𝑦 = 0.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

11e

12 𝑦 = 𝑥 5 − 15𝑥 3 then 𝑦 ′ = 5𝑥 4 − 45𝑥 2 and 𝑦 ′′ = 20𝑥 3 − 90𝑥

𝑦 ′ = 5𝑥 4 − 45𝑥 2 = 0 when 5𝑥 2 (𝑥 2 − 9) = 0
Then there are stationary points at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = ±3
𝑦 = (0)5 − 15(0)3 = 0
𝑦 = (−3)5 − 15(−3)3 = 162
𝑦 = (3)5 − 15(3)3 = −162
Therefore, (0, 0), (−3, 162) and (3, −162) are the stationary points.

𝑥 −3 0 3

𝑦′ + 0 − 0 − 0 +

Hence, (−3, 162) is a maximum turning point, (3, −162) is a minimum

turning point and (0, 0) is a stationary point.

𝑦 ′′ = 20𝑥 3 − 90𝑥 = 0 when 10𝑥(2𝑥 2 − 9) = 0

3 3
Then there are points of inflection at 𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = − and 𝑥 =
√2 √2

𝑦 = (0)5 − 15(0)3 = 0
3 5 3 3 567
𝑦 = (− ) − 15 (− ) = 4√2
√2 √2

3 5 3 3 567
𝑦 = ( ) − 15 ( ) = − 4√2
√2 √2

Therefore, (0, 0) is a horizontal point of inflection (because it is a stationary

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

3 567 3 567
point), and (− , ) and ( , − 4√2) are the points of inflection.
√2 4√2 √2

lim (𝑥 5 − 15𝑥 3 ) = ±∞ (no horizontal asymptote)

𝑥→±∞

The graph is,

𝑥 2 −𝑥−2 (2𝑥−1)𝑥 2 −(𝑥 2 −𝑥−2)(2𝑥) 𝑥+4

13a 𝑦= then 𝑦 ′ = = and
𝑥2 𝑥4 𝑥3

1×𝑥 3 −(𝑥+4)(3𝑥 2 ) −2(𝑥+6)

𝑦 ′′ = (𝑥 3 )2
= 𝑥4

𝑥 2 −𝑥−2 (𝑥+1)(𝑥−2)
𝑦= = = 0 when 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 2. Therefore, the 𝑥-intercepts
𝑥2 𝑥2

are (1−, 0) and (2, 0)

𝑥+4
𝑦′ = = 0 when 𝑥 + 4 = 0 or 𝑥 = −4
𝑥3

Then there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = −4

(−4)2 −(−4)−2 9
𝑦= (−4)2
=8

𝑥 −4

𝑦′ + 0 −

9
Therefore, (−4, 8) is a maximum turning point.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑥 2 −𝑥−2
Since 𝑦 is not continuous at 𝑥 = 0 and lim ( ) = −∞ . Therefore, 𝑥 = 0 is
𝑥→±0 𝑥2

a vertical asymptote and 𝑦 → −∞ 𝑥 → 0.

−2(𝑥+6) (−6)2 −(−6)−2 40 10

𝑦 ′′ = = 0 when 𝑥 = −6 and 𝑦 = = 36 =
𝑥4 (−6)2 9

10
Therefore, (−6, 9 ) is the point of inflection.

𝑥 2 −𝑥−2
lim ( ) = 1 . Therefore, there is a horizontal asymptote at 𝑦 = 1
𝑥→±∞ 𝑥2

The graph is,

𝑥 2 −2𝑥 (2𝑥−2)(𝑥+2)2 −(𝑥 2 −2𝑥)×2×(𝑥+2) 2(3𝑥−2)

13b 𝑦 = (𝑥+2)2 then 𝑦 ′ = ((𝑥+2)2 )2
= (𝑥+2)3
and

6×(𝑥+2)3 −2(3𝑥−2)(3(𝑥+2)2 ) −12(𝑥−2)

𝑦 ′′ = ((𝑥+2)3 )2
= (𝑥+2)4

𝑥 2 −2𝑥 𝑥(𝑥−2)
𝑦 = (𝑥+2)2 = = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2. Therefore, the 𝑥-intercepts
𝑥2

are (0, 0) and (2, 0)

2(3𝑥−2) 2
𝑦′ = (𝑥+2)3
= 0 when 3𝑥 − 2 = 0 or 𝑥 = 3
2
Then there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = 3

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

2 2 2
( ) −2( ) 1
3 3
𝑦= 2
2 = −8
(( )+2)
3

𝑥 2
3
𝑦′ − 0 +

2 1
Therefore, ( , − ) is a minimum turning point.
3 8

𝑥 2 −2𝑥
Since 𝑦 is not continuous at 𝑥 = −2 and lim ((𝑥+2)2 ) = ∞ . Therefore, 𝑥 = −2 is
𝑥→−2

a vertical asymptote and 𝑦 → ∞ 𝑥 → −2.

−12(𝑥−2) (2)2 −2(2) 0
𝑦 ′′ = (𝑥+2)4
= 0 when 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 2 = 16 = 0
((2)+2)

Therefore, (2, 0) is the point of inflection.

𝑥 2 −2𝑥
lim ((𝑥+2)2 ) = 1 . Therefore, there is a horizontal asymptote at 𝑦 = 1
𝑥→±∞

The graph is,

14a 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 1) then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 1 × (𝑥 − 1) + (𝑥 + 5) × 1 = 2𝑥 + 4

𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 1) = 0 when 𝑥 = −5 and 𝑥 = 1. Therefore, (−5, 0) and (1, 0)
are the 𝑥-intercepts.
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 4 = 0 when 𝑥 = −2.

𝑥 −2

𝑦′ − 0 +

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

And 𝑓(−2) = ((−2) + 5)((−2) − 1) = −9

Therefore, (−2, −9) is a minimum turning point.

1
14b 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) when 𝑓 2 (𝑥) − 1 = 0 or

(𝑥 + 5)2 (𝑥 − 1)2 − 1 = 0
𝑥 4 + 8𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 − 40𝑥 + 24 = 0 when

𝑥 = −2 + 2√2 , 𝑥 = −2 − 2√2 , 𝑥 = −2 + √10 or 𝑥 = −2 − √10

𝑓(−2 + 2√2) = ((−2 + 2√2) + 5) ((−2 + 2√2) − 1) = −1

𝑓(−2 − 2√2) = ((−2 − 2√2) + 5) ((−2 − 2√2) − 1) = −1

𝑓(−2 + √10) = ((−2 + √10) + 5) ((−2 + √10) − 1) = 1

𝑓(−2 − √10) = ((−2 − √10) + 5) ((−2 − √10) − 1) = 1

Therefore, these functions intersect at the points:

(−2 + 2√2, −1) , (−2 − 2√2, −1) , (−2 + √10, 1) and (−2 − √10, 1)

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1
1 1 1 𝑑( ) 0×(𝑥 2 +4𝑥−5)−1×(2𝑥+4) −2(𝑥+2)
𝑓(𝑥)
14c = (𝑥+5)(𝑥−1)
= 𝑥 2 +4𝑥−5 then = 2 = (𝑥+5)2 (𝑥−1)2
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 ((𝑥+5)(𝑥−1))

1
𝑑( ) −2(𝑥+2)
𝑓(𝑥)
= 0 when (𝑥+5)2 (𝑥−1)2
= 0 or 𝑥 = −2. Therefore, there is a stationary point
𝑑𝑥

at 𝑥 = −2.

𝑥 −2
1 + 0 −
𝑑( )
𝑓(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥

1
Hence, 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing when 𝑥 < −2 ,whereas 𝑓(𝑥) is decreasing when 𝑥 < −2 (14a)
1
Hence, 𝑓(𝑥) is decreasing when 𝑥 > −2 ,whereas 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing when 𝑥 > −2 (14a)

1 1 1 1
14d has a stationary point at 𝑥 = −2 (14c) and 𝑓(𝑥) = ((−2)+5)((−2)−1) = − 9
𝑓(𝑥)

1
Therefore, the stationary point is (−2, − 9) and it is a maximum turning point.

1
14e has vertical asymptotes at 𝑥 = −5 and 𝑥 = 1
𝑓(𝑥)
1
𝑑2 ( ) 6(𝑥 2 +4𝑥+7)
𝑓(𝑥)
= (𝑥−1)3 (𝑥+5)3
𝑑𝑥 2
1
𝑑2 ( )
𝑓(𝑥)
Sign table of 2
is:
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 −5 1
1 + 0 − 0 +
𝑑2 ( )
𝑓(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 2
1
Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) is concave up when 𝑥 < −5 and 𝑥 > 1,

and concave down when −5 < 𝑥 < 1

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Solutions to Exercise 4G
1a 𝐴 is a local maximum
𝐵 is a local minimum

1b 𝐶 is a global maximum
𝐷 is a local minimum
𝐸 is a local maximum
𝐹 is a global minimum

1c 𝐺 is a global maximum
𝐻 is a horizontal point of inflection

1d 𝐼 is a horizontal point of inflection

𝐽 is a global minimum

2a The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 for −2 < 𝑥 < 2 is shown below:

The global minimum is 0 at 𝑥 = 0 and the global maximum is 4 at both 𝑥 = −2

and 𝑥 = 2.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

2b The graph of 𝑦 = 5 − 𝑥 for 0 < 𝑥 < 3 is shown below.

The global minimum is 2 at 𝑥 = 3 and the global maximum is 5 at 𝑥 = 0.

2c The graph of 𝑦 = √16 − 𝑥 2 for −4 < 𝑥 < 4 is shown below.

The global minimum is 0 at both 𝑥 = −4 and at 𝑥 = 4. The global maximum is 4

at 𝑥 = 0.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

2d The graph of 𝑦 = |𝑥| for −5 < 𝑥 < 1 is shown below.

The global minimum is 0 at 𝑥 = 0. The global maximum is 5 at 𝑥 = −5.

2e The graph of 𝑦 = √𝑥 for 0 < 𝑥 < 8 is shown below.

The global minimum is 0 at 𝑥 = 0. The global maximum is 2√2 at 𝑥 = 8.

1
2f The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 for −4 < 𝑥 < −1 is shown below.

1
The global minimum is −1 at 𝑥 = −1. The global maximum is − 4 at 𝑥 = −4.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

−1, 𝑥 < −2
2g The graph of 𝑦 = { 𝑥 + 1, −2 ≤ 𝑥 < 1 in its specified domain is shown
2, 𝑥≥1
below.

The global minimum is −1 for 𝑥 ≤ −2. The global maximum is 2 for 𝑥 ≥ 1.

3a The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3 for 0 < 𝑥 < 5 is shown below.

𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 − 4
𝑦 ′ = 0 when 2𝑥 − 4 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2.
When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = −1. Therefore (2, −1) is the stationary point and the absolute
minimum is −1 at 𝑥 = 2.
The absolute maximum is 8 at 𝑥 = 5.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

3b The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 5 for −3 < 𝑥 < 2 is shown below.

𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 = 𝑥(3𝑥 − 6)
𝑦 ′ = 0 when 𝑥(3𝑥 − 6) = 0 or 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2.
When 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 5. Therefore, (0, 5) is a stationary point and the absolute
maximum is 5 at 𝑥 = 0.
The absolute minimum is −49 at 𝑥 = −3.

3c The graph of 𝑦 = 3𝑥 3 − 𝑥 + 2 for −1 < 𝑥 < 1 is shown below.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1 1
𝑦 ′ = 9𝑥 2 − 1 = 9 (𝑥 − 3) (𝑥 + 3)
1 1 1 1
𝑦 ′ = 0 when 9 (𝑥 − 3) (𝑥 + 3) = 0 or when 𝑥 = − 3 or 𝑥 = 3.
1 1
There are stationary points at 𝑥 = − 3 and 𝑥 = 3.

𝑥 −1 1 0 1 1
−
3 3
𝑦′ / 0 \ 0 /

1 20 1 20
When 𝑥 = − 3 , 𝑦 = . Therefore (− 3 , 9 ) is a local maximum point.
9

1 16 1 16
When 𝑥 = 3 , 𝑦 = . Therefore (3 , 9 ) is a local minimum point.
9

The absolute minimum is 0 at 𝑥 = −1.

The absolute maximum is 4 at 𝑥 = 1.

3d The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 in its specified domain is shown below.

𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 12 = 3(𝑥 − 2)2

𝑦 ′ = 0 when 3(𝑥 − 2)2 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2 . Thus, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 1 2 3
𝑦′ / 0 /

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑦 ′ > 0 for both 𝑥 < 2 and 𝑥 > 2, and 𝑦 = 8 when 𝑥 = 2. Therefore, (2, 8) is
a stationary point of inflection.
The absolute minimum is 0 at 𝑥 = 0.
The absolute maximum is 9 at 𝑥 = 3.

4 The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 8𝑥 2 + 11 is shown below.

4a y  x 4  8 x 2  11 for 1  x  3

y  4 x 3  16 x

There are stationary points where y  0 .

4 x3  16 x  0  x  2, 0, 2

As 1  x  3 , there is a stationary point at x  2 .

x 1 2 3

f  x 12 0 60

slope \  /

When x  2 , y  5 . Hence  2, 5 is a local minimum turning point.

Substituting the boundaries: when x  1, y  4 and when x  3, y  20 .

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

So the global minimum is −5 at x  2 and the global maximum is 20 at x  3 .

There is a local maximum of 4 at 𝑥 = 1. (Note: this is not a local maximum
turning point.)

4b y  x 4  8 x 2  11 for 4  x  1

y  4 x 3  16 x

There are stationary points where y  0 .

4 x3  16 x  0  x  2, 0, 2

As 4  x  1 , there are stationary points at x  2 and x  0 .

x 3 2 1 0 1

f  x 60 0 12 0 12

slope \  /  \

When x  2 , y  5 and when x  0 , y  11 .

Hence  2, 5 is a local minimum turning point and  0,11 is a local maximum
turning point.
Substituting the boundaries: when x  4, y  139 and when x  1, y  4 .

So the global minimum is −5 at x  2 and the global maximum is 139 at x  4 .

There is a local minimum of 4 at 𝑥 = 1. (Note: this is not a local minimum turning
point.)

4c y  x 4  8 x 2  11 for 1  x  0

There are no stationary points for 1  x  0 .

Substituting the boundaries: when x  1, y  4 and when x  0, y  11 .

So the global minimum is 4 at x  1 and the global maximum is 11 at x  0 .

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Solutions to Exercise 4H
1a If 𝑃 = 𝑥𝑦 and 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 12, then rearrange 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 12 to obtain 𝑦 = 12 − 2𝑥
and substitute in 𝑃:
𝑃 = 𝑥(12 − 2𝑥)
𝑃 = 12𝑥 − 2𝑥 2

𝑑𝑃 𝑑𝑃
1b = 12 − 4𝑥 and = 0 when 12 − 4𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 3.
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑥 0 3 4
𝑑𝑃 / 0 \
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = 3 and it is a global maximum

because 𝑃 = 12𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 is a parabola. Thus, the value of 𝑥 that maximises 𝑃 is 3.

1c When 𝑥 = 3, 𝑃 = 12(3) − 2(3)2 = 18.

Therefore, the maximum value of 𝑃 is 18.

2a If 𝑄 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 and 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 8, then rearrange 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 8 to make 𝑦 the subject of

the formula and substitute it in 𝑄.
𝑦 = 8−𝑥
𝑄 = 𝑥 2 + (8 − 𝑥)2
𝑄 = 2𝑥 2 − 16𝑥 + 64

𝑑𝑄 𝑑𝑄
2b = 4𝑥 − 16 and 𝑑𝑥 = 0 when 4𝑥 − 16 = 0 or 𝑥 = 4.
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 0 4 5
𝑑𝑄 \ 0 /
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = 4 and it is a global minimum

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

because the graph of 𝑄 = 2𝑥 2 − 16𝑥 + 64 is a parabola. So the value of 𝑥 that

minimises 𝑄 is 4.

2c When 𝑥 = 4, 𝑄 = 2(4)2 − 16(4) + 64 = 32.

Therefore, the minimum value of 𝑄 is 32.

𝑑𝑉
3 = 8𝑡 − 3𝑡 2
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑉
= 0 when 8𝑡 − 3𝑡 2 = 0 or 𝑡(8 − 3𝑡) = 0.
𝑑𝑡
8
Hence, there is a stationary point at 𝑡 = 0 and = 3 .

𝑡 −1 0 1 8 3
3
𝑑𝑉 \ 0 / 0 \
𝑑𝑡

8
So there is a local minimum point at 𝑡 = 0 and a local maximum at 𝑡 = 3.

Therefore, the quantity of the vitamins in the patient’s body is at its maximum
8
when 𝑡 = 3 hours (or 2 hours and 40 minutes).

4a Let the length of the side parallel to the wall be 𝑦 metres.

Then the perimeter is 40 = 2𝑥 + 𝑦. Hence, 𝑦 = 40 − 2𝑥

4b 𝐴 = 𝑥 × 𝑦 and 𝑦 = 40 − 2𝑥, then:

𝐴 = 𝑥 × (40 − 2𝑥)
= 40𝑥 − 2𝑥 2

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝐴
4c = 40 − 4𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝐴
= 0 when 40 − 4𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 10
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 0 10 11
𝑑𝐴 / 0 \
𝑑𝑥
So there is a local maximum point at 𝑥 = 10 and the value of 𝑥 that maximises
the area of the garden bed is 10 metres.

4d The maximum area is when 𝑥 = 10:

𝐴 = 40 × (10) − 2(10)2
= 200 m2

36
5a Let the width of the rectangle be 𝑦 cm. Then 36 = 𝑥 × 𝑦 and 𝑦 = cm.
𝑥

36 72
5b 𝑃 = 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 and = , then 𝑃 = 2𝑥 + .
𝑥 𝑥

5c 𝑃 = 2𝑥 + 72 × 𝑥 −1
𝑑𝑃
= 2 − 72 × 𝑥 −2
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑃 72
= 2 − 𝑥2
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑃 72
= 0 when 2 − 𝑥 2 = 0 or 𝑥 2 = 36. Hence, 𝑥 = −6 or 𝑥 = 6.
𝑑𝑥

𝑡 −7 −6 0 6 7
𝑑𝑉 / 0 \ 0 /
𝑑𝑡

There is a local minimum point at 𝑥 = 6 so the minimum value of 𝑃 occurs when

𝑥 = 6.

72
5d The minimum possible perimeter is 𝑃 = 2 × 6 + 6
= 24 cm.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1
6a Area Δ𝐴𝐶𝐷 = 2 × base × height
1
× 2𝑦 × 2𝑥 = 1200
2

𝑦 × 2𝑥 = 1200
1200
𝑦=
2𝑥
600
𝑦=
𝑥
The total length of fencing:
𝐿 = 2𝑥 + 3𝑦
600
= 2𝑥 + 3 ×
𝑥
1800
= 2𝑥 +
𝑥

6b 𝐿′ = 2 − 1800𝑥 −2
2𝑥 2 −1800
= 𝑥2

2𝑥 2 −1800
= 0 when
𝑥2

2𝑥 2 − 1800 = 0
𝑥 2 = 900
𝑥 = ±30 (though 𝑥 = 30 as 𝑥 > 0)
𝑥 −40 −30 10 30 40
𝐿′ + 0 − 0 +
𝐿 / Maximum \ Minimum /
turning turning
point point

Since 𝐿 has a minimum turning point at 𝑥 = 30, the least possible length of
600 600
fencing can be obtained when 𝑥 = 30 m and 𝑦 = = = 20 m.
𝑥 30

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

7a The frame has three ℎ-metre-long and four 𝑤-metre-long sticks.

Thus, 3ℎ + 4𝑤 = 12
4𝑤 = 12 − 3ℎ
1
𝑤 = 4 (12 − 3ℎ)

7b 𝐴=ℎ× 𝑤
1
𝐴 = ℎ × 4 (12 − 3ℎ)
3ℎ
= ℎ × (3 − )
4

3ℎ2
= 3ℎ − 4

𝑑𝐴 6ℎ
7c =3−
𝑑ℎ 4
3ℎ
= 3− 2
𝑑𝐴 3ℎ
= 0 when 3 − = 0 or ℎ = 2
𝑑ℎ 2

ℎ 0 2 3
𝑑𝐴 / 0 \
𝑑ℎ

Hence, the area of the frame is maximised when ℎ = 2.

1 3
Therefore, ℎ = 2 and 𝑤 = 4 (12 − 3 × 2) = 2.

8a Since one square is formed using a piece of wire that has length 𝑥, the length of
𝑥
one side of this square is 4 . The other square will be formed using a piece of wire
10−𝑥
that has length 10 − 𝑥, so the length of one side of this square is .
4

𝑥 10−𝑥
8b The side length of one square is 4 and the other square is .
4

For the combined area:

𝑥 2 10 − 𝑥 2
𝐴 =( ) +( )
4 4
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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑥 2 + (10 − 𝑥)2
=
16
𝑥 2 + 100 − 20𝑥 + 𝑥 2
=
16
2𝑥 2 − 20𝑥 + 100
=
16
1
= (𝑥 2 − 10𝑥 + 50)
8

𝑑𝐴 1
8c = 8 (2𝑥 − 10)
𝑑𝑥
1
= 4 (𝑥 − 5)
𝑑𝐴 1
= 0 when 4 (𝑥 − 5) = 0 or when 𝑥 = 5
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = 5.

𝑑2 𝐴 1
Since 𝑑𝑥 2 = 4 > 0 for all 𝑥, the function is concave up.

Hence, the value of 𝑥 that minimises 𝐴 is 5.

1 25
8d When 𝑥 = 5, 𝐴 = 8 (52 − 10 × 5 + 50) = .
8
25
Therefore, cm2 is the least possible combined area.
8

1 1
9a 𝑅 = 𝑥 × (47 − 3 𝑥) = 𝑥 (47 − 3 𝑥)

9b 𝑃 =𝑅−𝐶
1 1
= 𝑥 (47 − 3 𝑥) − (5 𝑥 2 + 15𝑥 + 10)
1 1
= 47𝑥 − 3 𝑥 2 − 5 𝑥 2 − 15𝑥 − 10
8
= − 15 𝑥 2 + 32𝑥 − 10

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑃 16
9c = − 15 𝑥 + 32
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑃 16
= 0 when − 15 𝑥 + 32 = 0 or 𝑥 = 30
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 0 30 31
𝑑𝑃 / 0 \
𝑑𝑥

There is a local maximum point at 𝑥 = 30. Hence, 30 telescopes should be made

daily to maximise the profit.

10a The area of the base is 𝑥 2 and the area of one lateral face is 𝑥 × ℎ. Therefore,
𝑆 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥ℎ

10b If 𝑉 = 32 and 𝑉 = area of base × height,

32 = 𝑥 2 × ℎ
32
ℎ=
𝑥2
Therefore:
32
𝑆 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 ×
𝑥2
128
= 𝑥2 +
𝑥

𝑑𝑆 128 2𝑥 3 −128
10c = 2𝑥 − =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥2 𝑥2

𝑑𝑆 2𝑥 3 −128
= = 0 when
𝑑𝑥 𝑥2

2𝑥 3 − 128 = 0
𝑥 3 = 64
𝑥=4
𝑑𝑆 𝑑𝑆
Since 𝑑𝑥 < 0 when 𝑥 < 4 and 𝑑𝑥 > 0 when 𝑥 > 4, there is a minimum turning

point at 𝑥 = 4.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

32
When 𝑥 = 4, ℎ = 42 = 2

So the dimensions of the minimum surface area are 4 cm by 4 cm by 2 cm.

11a After cutting squares of side length 𝑥 cm from the corners of a rectangular sheet,
we obtain the following diagram.

Length of the box (𝑙) is (40 − 2𝑥) cm.

Width (𝑤) of the box is (15 − 2𝑥) cm.
Height of the box (ℎ) is 𝑥 cm.

