# Curve sketch problem

1. Oct 31, 2009

### sdoug041

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Sketch graph of f(x)= (x^2)/((x-2)^2). I have retrieved the first derivative, found the critical points, and also have the vertical asymptote. I seem to be having trouble trying to find the inflection points.... I can't seem to find a nicely factored f''(x).

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

so far I have f''(x)= [ (x-2)^3 ] (-8) [ (3x^2) + x + 2 ] / [(x-2)^8]

I cant factor the 3x^2+x+2 to be able to find where f''(x)=0 and thus revealing the inflection points :(. Help? thankyou...

2. Oct 31, 2009

### Staff: Mentor

For problems like these, it's more efficient to get the derivative in its simplest form before you take the derivative again.

For your function, I found this for f'(x):
$$f'(x)~=~\frac{2x(x - 2)^2 - 2x^2(x - 2)}{(x - 2)^4}$$
By finding common factors in the numerator, I was able to simplify it in this way
$$f'(x)~=~\frac{2x(x - 2)(x - 2 - x)}{(x - 2)^4}~=~ \frac{-4x}{(x - 2)^3}$$

From there, differentiating to get f''(x) is pretty straightforward.