Finding Inflection Points: Calculating First and Second Derivatives

  • Thread starter Thread starter Swerting
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derivatives
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding inflection points for the function f(x)=2ln(x^{2}+3)-x over the domain -3≤x≤5. The first derivative is correctly identified as f'(x)=(4x)(x^{2}+3)^{-1}-1, while the corrected second derivative is f''(x)=4(x^{2}+3)^{-1}-8x^{2}(x^{2}+3)^{-2}. The second derivative is confirmed to always exist, with two specific values of x where it equals zero, leading to the identification of the inflection points.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus concepts, specifically derivatives
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of inflection points and their significance in function analysis
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions and fractions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the second derivative test for concavity
  • Learn about the behavior of logarithmic functions in calculus
  • Explore the use of graphing calculators for visualizing functions and their derivatives
  • Investigate the implications of inflection points in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus, as well as educators looking to enhance their understanding of derivatives and inflection points.

Swerting
Messages
35
Reaction score
0
This problem is fairly straightforward. I have a function and domain:
[tex]f(x)=2ln(x^{2}+3)-x -3\leqx\leq5[/tex]
The question eventually asks for the inflection points, which I know occur when f''(x) is zero or undefined.
I found the first derivative and second derivative to be, respectively:
[tex]f'(x)=(4x)(x^{2}+3)^{-1}-1[/tex]
[tex]f"(x)=(4)(x^{2}+3)^{-1}-(4x)(x^{2}+3)^{-2}[/tex]
I have double checked my math and can't seem to find anything wrong with it.
Also, I have looked at a calculator and it shows that the original function does have two inflection points, but when I try to set f"(x) to zero or to be undefined (devide by zero), I always end up with an impossible solution. I don't believe that this involves irrational numbers, so I appreciate any help at all.:confused:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your second derivative is wrong.

You have
[tex]f"(x)=(4)(x^2+3)^{-1}-(4x)(x^2+3)^{-2}[/tex]

With [itex]f'(x)= (4x)(x^2+3)^{-1}- 1[/itex] the second derivative is
[tex]4(x^2+ 3)^{-1}- (4x)(x^2+ 3)^{-2}(2x)= 4(x^2+ 3)^{-1}- 8x^2(x^2+3)^{-2}[/tex]
[tex]= \frac{4(x^2+ 3)}{(x^2+ 3)^{-2}}- \frac{8x^2}{(x^2+ 3)^{-2}}= \frac{-8x^2+ 3}{(x^2+ 3)^{-2}}[/tex]
The second derivative always exists but there are two places where it is 0.
 
Thank you very much, I see it now.
I figured it was something in the calculation of the first to second, I just couldn't see it.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K