11b Volume (𝑉) of the box is:

𝑉 = 𝑙×𝑤×ℎ
𝑉 = (40 − 2𝑥 ) × (15 − 2𝑥) × 𝑥
= 𝑥(600 − 110𝑥 + 4𝑥 2 )
= 600𝑥 − 110𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 3

𝑑𝑉
11c = 600 − 220𝑥 + 12𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥

= 4(150 − 55𝑥 + 3𝑥 2 )
= 4(3𝑥 − 10)(𝑥 − 15)
𝑑𝑉
= 0 when 4(3𝑥 − 10)(𝑥 − 15) = 0.
𝑑𝑥
10
Hence, there are stationary points at 𝑥 = and 𝑥 = 15.
3

𝑥 0 10 5 15 16
3
𝑑𝑉 / 0 \ 0 /
𝑑𝑥

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

10
Therefore, there is a local maximum point at 𝑥 = and so the value of 𝑥 that
3
10
maximises the volume of the box is .
3

12a 𝑤 2 + 𝑑2 = 482
𝑑 2 = 482 − 𝑤 2
𝑑 2 = 2304 − 𝑤 2
Substituting into 𝑠 = 𝑘𝑤𝑑2 for 𝑘 > 0 gives:
𝑠 = 𝑘𝑤(2304 − 𝑤 2 )

12b 𝑠 = 2304𝑘𝑤 − 𝑘𝑤 3
𝑑𝑠
= 2304𝑘 − 3𝑘𝑤 2
𝑑𝑤
𝑑𝑠
= 0 when 2304𝑘 − 3𝑘𝑤 2 = 0
𝑑𝑤

2304𝑘 = 3𝑘𝑤 2
𝑤 2 = 768

𝑤 = 16√3 as 𝑤 > 0
𝑑2 𝑠
= −6𝑘𝑤
𝑑𝑤 2

𝑑2 𝑠
For 𝑘 > 0, < 0 when 𝑤 = 16√3 cm. Therefore, there is a local maximum at
𝑑𝑤 2
𝑤 = 16√3 and the width of the strongest rectangular beam that can be cut from
the log is 16√3 cm.

Substituting 𝑤 = 16√3 in 𝑑 2 = 2304 − 𝑤 2 gives:

2
𝑑 2 = 2304 − (16√3)

𝑑 2 = 2304 − 768
𝑑 2 = 1536

𝑑 = 16√6 cm

Dimensions are width 16√3 cm and depth 16 √6 cm.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

13a Let V be the volume of the box and V  xyh .

Let P be the perimeter of the base and P  2 x  2 y .

P  40 and so x  y  20

Let A be the surface area of the box and A  2 xy  2 xh  2 yh .

A  300 and so 300  2 xy  2 xh  2 yh

150  xy  xh  yh
 xy  h  x  y 
 xy  20h

Substituting xy  150  20h into V  xyh we obtain V  150h  20h2 .

13b V  150h  20h2 where 0  h  7.5

V   150  40h
Solving V   0 for h we obtain h  3.75 .

V   40   0 

Hence the global maximum occurs at h  3.75 .

So 150  xy  75  xy  75 and x  y  20  y  20  x .

Substituting y  20  x into xy  75 gives x  20  x   75 .

x 2  20 x  75  0
 x  5 x  15  0
x  5,15

So y  15,5 .

Hence the dimensions of the box are 15 cm by 5 cm by 3.75 cm.

x 6
14a 
x4 y6

𝑥(𝑦 + 6) = 6(𝑥 + 4)
𝑥𝑦 + 6𝑥 = 6𝑥 + 24
So 𝑥𝑦 = 24.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1
14b A  bh
2
1
A  x  4  y  6 
2
1
  xy  6 x  4 y  24 
2
1
  24  6 x  4 y  24 
2
1
  48  6 x  4 y 
2
 24  3 x  2 y

24
xy  24  y 
x
48
So A  24  3x  .
x

48
14c A  24  3x 
x
dA 48
 3 2
dx x
dA
 0 when:
dx
48
3 0
x2
3 x 2  48  0
3  x 2  16   0
x  4  x  0

d 2 A 96

dx 2 x 3

d 2 A 96
When x  4 ,    0 .
dx 2 64
Hence the stationary point is a global minimum in the domain x  0 .
48
Substituting x  4 into A  24  3x  we obtain A  24  12  12  48 .
x

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Hence the minimum possible area of TSU is 48 cm2.

15a Base area= 𝜋𝑟 2 = 𝜋𝑥 2 m2 and cost of manufacturing the base is 𝑎 × 𝜋𝑥 2 dollars

Curved area= 2𝜋𝑟 × ℎ = 2𝜋𝑥 × ℎ m2 and cost of manufacturing the curved area
is 𝑏 × 2𝜋𝑥 × ℎ dollars.
Therefore, 𝑐 = 𝜋 𝑥 2 𝑎 + 2𝜋 𝑥ℎ𝑏

𝑐−𝜋 𝑥 2 𝑎
15b 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 × ℎ = 𝜋𝑥 2 × ℎ and ℎ = 2𝜋 𝑥𝑏

𝑐−𝜋 𝑥 2 𝑎 𝑥
Therefore, 𝑉 = 𝑥 × = 2𝑏 (𝑐 − 𝜋 𝑥 2 𝑎)
2𝑏

𝑑𝑉 𝑐−3𝜋 𝑥 2 𝑎 𝑐
15c = = 0 or when 𝑐 − 3𝜋 𝑥 2 𝑎 = 0 or 𝑥 = √3𝜋𝑎
𝑑𝑥 2𝑏

𝑥 𝑐
√
3𝜋𝑎
𝑑𝑉 + 0 −
𝑑𝑥

𝑐
Therefore, 𝑉 has a maximum at 𝑥 = √3𝜋𝑎

𝑐 𝑐 𝑐
Cost of base when 𝑥 = √3𝜋𝑎 is 𝑎 × 𝜋𝑥 2 = 𝑎 × 𝜋 × 3𝜋𝑎 = 3

16a Let the area of the page be A .

Area of printed material = 80 cm2

 y  2  2 x  1  1  80
So  y  4  x  2   80 .

xy  2 y  4 x  8  80
y  x  2   4  x  2   80
y  x  2  4  x  2  80
 
x2 x2 x2
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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

80
Hence y  4  .
x2

80
16b Substituting y  4  into A  xy we obtain:
x2

 80 
A  x4 
 x2
x  4 x  8  80 

x2
x  4 x  72 

x2

4 x 2  72 x
So A  .
x2

4 x 2  72 x
16c A
x2

4 x 2  72 x
Applying the quotient rule on A  :
x2

Let u  4 x 2  72 x and v  x  2 .
Then u  8x  72 and v  1 .
dA vu   uv

dx v2
 x  2  8 x  72    4 x 2  72 x 

 x  2
2

8 x 2  56 x  144  4 x 2  72 x

 x  2
2

4 x 2  16 x  144

 x  2
2

dA 4  x  4 x  36 
2

So  .
 x  2
2
dx

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

dA 4  x  4 x  36 
2

16d 
 x  2
2
dx

dA
 0 when:
dx

4  x 2  4 x  36   0

4  4   4  1  36 
2

x
2
4  160

2
4  4 10
  x  0
2

 2 1  10 
x 8 
2 1  10  9
dA 4 36
 0
dx 9 49
slope \  /

The stationary point is a global minimum in the domain x  0 .


Substituting x  2 1  10 into y  4   80
x2
we obtain:

80
y  4
2  2 10  2
40 10
 4 
10 10 .
 4  4 10

 4 1  10 
So the dimensions for the page in order to use the least amount of paper is
2  
10  1 cm by 4  10  1 cm. 

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

distance 250
17a Because time  , the time for the trip is hours.
speed v

Hence the total cost is:

C   cost per hour    time for the trip 

  6400  v 2  
250
v

 6400 
So the cost of the trip, in cents, is C  250   v.
 v 

 6400 
17b C  250   v  where v  0
 v 

dC  6400 
 250   2  1
dv  v 
250  v 2  6400 

v2
250  v  80  v  80 

v2
dC
So has a single zero at v  80 in the domain v  0 .
dv

d 2C 250 12800
 which is positive for all v  0
dv 2 v3
So v  80 gives a global minimum in the domain v  0 .
So the speed at which the cost of the journey is minimised is 80 km/h.

 6400 
17c When v  80 , C  250   80   40000 (cents).
 80 

So the minimum cost of the journey is $ 400 .

𝑊 2𝑊
18a 𝐼𝑐 = 𝑥 2 + (30−𝑥)2 (Since 𝑃 is between the light sources, its distance from the

second light source is 30 − 𝑥 metres)

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1 2
𝑑(𝐼𝑐 ) 𝑑( 2 + ) −4 2
𝑥 (30−𝑥)2
18b =𝑊× = 𝑊 × ((𝑥−30)3 − 𝑥 3 ) = 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

30
When 𝑥 = 3 ≑ 13.27
√2+1

19a Using Pythagoras’ Theorem, the distance rowed is 62  x 2 and the rowing
speed is 8 km/h.
The distance run is 20  x and the running speed is 10 km/h.
distance
Using time  with T denoting the total time taken:
speed

36  x 2 20  x
T 
8 10
1 1
So T  36  x 2   20  x  .
8 10

1 1
19b T 36  x 2   20  x 
8 10
dT x 1
 
dx 8 36  x 2 10

dT
 0 when:
dx
x 1
 0
8 36  x 2 10
10 x  8 36  x 2
100 x 2  64  36  x 2 
100 x 2  64 x 2  64  36
36 x 2  64  36  0
36  x 2  64   0
x  8  0  x  20 

x 7 8 9
dT
0.005... 0 0.004...
dx
slope \  /

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

So T has a local minimum at x  8 .

1 1 1
20 +𝑢=𝑓
𝑣

𝑢+𝑣 1
=𝑓
𝑢𝑣
𝑢𝑣
𝑢+𝑣 = … (1) (distance between the object and the image)
𝑓

1 1 1
And = −
𝑣 𝑓 𝑢

1 𝑢−𝑓
=
𝑣 𝑓𝑢

𝑓𝑢
𝑣 = 𝑢−𝑓 … (2)
𝑓𝑢
𝑢( ) 𝑢2
𝑢−𝑓
From (1) and (2), 𝑢 + 𝑣 = = 𝑢−𝑓
𝑓

𝑢2
𝑑(𝑢+𝑣) 𝑑( ) 2𝑢×(𝑢−𝑓)−𝑢2 ×1 𝑢2 −2𝑢𝑓
𝑢−𝑓
= = (𝑢−𝑓)2
= (𝑢−𝑓)2
= 0 when 𝑢2 − 2𝑢𝑓 = 0
𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢

Or 𝑢 = 2𝑓.

𝑢 2𝑓
𝑑(𝑢 + 𝑣) − 0 +
𝑑𝑢

Hence, 𝑢 = 2𝑓 is a minimum turning point and the distance between the object
and the image is minimum when 𝑢 = 2𝑓. Thus, the minimum distance is,
𝑢2 (2𝑓)2
𝑢 + 𝑣 = 𝑢−𝑓 = (2𝑓)−𝑓 = 4𝑓.

𝑑1
21 Let 𝑡1 be the time taken in air, then 𝑡1 = 𝑣1

𝑑2
Let 𝑡2 be the time taken in water, then 𝑡2 = 𝑣2

Using Pythagoras’ Theorem:

𝑑1 = √𝑎2 + 𝑥 2 and 𝑑2 = √𝑏 2 + (𝑐 − 𝑥)2

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

√𝑎2 +𝑥 2 √𝑏 2 +(𝑐−𝑥)2
So 𝑡1 = and 𝑡2 =
𝑣1 𝑣2

𝑡1 + 𝑡2

√𝑎2 + 𝑥 2 √𝑏 2 + (𝑐 − 𝑥)2
= +
𝑣1 𝑣2
𝑑
For minimum 𝑡, (𝑡1 + 𝑡2 ) = 0
𝑑𝑥

𝑑 √𝑎2 + 𝑥 2 √𝑏 2 + (𝑐 − 𝑥)2
( + )=0
𝑑𝑥 𝑣1 𝑣2

1 2 1 1 2 1
(𝑎 + 𝑥 2 )−2 × 2𝑥 (𝑏 + (𝑐 − 𝑥)2 )−2 × 2(𝑐 − 𝑥) × (−1)
2 +2 =0
𝑣1 𝑣2
𝑥 −(𝑐 − 𝑥)
+ =0
𝑣1 √𝑎2 + 𝑥 2 𝑣2 √𝑏 2 + (𝑐 − 𝑥)2
𝑥 𝑐−𝑥
=
𝑣1 √𝑎2 + 𝑥 2 𝑣2 √𝑏 2 + (𝑐 − 𝑥)2

Using trigonometry:
𝑥 𝑥 𝑐−𝑥 𝑐−𝑥
sin 𝜃1 = = and sin 𝜃2 = =
𝑑1 √𝑎2 + 𝑥 2 𝑑2 √𝑏 2 + (𝑐 − 𝑥)2
𝑥 𝑐−𝑥
Substituting for √𝑎2 and in
+𝑥 2 √𝑏 2 +(𝑐−𝑥)2

𝑥 𝑐−𝑥
=
𝑣1 √𝑎2 + 𝑥 2 𝑣2 √𝑏 2 + (𝑐 − 𝑥)2

gives
sin 𝜃1 sin 𝜃2
=
𝑣1 𝑣2

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Solutions to Exercise 4I
1a ℎ + 2𝜋𝑟 = 10 then ℎ = 10 − 2𝜋𝑟

1b 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 × ℎ = 𝜋𝑟 2 × (10 − 2𝜋𝑟)

𝑑𝑉 𝑑(10𝜋𝑟 2 −2𝜋2 𝑟 3 )
1c = = 20𝜋𝑟 − 6𝜋 2 𝑟 2 = 𝑟(20𝜋 − 6𝜋 2 𝑟)
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
10
Therefore, 𝑉 has stationary points when 𝑟 = 0 or 20𝜋 − 6𝜋 2 𝑟 = 0 or 𝑟 = 3𝜋

𝑟 0 10
3𝜋
𝑑𝑉 − 0 + 0 −
𝑑𝑟

10
Therefore, 𝑟 = 3𝜋 is a maximum turning point.

1d Hence, the maximum volume is:

10 2 10 1000
𝑉 = 𝜋 (3𝜋) × (10 − 2𝜋 (3𝜋)) = 27𝜋

2a Surface area= 2𝜋𝑟 × ℎ + 2𝜋𝑟 2 = 60𝜋

60𝜋−2𝜋𝑟 2 30−𝑟 2
ℎ= =
2𝜋𝑟 𝑟

30−𝑟 2
2b 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 × ℎ = 𝜋𝑟 2 × = 𝜋𝑟(30 − 𝑟 2 )
𝑟

𝑑𝑉 𝑑(30𝜋𝑟−𝜋𝑟 3 )
2c = = 30𝜋 − 3𝜋𝑟 2 = 0 when 𝑟 2 = 10 or 𝑟 = ±√10
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟

𝑟 −√10 √10
𝑑𝑉 − 0 + 0 −
𝑑𝑟

Therefore, 𝑉 has a maximum turning point at 𝑟 = √10.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

2
Hence, the maximum volume is: 𝑉 = 𝜋(√10) (30 − (√10) ) = 20√10𝜋 cm3

3a 𝑆 = 𝜋𝑟1 2 + 𝜋𝑟2 2 and 𝑟1 + 𝑟2 = 𝑘

Hence, 𝑆 = 𝜋𝑟1 2 + 𝜋(𝑘 − 𝑟1 )2

𝑑𝑆
3b = 2𝜋𝑟1 − 2𝜋(𝑘 − 𝑟1 ) = 0
𝑟1

When 2𝜋(𝑟1 − 𝑟2 ) = 0 or 𝑟1 = 𝑟2

𝜃 𝐿−2𝑟
4a = (the ratio of 𝜃 to one revolution is equal to the ratio of the sector arc to
360 2𝜋𝑟
𝐿−2𝑟 𝐿
the circumference of the circle) then 𝜃 = =𝑟−2
𝑟

𝐿
−2 𝑟(𝐿−2𝑟)
2 𝑟
4b 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 × = is maximum when
2𝜋 2
𝑟(𝐿−2𝑟)
𝑑𝐴 𝑑( )
2
= =0
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
𝐿𝑟
𝑑( −𝑟 2 ) 𝐿 1
2
= 2 − 2𝑟 = 0 or 𝐿 = 4𝑟 or 𝑟 = 4 𝐿
𝑑𝑟

5a Δ𝐴𝐵𝐶 ∼ Δ𝐴𝐷𝐸 because ∠𝐴𝐵𝐶 = ∠𝐴𝐷𝐸 = 90° (because 𝐵𝐶 ∥ 𝐷𝐸) and

∠𝐴𝐶𝐵 = ∠𝐴𝐸𝐷 (because 𝐵𝐶 ∥ 𝐷𝐸 and 𝐴𝐸 is a straight line)

𝐵𝐶 𝐴𝐵
5b Since Δ𝐴𝐵𝐶 ∼ Δ𝐴𝐷𝐸, =
𝐷𝐸 𝐴𝐷
𝑟 40−ℎ 40𝑟 10
Therefore, 12 = then = 40 − ℎ and ℎ = 40 − 𝑟
40 12 3

10 10
5c 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 × ℎ = 𝜋𝑟 2 × (40 − 𝑟) = 40𝜋𝑟 2 − 𝜋𝑟 3
3 3

10
𝑑𝑉 𝑑(40𝜋𝑟 2 − 𝜋𝑟 3 )
5d = 3
= 80𝜋𝑟 − 10𝜋𝑟 2 = 10𝜋𝑟(8 − 𝑟) = 0 when
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑟 = 0 or 𝑟 = 8
The value of 𝑟 for which 𝑉 is maximised is 𝑟 = 8.

6 Let the perimeter of a rectangle be 𝑘 units, width 𝑥 units and length 𝑦 units.
𝑘−2𝑥
Then 𝑘 = 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 and 𝑦 = 2
𝑘−2𝑥 𝑘−2𝑥 𝑘
Hence. The area is 𝐴(𝑥) = 𝑥 × and 𝐴′ (𝑥) = 𝑥 × = 2 − 2𝑥 = 0 when
2 2
𝑘
2 𝑘
𝑥= =
2 4

𝑥 𝑘
4
𝐴′ (𝑥) + 0 −

𝑘
𝑘 𝑘−2× 𝑘
4
Therefore, the area is maximum when 𝑥 = 4 . Hence, when 𝑦 = = 4 or,
2

when the shape is a square.

ℎ 2 1
7a 𝑅 2 = (2) + 𝑟 2 then 𝑟 2 = 𝑅 2 − 4 ℎ2

1 𝜋
7b 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 × ℎ = 𝜋 (𝑅 2 − 4 ℎ2 ) × ℎ = 4 ℎ(4𝑅 2 − ℎ2 )

𝜋
𝑑𝑉 𝑑( (4𝑅 2 ℎ−ℎ3 )) 𝜋 4𝑅 2 2√3
4
7c = = (4𝑅 2 − 3ℎ2 ) = 0 when 4𝑅 2 − 3ℎ2 = 0 or ℎ = √ = 𝑅
𝑑ℎ 𝑑ℎ 4 3 3

2√3
Therefore, the volume of the cylinder is maximised when ℎ = 𝑅
3

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

7d
𝑉sphere
𝑉cylinder
4 3
𝜋𝑅
= 3 2
𝜋×𝑟 ×ℎ
4 3
= 3 𝜋𝑅
2
2√3 2√3
𝜋× (𝑅 2 −( 𝑅) )× 𝑅
3 3

2
2√3 2√3
(when ℎ = 𝑅 , 𝑟 2 = 𝑅2 − ( 𝑅) )
3 6

4 2
= 3𝑅
2
2√3 2√3
(𝑅 2 −( 6 𝑅) )× 3

4 3 𝑅2
= × × 2
3 2√3 2√3
𝑅2 −( 𝑅)
6

2 𝑅2
= ×
√3 2 2
3×𝑅
2 3
= ×
√3 2

√3
=
1
Therefore, the ratio of the volume of the sphere to the maximum volume of the

cylinder is √3 ∶ 1.

𝑆−𝜋𝑟 2
8a 𝑆 = 𝜋𝑟 2 + 2𝜋𝑟 × ℎ then ℎ = 2𝜋𝑟

𝑆−𝜋𝑟 2 1 1
8b 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 × ℎ = 𝜋𝑟 2 × ( ) = 2 × 𝑟 × (𝑆 − 𝜋𝑟 2 ) = 2 (𝑆𝑟 − 𝜋𝑟 3 )
2𝜋𝑟

𝑑𝑉 1 𝑆
= 2 (𝑆 − 3𝜋𝑟 2 ) = 0 when 𝑆 − 3𝜋𝑟 2 = 0 or 𝑟 = √3𝜋
𝑑𝑟

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑆−𝜋𝑟 2 𝑆
Or when ℎ = = 𝑟 (because 𝑆 − 𝜋𝑟 2 = 2𝜋𝑟 2 , 𝑆 = 3𝜋𝑟 2 , 𝑟 = √3𝜋 )
2𝜋𝑟

𝜋𝑟 2 ×ℎ
9 𝑉cone = where 𝑟 and ℎ are the radius and height of the cone.
3

ℎ 2
Since (2) + 𝑟 2 = 𝑅 2 , ℎ2 = 4(𝑅 2 − 𝑟 2 ) and ℎ = 2√𝑅 2 − 𝑟 2

𝜋𝑟 2 ×2√𝑅 2 −𝑟 2 2𝜋
Hence, 𝑉cone = = √𝑅 2 𝑟 4 − 𝑟 6
3 3
2𝜋
𝑑 (Vcone ) 𝑑( √𝑅 2 𝑟 4 −𝑟 6 ) 2𝜋 4𝑅 2 𝑟 3 −6𝑟 5 𝜋 2𝑟 3 (2𝑅 2 −3𝑟 2 )
3
= = × =3× = 0 when 𝑟 = 0 or
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟 3 2√𝑅 2 𝑟 4 −𝑟 6 √𝑅 2 𝑟 4 −𝑟 6

2𝑅 2
2𝑅 2 − 3𝑟 2 = 0 or 𝑟 2 = 3

2𝑅 2
When the volume of the cone is maximised, 𝑟 2 = .
3

2𝑅2
ℎ2 4(𝑅 2 −𝑟 2 ) 4(𝑅 2 − )
3
So = =
𝑅2 𝑅2 𝑅2

ℎ2 4 ℎ 2
Therefore, 𝑅2 = 3 and 𝑅 = and the ratio of ℎ to 𝑅 is 2: √3.
√3

10a 𝐴rectangle = width × height = 𝑥 × 𝑦 and 𝑟 2 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 and 𝑥 2 = 𝑟 2 − 𝑦 2

Then 𝐴rectangle = 𝑦√𝑟 2 − 𝑦 2

𝑑(𝐴rectangle ) 𝑑(√𝑦 2 𝑟 2 −𝑦4 ) 2𝑟 2 𝑦−4𝑦 3 𝑟 2 𝑦−2𝑦 3 𝑟 2 −2𝑦2

10b = = = = =0
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 2√𝑦 2 𝑟 2 −𝑦4 𝑦√𝑟 2 −𝑦 2 √𝑟 2 −𝑦 2

when 𝑟 2 − 2𝑦 2 = 0 or when 𝑟 2 = 2𝑦 2 .
𝑟2
Hence, the area of the rectangle is maximum when 𝑦 2 = .
2

Therefore, the maximum area is:

𝑟2 𝑟2 1
𝐴rectangle = 𝑦√𝑟 2 − 𝑦 2 = √ 2 × √𝑟 2 − = 2 𝑟2
2

ℎ 2 ℎ
11a (2) + 𝑟 2 = 𝑅 2 then 2 = √𝑅 2 − 𝑟 2 and ℎ = 2√𝑅 2 − 𝑟 2

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

11b 𝑆 = 2𝜋𝑟 × ℎ = 2𝜋𝑟 × 2√𝑅 2 − 𝑟 2 = 4𝜋𝑟√𝑅 2 − 𝑟 2

11c

𝑑𝑆 𝑑(4𝜋𝑟√𝑅 2 − 𝑟 2 )
=
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
𝑑(4𝜋√𝑅 2 𝑟 2 − 𝑟 4 )
=
𝑑𝑟
2𝑅 2 𝑟 − 4𝑟 3
= 4𝜋 ×
2√𝑅 2 𝑟 2 − 𝑟 4
𝑅 2 𝑟 − 2𝑟 3
= 4𝜋 ×
𝑟√𝑅 2 − 𝑟 2
𝑅 2 − 2𝑟 2
= 4𝜋 ×
√𝑅 2 − 𝑟 2
𝑑𝑆 𝑅2
= 0 when 𝑅 2 − 2𝑟 2 = 0 or 𝑟 2 = . Therefore, the cylinder has maximum
𝑑𝑟 2

𝑅2
surface area when 𝑟 2 = and the maximum surface area is
2

𝑅2 𝑅2
𝑆 = 4𝜋 × √ 2 × √𝑅 2 − = 2𝜋𝑅 2
2

𝑉
12 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 × ℎ then ℎ = 𝜋𝑟 2
𝑉 1
𝑆 = 2𝜋𝑟 × ℎ + 2𝜋𝑟 2 = 2𝜋𝑟 × 𝜋𝑟 2 + 2𝜋𝑟 2 = 2𝑉 𝑟 + 2𝜋𝑟 2

𝑑𝑆 2𝑉 4𝜋𝑟 3 −2𝑉
= 4𝜋𝑟 − 𝑟 2 = = 0 when 4𝜋𝑟 3 − 2𝑉 = 0 or 𝑉 = 2𝜋𝑟 3
𝑑𝑟 𝑟2

𝑉 2𝜋𝑟 3 𝑟 1
Hence, ℎ = 𝜋𝑟 2 = = 2𝑟 then ℎ = 2 when the surface area is minimised and
𝜋𝑟 2

the 𝑟 ∶ ℎ ratio is 1 ∶ 2.

1
13 𝑉 = 3 𝜋𝑟 2 √𝑠 2 − 𝑟 2 where 𝑠 2 = ℎ2 + 𝑟 2 , ℎ2 = 𝑠 2 − 𝑟 2 and ℎ = √𝑠 2 − 𝑟 2

𝑆 1 𝑆 2
𝑆 = 𝜋𝑟𝑠 then 𝑠 = 𝜋𝑟. Therefore, 𝑉 = 3 𝜋𝑟 2 √(𝜋𝑟) − 𝑟 2

1 𝑆 2
𝑑( 𝜋𝑟 2 √( ) −𝑟 2 )
𝑑𝑉 3 𝜋𝑟 √𝑆 2 −𝜋 2 𝑟 4 2𝜋 2 𝑟 4
= = −
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟 3 3√𝑠2 −𝜋 2 𝑟 4

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑉 𝑆 𝑆 2 𝑆 𝑆√3 𝑆 2𝑆
= 0 when 𝑟 2 = , ℎ = √(𝜋𝑟) − ( ) and ℎ2 = −( )=
𝑑𝑟 √3 𝜋 √3 𝜋 𝜋 √3 𝜋 √3 𝜋

2𝑆
ℎ2 √3 𝜋 ℎ
= 𝑆 = 2 then 𝑟 = √2.
𝑟2
√3 𝜋

Therefore, ℎ ∶ 𝑟 = √2 ∶ 1 when the volume is maximised.

14 Let one of the equal sides of the triangle be 𝑎 and one of the equal base angles be
𝜃. Then the area of the triangle is
1 1
𝐴(𝜃) = 2 × 𝑏 × ℎ = 2 × (2acos(𝜃) × (𝑎 sin 𝜃) = 𝑎2 cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃 …(1)
𝑟𝑏
And Area= 𝑟𝑎 + = 𝑟𝑎 + 𝑟𝑎 cos 𝜃 … (2)
2

𝑎2 cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃 = 𝑟𝑎 + 𝑟𝑎 cos 𝜃 ((1) and (2) solved together)

𝑟+𝑟 cos 𝜃
𝑎 = cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃

𝑟+𝑟 cos 𝜃 2
Hence, 𝐴(𝜃) = 𝑎2 cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃 = (cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃 ) cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃

(𝑟+𝑟 cos 𝜃)2

𝐴(𝜃) = cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃

𝑑𝐴(𝜃)
When = 0 is solved, 𝜃 = 60° is the stationary point where the area is
𝑑𝜃

minimum.
𝑎2 √3
And when 𝜃 = 60° , the triangle is an equilateral triangle with area and
4

𝑎√3 𝑎√3 6𝑟
height which is equal to 3𝑟. Therefore, 𝑟 = then 𝑎 = and the minimum
2 6 √3

6𝑟 2
𝑎2 √3 ( ) √3
area is = √3
= 3√3𝑟 2
4 4

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Solutions to Exercise 4J
𝑑𝑦
1a Let = 𝑥6
𝑑𝑥
1
Then 𝑦 = 7 𝑥 7 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
1b Let = 𝑥3
𝑑𝑥
1
Then 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.
4

𝑑𝑦
1c Let = 𝑥10
𝑑𝑥
1
Then 𝑦 = 11 𝑥11 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
1d Let = 3𝑥
𝑑𝑥
3
Then 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 2 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
1e Let =5
𝑑𝑥

Then 𝑦 = 5𝑥 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
1f Let = 5𝑥 9
𝑑𝑥
5
Then = 10 𝑥10 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.
1
𝑦 = 2 𝑥10 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
1g Let = 21𝑥 6
𝑑𝑥
21
Then = 𝑥 7 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶
7

𝑦 = 3𝑥 7 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦
1h Let =0
𝑑𝑥

Then 𝑦 = 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
2a Let = 𝑥2 + 𝑥4
𝑑𝑥
1 1
Then = 3 𝑥 3 + 5 𝑥 5 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
2b Let = 4𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 4
𝑑𝑥

Then = 𝑥 4 − 𝑥 5 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
2c Let = 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 7
𝑑𝑥
2 5
Then = 3 𝑥 3 + 8 𝑥 8 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
2d Let = 𝑥2 − 𝑥 + 1
𝑑𝑥
1 1
Then = 3 𝑥 3 − 2 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
2e Let = 3 − 4𝑥 + 16𝑥 7
𝑑𝑥

Then = 3𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 8 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
2f Let = 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 4
𝑑𝑥

Then = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 4 − 𝑥 5 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
3a Let = 𝑥(𝑥 − 3) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥
𝑑𝑥
1 3
Then = 3 𝑥 3 − 2 𝑥 2 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦
3b Let = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2
𝑑𝑥
1 1
Then = 3 𝑥 3 − 2 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
3c Let = (3𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 4) = 3𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 − 4
𝑑𝑥
11
Then = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.
2

𝑑𝑦
3d Let = 𝑥 2 (5𝑥 3 − 4𝑥) = 5𝑥 5 − 4𝑥 3
𝑑𝑥
5
Then = 6 𝑥 6 − 𝑥 4 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
3e Let = 2𝑥 3 (4𝑥 4 + 1) = 8𝑥 7 + 2𝑥 3
𝑑𝑥
1
Then = 𝑥 8 + 2 𝑥 4 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.

𝑑𝑦
3f Let = (𝑥 − 3)(1 + 𝑥 2 ) = 𝑥 + 𝑥 3 − 3 − 3𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥
1 1
Then 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 2 + 4 𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 − 𝑥 3 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶.

4a i 𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 + 3
𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.
If 𝑦 = 3 when 𝑥 = 0, then 3 = 02 + 3 × 0 + 𝐶.
Hence, 𝐶 = 3
Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 3

4a ii 𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 + 3
𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.
If 𝑦 = 8 when 𝑥 = 1, then 8 = 12 + 3 × 1 + 𝐶.
Hence, 𝐶 = 4
Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 4

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

4b i 𝑦 ′ = 9𝑥 2 + 4
𝑦 = 3𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.
If 𝑦 = 1 when 𝑥 = 0, then 1 = 3 × 03 + 4 × 0 + 𝐶.
Hence, 𝐶 = 1
Therefore, 𝑦 = 3𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 + 1

4b ii 𝑦 ′ = 9𝑥 2 + 4
𝑦 = 3𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.
If 𝑦 = 5 when 𝑥 = 1, then 5 = 3 × 13 + 4 × 1 + 𝐶.
Hence, 𝐶 = −2
Therefore, 𝑦 = 3𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 − 2

4c i 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 7
𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.
If 𝑦 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0, then 0 = 03 − 2 × 02 + 7 × 0 + 𝐶 .
Hence, 𝐶 = 0
Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥

4c ii 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 7
𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.
If 𝑦 = −1 when 𝑥 = 1, then −1 = 13 − 2 × 12 + 7 × 1 + 𝐶 .
Hence, 𝐶 = −7
Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 7

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦 1
5a Let = 𝑥 2 = 𝑥 −2
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 −1
Then 𝑦 = + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
−1

= −𝑥 −1 + 𝐶
1
=− +𝐶
𝑥

𝑑𝑦 1
5b Let = = 𝑥 −3
𝑑𝑥 𝑥3

𝑥 −2
Then = + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶
−2

1
=− +𝐶
2𝑥 2

𝑑𝑦 2
5c Let = − 𝑥 3 = −2𝑥 −3
𝑑𝑥

−2𝑥 −2
Then = + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶
−2

= 𝑥 −2 + 𝐶
1
= +𝐶
𝑥2

𝑑𝑦 3
5d Let = − 𝑥 4 = −3𝑥 −4
𝑑𝑥

−3𝑥 −3
Then 𝑦 = + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
−3

= 𝑥 −3 + 𝐶
1
= +𝐶
𝑥3

𝑑𝑦 1 1
5e Let = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 3 = 𝑥 −2 − 𝑥 −3
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 −1 𝑥 −2
Then 𝑦 = − + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
−1 −2

1 1
=− + 2+𝐶
𝑥 2𝑥

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1
𝑑𝑦
6a Let = √𝑥 = 𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥
3
𝑥2
Then 𝑦 = 3 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
2

2 3
= 𝑥2 + 𝐶
3

1
𝑑𝑦 1
6b Let = = 𝑥 −2
𝑑𝑥 √𝑥
1
𝑥2
Then 𝑦 = 1 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
2

= 2 √𝑥 + 𝐶

1
𝑑𝑦 3
6c Let = √𝑥 = 𝑥 3
𝑑𝑥
4
𝑥3
Then 𝑦 = 4 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
3

3 4
= 𝑥3 + 𝐶
4

1
𝑑𝑦 3
6d Let = √𝑥 = 𝑥 3
𝑑𝑥
4
𝑥3
Then 𝑦 = 4 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
3

3 4
= 𝑥3 + 𝐶
4

3
𝑑𝑦 5
6e Let = √𝑥 3 = 𝑥 5
𝑑𝑥
8
𝑥5
Then 𝑦 = 8 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
5

5 8
= 𝑥5 + 𝐶
8

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1
𝑑𝑦
7a = √𝑥 = 𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥
3
2
Then 𝑦 = 3 𝑥 2 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶.
3
2
If 𝑦 = 1 when 𝑥 = 0, then 1 = 3 × 02 + 𝐶

Hence, 𝐶 = 1
3
2
Therefore, 𝑦 = 3 𝑥 2 + 1

1
𝑑𝑦
7b Let = √𝑥 = 𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥
3
2
Then = 3 𝑥 2 + 𝐶 , for some constant 𝐶.
3
2
If 𝑦 = 2 when 𝑥 = 9, then 2 = 3 × 92 + 𝐶

Hence, 𝐶 = −16
3
3
Therefore, 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 2 − 16

𝑑𝑦
8a = −4𝑥
𝑑𝑥

𝑦 = −2𝑥 2 + 𝑐, for some constant 𝑐

Some of the family of curves of 𝑦 = −2𝑥 2 + 𝑐 are shown below.
For example, when 𝑐 = 0, 𝑦 = −2𝑥 2 .

If 𝑦 = −2𝑥 2 + 𝑐 passes through 𝐴(1, 2) then 2 = −2 × 12 + 𝑐 so 𝑐 = 4

and 𝑦 = −2𝑥 2 + 4.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦
8b =3
𝑑𝑥

𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 𝑐, for some constant 𝑐.

Some of the family of curves of 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 𝑐 are shown below.
For example, when 𝑐 = −1, 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 1.

If 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 𝑐 passes through 𝐴(1, 2) then 2 = 3 × 1 + 𝑐 so 𝑐 = −1 and

𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 1.

𝑑𝑦
8c = 3𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥

𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 𝑐, for some constant 𝑐

Some of the family of curves of 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 𝑐 are shown below.
For example, when 𝑐 = 0, 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 .

If 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 𝑐 passes through 𝐴(1, 2) then 2 = 13 + 𝑐 so 𝑐 = 1 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 1.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦 1
8d = − 𝑥 2 = −𝑥 −2
𝑑𝑥
1
𝑦 = 𝑥 −1 + 𝑐 or 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑐, for some constant 𝑐
1
Some of the family of curves of 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑐 are shown below.
1
For example, when 𝑐 = 0, 𝑦 = 𝑥.

1 1 1
If 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑐 passes through 𝐴(1, 2) then 2 = 1 + 𝑐 so 𝑐 = 1 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 1.

𝑑𝑦
9a Let = (𝑥 + 1)3
𝑑𝑥

(𝑥+1)4
Then 𝑦 = + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
4

1
= (𝑥 + 1)4 + 𝐶
4

𝑑𝑦
9b Let = (𝑥 − 2)5
𝑑𝑥

(𝑥−2)6
Then 𝑦 = + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
6

1
= (𝑥 − 2)6 + 𝐶
6

𝑑𝑦
9c Let = (𝑥 + 5)2
𝑑𝑥

(𝑥+5)3
Then 𝑦 = + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
3

1
= (𝑥 + 5)3 + 𝐶
3

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦
9d Let = (2𝑥 + 3)4
𝑑𝑥

(2𝑥+3)5
Then 𝑦 = + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
2×5

1
= (2𝑥 + 3)5 + 𝐶
10

𝑑𝑦
9e Let = (3𝑥 − 4)6
𝑑𝑥

(3𝑥−4)7
Then 𝑦 = + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
3×7

1
= (3𝑥 − 4)7 + 𝐶
21

𝑑𝑦
9f Let = (5𝑥 − 1)3
𝑑𝑥

(5𝑥−1)4
Then 𝑦 = + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
5×4

1
= (5𝑥 − 1)4 + 𝐶
20

𝑑𝑦
9g Let = (1 − 𝑥)3
𝑑𝑥

(1−𝑥)4
Then 𝑦 = + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
−1×4

1
= − (1 − 𝑥)4 + 𝐶
4

𝑑𝑦
9h Let = (1 − 7𝑥)3
𝑑𝑥

(1−7𝑥)4
Then 𝑦 = + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
−7×4

1
=− (1 − 𝑥)4 + 𝐶
28

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦 1
9i Let = (𝑥−2)4 = (𝑥 − 2)−4
𝑑𝑥

(𝑥−2)−3
Then 𝑦 = + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
−3

1
= − (𝑥 − 2)−3 + 𝐶
3
1
=− +𝐶
3(𝑥 − 2)3

𝑑𝑦 1
9j Let = (1−𝑥)10 = (1 − 𝑥)−10
𝑑𝑥

(1−𝑥)−9
Then 𝑦 = + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
−1×−9

1
= (1 − 𝑥)−9 + 𝐶
9
1
= +𝐶
9(1 − 𝑥)9

1
10a Let 𝑦 ′ = √𝑥 + 1 = (𝑥 + 1)2
3
(𝑥+1)2
Then 𝑦 = 3 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
2

2 3
= (𝑥 + 1)2 + 𝐶
3

1
10b Let 𝑦 ′ = √𝑥 − 5 = (𝑥 − 5)2
3
(𝑥−5)2
Then 𝑦 = 3 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
2

2 3
= (𝑥 − 5)2 + 𝐶
3

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1
10c Let 𝑦 ′ = √1 − 𝑥 = (1 − 𝑥)2
3
(1−𝑥)2
Then 𝑦 = 3 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
−1×
2

2 3
= − (1 − 𝑥)2 + 𝐶
3

1
10d Let 𝑦 ′ = √2𝑥 − 7 = (2𝑥 − 7)2
3
(2𝑥−7)2
Then 𝑦 = 3 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
2×
2

1 3
= (2𝑥 − 7)2 + 𝐶
3

1
10e Let 𝑦 ′ = √3𝑥 − 4 = (3𝑥 − 4)2
3
(3𝑥−4)2
Then 𝑦 = 3 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
3×
2

2 3
= (3𝑥 − 4)2 + 𝐶
9

11a 𝑦 ′ = (𝑥 − 1)4
1
Then 𝑦 = 5 (𝑥 − 1)5 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶.

If 𝑦 = 0 when 𝑥 = 1,
1
0 = 5 (1 − 1)5 + 𝐶

𝐶=0
1
Therefore, 𝑦 = 5 (𝑥 − 1)5

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

11b 𝑦 ′ = (2𝑥 + 1)3

1
Then 𝑦 = 8 (2𝑥 + 1)4 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶.

If 𝑦 = −1 when 𝑥 = 0,
1
−1 = 8 (2 × 0 + 1)4 + 𝐶

9
𝐶=−
8
1 9
Therefore, 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 1)4 −
8 8

1
11c 𝑦 ′ = √2𝑥 + 1 = (2𝑥 + 1)2
3
1
Then 𝑦 = 3 (2𝑥 + 1)2 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶.
1
If 𝑦 = 3 when 𝑥 = 0,
3
1 1
= 3 (2 × 0 + 1)2 + 𝐶
3

𝐶=0
3
1
Therefore, 𝑦 = 3 (2𝑥 + 1)2

𝑑𝑦
12a = 3𝑥 4 − 𝑥 3 + 1
𝑑𝑡

3𝑥 5 𝑥4
𝑦= − + 𝑥 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
5 4

If the curve passes through the origin,

3×05 04
0= − +0+𝐶
5 4

𝐶=0
3 1
Therefore, 𝑦 = 5 𝑥 5 − 4 𝑥 4 + 𝑥

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦
12b = 2 + 3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 3
𝑑𝑡

𝑥4
𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 𝑥 3 − + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
4

If the curve passes through the point (2, 6),

24
6 = 2 × 2 + 23 − +𝐶
4

6= 8+𝐶
𝐶 = −2
1
Therefore, 𝑦 = − 4 𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 2

12c 𝑦′ = (2 − 5𝑥)3
(2−5𝑥)4
𝑦= + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
−5×4
1
= − 20 (2 − 5𝑥)4 + 𝐶
1
If the curve passes through the point (5 , 1),

1 1 4
1 = − 20 (2 − 5 × 5) + 𝐶
1
1 = − 20 + 𝐶

21
𝐶=
20
1 21
Therefore, 𝑦 = − 20 (2 − 5𝑥)4 + 20

𝑑𝑦
13 = 8𝑡 3 − 6𝑡 2 + 5
𝑑𝑡

𝑦 = 2𝑡 4 − 2𝑡 3 + 5𝑡 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶

If 𝑦 = 4 when 𝑡 = 0,
4 = 2 × 04 − 2 × 03 + 5 × 0 + 𝐶
𝐶=4
Therefore, 𝑦 = 2𝑡 4 − 2𝑡 3 + 5𝑡 + 4
When 𝑡 = 2, 𝑦 = 2 × 24 − 2 × 23 + 5 × 2 + 4 = 30

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

14 This rule can’t be used when n  1 because when n  1 , the rule gives the
x0
primitive of x 1 as , which is undefined.
0

15 y  6 x  4 and when x  1, y  2 and y  4

y  3 x 2  4 x  C , for some constant C

When x  1, y  2 , so we obtain:

2= 3+4+𝐶
𝐶 = −5

Hence y  3 x 2  4 x  5 .

y  x 3  2 x 2  5 x  D , for some constant D

When x  1, y  4 , so we obtain:

4= 1+2−5+𝐷
𝐷=6

Hence y  x3  2 x 2  5 x  6 .

16a f   x   2 x  10 , where f   3  20 and f  3  34

f   x   x 2  10 x  C , for some constant C

f   3  20 and so we obtain:

20 = 9 − 30 + 𝐶
𝐶 = 41

So f   x   x 2  10 x  41 .

16b f   x   x 2  10 x  41 and f  3  34

1
f  x   x3  5 x 2  41x  D , for some constant D
3

f  3  34 and so we obtain:

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

−34 = 9 − 45 + 123 + 𝐷
𝐷 = −121
1
So f  x   x3  5 x 2  41x  121 .
3

f  0   121 and so the graph cuts the y - axis at  0, 121

17 y  8  6 x and the curve passes through the points 1, 6  and  1,8 .

y  8 x  3 x 2  C , for some constant C

y  4 x 2  x 3  Cx  D , for some constant D

1, 6  lies on the curve and so when x  1, y  6

6 =4−1+𝐶+𝐷
CD3 (1)

 1,8 lies on the curve and so when x  1, y  8

8 =4+1−𝐶+𝐷
C  D  3 (2)
(1)  (2) gives 2D  6 and so D  3
Substituting D  3 into (2) we obtain C  0 .

So y   x3  4 x 2  3 .

1 1
18 ∫ − 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ −𝑥 −2 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑥 −1 + 𝑐 = 𝑥 + 𝑐 = 𝑓(𝑥)
1
If 𝑓(1) = 2 then 1 + 𝑐 = 2 and 𝑐 = 1 when 𝑥 > 0

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

1
If 𝑓(−1) = 2 then −1 + 𝑐 = 2 and 𝑐 = 3 when 𝑥 < 0

19a 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0 then

𝑃′ (𝑥) = 𝑛𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛−1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1
𝑃′′ (𝑥) = (𝑛 − 1)𝑛𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛−2 + (𝑛 − 2)(𝑛 − 1)𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−3 + ⋯ + 2𝑎2
The nth degree of the derivative has the term:

(𝑛 − (𝑛 − 1)) … (𝑛 − 1)𝑛𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛−𝑛

Hence, the 𝑛𝑡ℎ degree of the derivative is a constant which is not zero (does not
vanish). Therefore, if we find the (𝑛 + 1)𝑡ℎ derivative of 𝑃(𝑥), it will be equal to
zero (the polynomial vanishes).

19b 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑘 𝑥 𝑘 + 𝑎𝑘−1 𝑥 𝑘−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0

If we find the 𝑘 𝑡ℎ derivative we will see that it is a constant and if we continue
finding the (𝑘 + 1)𝑡ℎ derivative, we will observe that it is equal to zero like in
19a. Therefore, for any given polynomial, if (𝑛 + 1)𝑡ℎ term vanishes but not the
𝑛𝑡ℎ derivative, then we can say that the degree of the polynomial is 𝑛.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

Solutions to Chapter review

1 In the diagram, assume that 𝐵, 𝐷 and 𝐺 are stationary points, 𝐶 and 𝐹 are
inflection points and 𝐸 is both a stationary point and an inflection point.

1a 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 at points 𝐶 and 𝐻 because the slope of the tangent line is positive at
these points (the function 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing at these points).

1b 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 at points 𝐴 and 𝐹 because the slope of the tangent line is negative at
these points (the function 𝑓(𝑥) is decreasing at these points).

1c 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 at points 𝐵, 𝐷, 𝐸 and 𝐺 because the slope of the tangent line is zero at
these points.

1d 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) > 0 at points 𝐵 and 𝐺 because the curve is concave up.

1e 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) < 0 at point 𝐷 because the curve is concave down.

1f 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 0 at points 𝐶, 𝐸 and 𝐹.

2a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 7
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 1

2b i 𝑓 ′ (0) = 3 × 02 − 2 × 0 − 1 = −1. Since 𝑓 ′ (0) < 0 when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑓(𝑥) is

decreasing at 𝑥 = 0.

2b ii 𝑓 ′ (1) = 3 × 12 − 2 × 1 − 1 = 0. Since 𝑓 ′ (0) = 0 when 𝑥 = 1, 𝑓(𝑥) is stationary at

𝑥 = 1.

2b iii 𝑓 ′ (−1) = 3 × (−1)2 − 2 × (−1) − 1 = 4. Since 𝑓 ′ (−1) > 0 when 𝑥 = −1,

𝑓(𝑥) is increasing at 𝑥 = −1.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

2b iv 𝑓 ′ (3) = 3 × 32 − 2 × 3 − 1 = 20. Since 𝑓 ′ (3) > 0 when 𝑥 = 3, 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing

at 𝑥 = 3.

3a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4

3b i 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 when 2𝑥 − 4 > 0 or 𝑥 > 2. Hence, 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing when 𝑥 > 2.

3b ii 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 when 2𝑥 − 4 < 0 or 𝑥 < 2. Hence, 𝑓(𝑥) is decreasing when 𝑥 < 2.

3b iii 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when 2𝑥 − 4 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2. Hence, 𝑓(𝑥) is stationary when 𝑥 = 2.

4a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2
𝑓 ′ (1) = 3 × 12 = 3
Since 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 when 𝑥 = 1, 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing at 𝑥 = 1.

4b 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 6
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 1
𝑓 ′ (1) = 2 × 1 − 1 = 1
Since 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 when 𝑥 = 1, 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing at 𝑥 = 1.

4c 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 1)5
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 5(𝑥 − 1)4
𝑓 ′ (1) = 5(1 − 1)4 = 0
Since 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when 𝑥 = 1, 𝑓(𝑥) is stationary at 𝑥 = 1.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑥+1
4d 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−3

Using the quotient rule:

(𝑥 − 3)(1) − (𝑥 + 1)(1)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 − 3)2
𝑥−3−𝑥−1
=
(𝑥 − 3)2
−4
=
(𝑥 − 3)2
−4
𝑓 ′ (1) = (1−3)2 = −1

Since 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 when 𝑥 = 1, 𝑓(𝑥) is decreasing at 𝑥 = 1.

5a 𝑦 = 𝑥7
𝑦 ′ = 7𝑥 6
𝑦 ′′ = 42𝑥 5

5b 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 8𝑥
𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑥 − 8

5c 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 2)5
𝑦 ′ = 5(𝑥 − 2)4
𝑦 ′′ = 20(𝑥 − 2)3

1
5d 𝑦 = 𝑥 = 𝑥 −1
1
𝑦 ′ = −𝑥 −2 = − 𝑥 2
2
𝑦 ′′ = 2𝑥 −3 = 𝑥 3

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

6a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 5
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 − 4
𝑓 ′′ (1) = 6 × 1 − 4 = 2
Since 𝑓 ′′ (1) > 0, the curve is concave up at 𝑥 = 1.

6b 𝑓(𝑥) = 6 − 2𝑥 3 − 𝑥 4
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −6𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 3
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = −12𝑥 − 12𝑥 2
𝑓 ′′ (1) = −12 × 1 − 12 × 12 = −24
Since 𝑓 ′′ (1) < 0, the curve is concave down at 𝑥 = 1.

7a 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 6
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 12𝑥 − 6

1
7b i 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 0 when 12𝑥 − 6 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2

𝑥 0 1 1
2
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) − 0 +

1 1
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) > 0 when 𝑥 > 2. Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) is concave up when 𝑥 > 2.

1 1
7b ii 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) < 0 when 𝑥 < 2. Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) is concave down when 𝑥 < 2.

8a 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 − 11
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 9 = 3(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3)
𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑥 − 12 = 6(𝑥 − 2)

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑦 ′ = 0 when 𝑥 = 1 and 3
𝑦 ′′ = 0 when 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 0 1 2 3 4
𝑦′ + 0 − 0 +
𝑦 ′′ − − 0 + +
From the table, 𝑦 is increasing when 𝑥 < 1 and 𝑥 > 3.

8b From the table, 𝑦 is decreasing when 1 < 𝑥 < 3.

8c From the table, 𝑦 is concave up when 𝑥 > 2.

8d From the table, 𝑦 is concave down when 𝑥 < 2

9a 𝑓(𝑥) is constant for all 𝑥 ∈ ℝ

Therefore, 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 for all 𝑥 ∈ ℝ and the graph of 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) is:

9b 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing at a constant rate for all 𝑥 ∈ ℝ

Therefore, the graph of 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) should look like this:

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

9c 𝑓(𝑥) is decreasing when 𝑥 < 2 and increasing when 𝑥 > 2

Therefore, 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 when 𝑥 < 2 and 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 when 𝑥 > 2.
Hence, the graph of 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) should look like this:

9d 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing when 𝑥 < −3 , decreasing when −3 < 𝑥 < 1 and increasing
when 𝑥 > 1. Therefore, 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 when 𝑥 < −3 , 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0 when −3 < 𝑥 < 1
and 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0 when 𝑥 > 1.
Hence, the graph of 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) should look like this:

10a 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 − 11
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1 = (𝑥 + 1)(3𝑥 − 1)
1
(𝑥 + 1)(3𝑥 − 1) = 0 when 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 =
3
1
Therefore, there are stationary points at 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 3.
1 49
When 𝑥 = −1, 𝑦 = 3 and when = 3 , 𝑦 = 27 .
1 49 1 49
So the stationary points are (−1, 3) and (3 , ); that is, 𝑃(−1, 3) and 𝑄 (3 , ).
27 27

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

10b 𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑥 + 2 = 2(3𝑥 + 1)
𝑦 ′′ > 0 when 2(3𝑥 + 1) > 0
3𝑥 + 1 > 0
1
𝑥 > −3
1
𝑦 is concave up when 𝑥 > − 3

10c When the functions 𝑦1 = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2 and 𝑦2 = 𝑘 are graphed on the same

49
coordinate plane, they have three intersection points when < 𝑘 < 3.
27
49
Therefore, 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 2 = 𝑘 has three distinct solutions when 27 < 𝑘 < 3.

11a 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 7
𝑦 = (𝑥 − 7)(𝑥 + 1) and 𝑦 = 0 for 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 7
Hence, (−1, 0) and (7, 0) are 𝑥-intercepts.
When 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = −7 so (0, −7) is the 𝑦-intercept.
𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 − 6 and 𝑦 ′ = 0 when 2𝑥 − 6 = 0 or 𝑥 = 3.
Hence, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = 3.

𝑥 0 3 4
𝑦′ \ 0 /

When 𝑥 = 3, 𝑦 = 32 − 6 × 3 − 7 = −16.
Therefore, (3, −16) is a minimum turning point.
𝑦 ′′ = 2. Hence, 𝑦 ′′ > 0 for all 𝑥 ∈ ℝ.
Therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 7 does not have an inflection point.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

11b 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 8
When 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 8 so (0, 8) is the 𝑦-intercept.
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 and 𝑦 ′ = 0 when 3𝑥(𝑥 − 4) = 0 or when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 4.
Hence, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 4.

𝑥 −1 0 1 4 5
𝑦′ / 0 \ 0 /

When 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 03 − 6 × 02 + 8 = 8.
Therefore, (0, 8) is a maximum turning point.
When 𝑥 = 4, 𝑦 = 43 − 6 × 42 + 8 = −24.
Therefore, (4, −24) is a minimum turning point.
𝑦 ′′ = 6𝑥 − 12 and 𝑦 ′′ = 0 when 6𝑥 − 12 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2.
Hence there is an inflection point at 𝑥 = 2.
When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 23 − 6 × 22 + 8 = −8.
Therefore, (2, −8) is an inflection point.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

11c 𝑦 = 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 1
When 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 1 so (0, 1) is the 𝑦-intercept.
𝑦 ′ = 6𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 12 and 𝑦 ′ = 0 when 6(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 or when 𝑥 = −1 or
𝑥 = 2.
Hence, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 2.

𝑥 −2 −1 0 2 3
𝑦′ / 0 \ 0 /

When 𝑥 = −1, 𝑦 = 2 × (−1)3 − 3 × (−1)2 − 12 × (−1) + 1 = 8.

Therefore, (−1, 8) is a maximum turning point.
When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 2 × 23 − 3 × 22 − 12 × 2 + 1 = −19.
Therefore, (2, −19) is a minimum turning point.
1
𝑦 ′′ = 12𝑥 − 6 and 𝑦 ′′ = 0 when 12𝑥 − 6 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2.
1
Hence there is an inflection point at 𝑥 = 2.

1 1 3 1 2 1 1
When 𝑥 = 2 , 𝑦 = 2 × (2) − 3 × (2) − 12 × (2) + 1 = −5 2.
1 1
Therefore, (2 , −5 2) is an inflection point.

12a 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 + 11
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 9 = 3(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1)
3(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 when 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 3. Therefore, there are stationary
points at 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 3.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

When 𝑥 = −1, 𝑦 = 16 and when 𝑥 = 3, 𝑦 = −16.

Thus, the stationary points are (−1, 16) and (3, −16).
𝑥 −1 3

𝑦′ + 0 − 0 +

Therefore, (−1, 16) is a maximum turning point and (3, −16) is a minimum
turning point.
The 𝑦-intercept is (0, 11).

12b Looking at the boundary points:

When 𝑥 = 6, 𝑦 = 65 so 65 is the global maximum.
When 𝑥 = −2, 𝑦 = 9, which is larger than 𝑓(3) = −16 so −16 is the global
minimum.

13a 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑎𝑥 + 9
𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 − 𝑎
𝑎
𝑦 ′ = 0 when 2𝑥 − 𝑎 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2
𝑎
If the tangent to 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑎𝑥 + 9 is horizontal at 𝑥 = −1, then 𝑥 = = −1.
2

Therefore, 𝑎 = −2.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

13b 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 3
Since the point (−1, 0) is on the graph of 𝑦,
𝑎 × (−1)2 + 𝑏 × (−1) + 3 = 0
𝑎−𝑏+3=0
𝑎 =𝑏−3 (1)
𝑦 ′ = 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏
𝑏
𝑦 ′ = 0 when 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 = 0 or 𝑥 = − .
2𝑎
𝑏
Hence, there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = − 2𝑎.
𝑏
If (−1, 0) is a turning point, then −1 = − 2𝑎.

2𝑎 − 𝑏 = 0 (2)
Substituting (1) into (2) gives:
2(𝑏 − 3) − 𝑏 = 0
2𝑏 − 6 − 𝑏 = 0
𝑏=6
and 𝑎 = 6 − 3 = 3
Therefore, 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑏 = 6.

14a 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 7
𝑦 ′ = 4𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2
𝑦 ′′ = 12𝑥 2 − 24𝑥 = 12𝑥(𝑥 − 2)
12𝑥(𝑥 − 2) = 0 when 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2
Therefore, 𝑦 has inflection points at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 2.
When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = −9, so (2, −9) is a point of inflection.

14b When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 ′ = 4 × 23 − 12 × 22 = 32 − 48 = −16.

Therefore, the slope at (2, −9) is −16.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

14c Using 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) when 𝑚 = −16 and (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) = (2, −9) gives:
𝑦 − (−9) = −16(𝑥 − 2)
𝑦 + 9 = −16𝑥 + 32
16𝑥 + 𝑦 − 23 = 0
Therefore, 16𝑥 + 𝑦 − 23 = 0 is the equation of the tangent at (2, −9).

15a 𝑆 = 175 + 18𝑡 2 − 𝑡 4 for 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 5

When 𝑡 = 0, 𝑆 = 175 + 18 × 02 − 04 = 175
Therefore, the initial number of students that are logged on is 175.

15b When 𝑡 = 5, 𝑆 = 175 + 18 × 52 − 54 = 0

Therefore, the number of students that are logged on at the end of the five hours
is 0.

15c 𝑆 ′ = 36𝑡 − 4𝑡 3
= 4𝑡(9 − 𝑡 2 )
= 4𝑡(3 − 𝑡)(3 + 𝑡)
𝑆 ′ = 0 when 4𝑡(3 − 𝑡)(3 + 𝑡) = 0 or when 𝑡 = −3 or 𝑡 = 3.

𝑡 0 3 4
𝑆′ / 0 \

(The values for 𝑡 < 0 are not included in the table as they are not in the domain
of 𝑆.)
There is a local maximum at 𝑡 = 3.
When 𝑡 = 3, 𝑆 = 175 + 18 × 32 − 34 = 256
Therefore, the maximum number of students logged onto the website is 256.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

16a Volume = length × width × height

where length is (16 − 2𝑥) cm, width is (6 − 2𝑥) cm and height is 𝑥 cm.
𝑉 = (16 − 2𝑥) × (6 − 2𝑥) × 𝑥
= 𝑥(4𝑥 2 − 44𝑥 + 96)
= 4𝑥 3 − 44𝑥 2 + 96𝑥

𝑑𝑉
16b = 12𝑥 2 − 88𝑥 + 96
𝑑𝑥

= 4(3𝑥 2 − 22𝑥 + 24)

= 4(3𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 6)
4
4(3𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 6) = 0 when 𝑥 = 3 or 𝑥 = 6

𝑥 4 6
3
𝑉′ + 0 − 0 +

4
Thus, there is a local maximum at 𝑥 = 3.

4 4 3 4 2 4 1600
When 𝑥 = 3, 𝑉 = 4 × (3) − 44 × (3) + 96 × (3) = 27
1600
Therefore, the maximum volume is cm3.
27

17a

𝑦 80−𝑥 60 3
= then 𝑦 = 80 (80 − 𝑥) = 4 (80 − 𝑥)
60 80

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

3 3
17b 𝐴 = 𝑥 × 𝑦 = 𝑥 × 4 (80 − 𝑥) = 4 (80𝑥 − 𝑥 2 )
𝑑𝐴 3
= 4 (80 − 2𝑥) = 0 when 𝑥 = 40. Therefore, the area of the rectangle is the
𝑑𝑥
3
maximum when 𝑥 = 40 cm and 𝑦 = 4 (80 − 𝑥) = 30 cm.

1
18a 𝑉 = 3 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ and 𝑟 + ℎ = 12

Then the height is ℎ = 12 − 𝑟 and the volume is:

1
𝑉 = 3 𝜋𝑟 2 (12 − 𝑟 )
1
𝑉 = 4𝜋𝑟 2 − 3 𝜋𝑟 3

1
18b 𝑉 = 4𝜋𝑟 2 − 3 𝜋𝑟 3

𝑉 ′ = 8𝜋𝑟 − 𝜋𝑟 2
𝑉 ′ = 0 when 8𝜋𝑟 − 𝜋𝑟 2 = 0 or 𝜋𝑟(8 − 𝑟) = 0
Hence, 𝑉 ′ = 0 when 𝑟 = 0 or 𝑟 = 8.

𝑥 0 1 8 9
𝑦′ 0 / 0 \

(The values of 𝑟 < 0 are not included in the table as 𝑟 cannot be negative)
There is a local maximum at 𝑟 = 8.
Therefore, the radius that yields the maximum volume is 8 m.

𝑑𝑦
19a Let 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑥 7

𝑥8
𝑦= + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
8

𝑑𝑦
19b Let 𝑑𝑥 = 2𝑥

𝑥2
𝑦=2× + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
2

= 𝑥2 + 𝐶

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦
19c Let 𝑑𝑥 = 4

𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶

𝑑𝑦
19d Let 𝑑𝑥 = 10𝑥 4

𝑥5
𝑦 = 10 × + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
5

= 2𝑥 5 + 𝐶

𝑑𝑦
19e Let 𝑑𝑥 = 8𝑥 + 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 3

𝑥2 𝑥3 𝑥4
𝑦=8× +3× −4× + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
2 3 4

= 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 4 + 𝐶

𝑑𝑦
20a Let 𝑑𝑥 = 3𝑥(𝑥 − 2) = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥

𝑥3 𝑥2
𝑦=3× −6× + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
3 2

= 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 𝐶

𝑑𝑦
20b = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 5) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 5
𝑑𝑥

𝑥3 𝑥2
𝑦= −4× − 5𝑥 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶
3 2

𝑥3
= − 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 𝐶
3

𝑑𝑦
20c = (2𝑥 − 3)2 = 4𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 9
𝑑𝑥
4
𝑦 = 3 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶

𝑑𝑦
21a = (𝑥 + 1)5
𝑑𝑥
1
𝑦 = 6 (𝑥 + 1)6 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑑𝑦
21b = (𝑥 − 4)7
𝑑𝑥
1
𝑦 = 8 (𝑥 − 4)8 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶

𝑑𝑦
21c = (2𝑥 − 1)3
𝑑𝑥
1
𝑦 = 2×4 (2𝑥 − 1)4 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶

1
= (2𝑥 − 1)4 + 𝐶
8

𝑑𝑦 1
22a = 𝑥 2 = 𝑥 −2
𝑑𝑥

𝑦 = −𝑥 −1 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶

1
= −𝑥 + 𝐶
1
𝑑𝑦
22b = √𝑥 = 𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥
3
2
𝑦 = 3 𝑥 2 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶

23 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1 then 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 𝐶

If (2, 5) is on the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) then:
𝑓(2) = 23 − 2 × 22 + 2 + 𝐶 = 5
8−8+2+𝐶 = 5
𝐶=3
So 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 3.

24 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 3
𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 𝐶, for some constant 𝐶.
If 𝑓(2) = 7, 𝑓(2) = 2 × 22 − 3 × 2 + 𝐶 = 7
8−6+𝐶 =7
𝐶=5
Hence, 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 5

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

and 𝑓(4) = 2 × 42 − 3 × 4 + 5 = 25

1
25 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −𝑥−2
1 1
𝑓(−𝑥) = (−𝑥)2 −(−𝑥)−2 = 𝑥 2 +𝑥−2
−1 1
−𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −𝑥−2 = −𝑥 2 +𝑥+2

Since 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 𝑓(−𝑥), 𝑓(𝑥) is not an even function.

Since 𝑓(−𝑥) ≠ −𝑓(𝑥), 𝑓(𝑥) is not an odd function.
Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) is neither an even nor an odd function.

0×(𝑥 2 −𝑥−2)−1×(2𝑥−1) 2𝑥−1 1−2𝑥

25b 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (𝑥 2 −𝑥−2)2
= − (𝑥 2 −𝑥−2)2 = (𝑥 2 −𝑥−2)2

1−2𝑥 1
25c 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0 when (𝑥 2 −𝑥−2)2 = 0 , 1 − 2𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 2

1 1 4
𝑓 (2) = 1 2 1
= −9
( ) −( )−2
2 2

1 4
Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) has a stationary point at (2 , − 9)

6(𝑥 2 −𝑥+1)
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = (𝑥 2 −𝑥−2)3
and the sign table of 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) is:

𝑥 −2 1

𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) + undefined − undefined +

1 4
Therefore, (2 , − 9) is a maximum turning point.

25d 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2 = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 then 𝑓(𝑥) has vertical asymptotes at

𝑥 = 2 and 𝑥 = −1.

1
25e lim = 0. Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) has a vertical asymptote at 𝑦 = 0.
𝑥→±∞ 𝑥 2 −𝑥−2

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

25f

𝑥 2 −1
26a 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 −4 = 0 when 𝑥 2 − 1 = 0 , 𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 1. Therefore, 𝑦 cuts the 𝑥-axis at

(−1, 0) and (1, 0).

(0)2 −1 1 1
𝑦 = (0)2 −4 = 4 when 𝑥 = 0. Therefore, 𝑦 cuts the 𝑦-axis at (0, 4)

26b 𝑥 2 − 4 = 0 when 𝑥 = −2 or 𝑥 = 2.
Hence, 𝑦 is undefined when 𝑥 = −2 or 𝑥 = 2. Therefore, the graph of 𝑦 has
vertical asymptotes at 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = 2.

𝑥 2 −1 (2𝑥)(𝑥 2 −4)−(𝑥 2 −1)(2𝑥) 6𝑥

26c 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 −4 then 𝑦 ′ = (𝑥 2 −4)2
= − (𝑥 2 −4)2

6𝑥
26d 𝑦 ′ = − (𝑥 2 −4)2 = 0 when 𝑥 = 0. Therefore there is a stationary point at 𝑥 = 0.

𝑥 0

𝑦 ′′ + 0 −

(0)2 −1 1 1
𝑦 = (0)2 −4 = 4 when 𝑥 = 0. Therefore, the stationary point (0, 4) is a maximum

turning point.

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

(−𝑥)2 −1 𝑥 2 −1
26e 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(−𝑥) = (−𝑥)2 −4 = 𝑥 2 −4 . Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) is an even function.

𝑥 2 −1
26f lim = 1. Therefore, 𝑦 has a horizontal asymptote at 𝑦 = 1.
𝑥→±∞ 𝑥 2 −4

27a 𝑆 = 3𝑥 × 4 + 𝑥 × 4 + ℎ × 4 = 16𝑥 + 4ℎ

4374 1458
27b 𝑉 = 𝐵 × ℎ = 3𝑥 × 𝑥 × ℎ = 3𝑥 2 ℎ. Hence, 4374 = 3𝑥 2 ℎ and ℎ = =
3𝑥 2 𝑥2
1458 5832
Therefore, 𝑆 = 16𝑥 + 4ℎ = 16𝑥 + 4 × = 16𝑥 +
𝑥2 𝑥2

11664 (16𝑥 3 −11664)

27c 𝑆 ′ = 16 − = = 0 when 𝑥 3 = 729 or 𝑥 = 9.
𝑥3 𝑥3

𝑥 0 9

𝑆′ + undefined − 0 +

Hence there is a minimum turning point at 𝑥 = 9 and

5832
The minimum amount is 𝑆 = 16 × 9 + = 216 m and the dimensions are
92

Width: 9 m
Length: 27 m
Height: 216 = 16 × 9 + 4ℎ (When S is minimum) then, ℎ = 18 m

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑟−𝑅 𝐻 ℎ(𝑟−𝑅)
28a Δ𝐴𝐵𝐶~Δ𝐴𝐷𝐸. Therefore, = and 𝐻 =
𝑟 ℎ 𝑟

ℎ(𝑟−𝑅) 𝜋𝑅 2 ×ℎ(𝑟−𝑅)
28b 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑅 2 × 𝐻 = 𝜋𝑅 2 × =
𝑟 𝑟

28c
𝜋𝑅 2 × ℎ(𝑟 − 𝑅)
𝑑𝑉 𝑑( )
𝑟
=
𝑑𝑅 𝑑𝑅
1
𝑑 (𝜋ℎ𝑅 2 − 𝜋ℎ𝑅 3 )
= 𝑟
𝑑𝑅
3𝜋 2
= 2𝜋ℎ𝑅 − ℎ𝑅
𝑟
3𝑅
= 𝜋𝑅ℎ (2 − )
𝑟
𝑑𝑉 3𝑅 2
= 0 , when 𝑅 = 0, 2 − = 0 or 𝑅 = 3 𝑟
𝑑𝑅 𝑟
2
Therefore, when 𝑅 = 3 𝑟, the maximum volume is:

2 2 2
𝜋 (3 𝑟) × ℎ (𝑟 − 3 𝑟)
𝑉=
𝑟
4𝑟 2 𝑟
𝜋ℎ 9 × (3)
=
𝑟
4
= 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ
27

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

29a 𝑃 = 12 = 2𝑎 + 𝑏 (where 𝑏 is the base and 𝑎 is the length of the equal sides)
𝑏 2
𝑏 = 12 − 2𝑎 and ℎ2 = 𝑎2 − (2) .

4𝑎2 −𝑏2 4𝑎2 −(12−2𝑎)2 4𝑎2 −(144−48𝑎+4𝑎2 )

Then, ℎ = √ =√ =√
4 4 4

48𝑎−144
=√ = √12𝑎 − 36 = 2√3𝑎 − 9
4

1 1
Hence, 𝐴 = 2 × 𝑏 × ℎ = 2 × (12 − 2𝑎) × 2√3𝑎 − 9 = (12 − 2𝑎) × √3𝑎 − 9

Or 𝐴 = 2√3(6 − 𝑎)√𝑎 − 3
(𝑎−6)√3
𝐴′ = −2√3(𝑎 − 3) − and 𝐴′ = 0 when 𝑎 = 4.
√𝑎−3

Therefore, the maximum area is 𝐴 = 2√3(6 − (4))√(4) − 3 = 4√3 cm2

29b Assume that the figure below is an isosceles triangle

where 𝐴𝐵 = 𝐴𝐶 = 𝑎 and 𝐵𝐶 = 𝑏, the perimeter (𝑃) of Δ𝐴𝐵𝐶 is 𝑃 = 2𝑎 + 𝑏 , and
the height is ℎ.

Then the area (𝐴) of the triangle is

base × height 1 𝑃−2𝑎 2

𝐴= = 2 (𝑃 − 2𝑎)√𝑎2 − ( ) and
2 2

𝑑𝐴 𝑃−2𝑎 2 1 𝑝 𝑃
= −1 × √𝑎2 − ( ) + 2 (𝑃 − 2𝑎) = 0 when 𝑎 =
𝑑𝑎 2 𝑃−2𝑎 2 3
2√𝑎2 −( )
2

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Chapter 4 worked solutions – Curve-sketching using the derivative

𝑃
Since 𝑃 = 2𝑎 + 𝑏 and 𝑎 = 3 when the area of the triangle is maximised,
2𝑃 𝑃 𝑃
𝑏 = 𝑃 − 2𝑎 = 𝑃 − = and 𝑎 = 𝑏 =
3 3 3

Therefore, the triangle is an equilateral triangle.

© Cambridge University Press 2019 181