Finding Values of a Function (increasing, decreasing, IPs, etc.)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around analyzing the function f(x) = 2 + 3x² - x⁴, focusing on finding intervals of increase and decrease, local maxima and minima, inflection points, and concavity. Participants are exploring the necessary steps to determine critical points and the behavior of the function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to find the derivative f'(x) = 6x - 4x³ to identify critical numbers. There is a focus on setting the derivative equal to zero to find these critical points, with one participant noting that 0 is a critical number but is unsure about the others. Another participant suggests solving the equation derived from the derivative.

Discussion Status

The discussion is progressing with participants actively engaging in identifying critical points. Some guidance has been offered regarding setting the derivative to zero, and there is acknowledgment of the critical points derived from the factorization of the derivative.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the depth of assistance provided. There is an emphasis on understanding the process rather than receiving direct answers.

momogiri
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So the function is [tex]f(x) = 2 + 3x^{2} - x^{4}[/tex]

Find the intervals of increase + decrease, local max + min value, inflection points (IP), interval the function is concave up + down

I know that I need to first find f'(x) to find the increase and decrease, so I solved that:

[tex]f'(x) = 6x - 4x^{3}[/tex]

Now, the problem I'm having is finding the critical numbers. I know that 0 is obviously one of them, but I don't know what the other one is (since I'm quite confident that there is another one)
Thanks for your help!
 
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1. set your derivative equal to 0 and solve for x
 
momogiri said:
So the function is [tex]f(x) = 2 + 3x^{2} - x^{4}[/tex]

Find the intervals of increase + decrease, local max + min value, inflection points (IP), interval the function is concave up + down

I know that I need to first find f'(x) to find the increase and decrease, so I solved that:

[tex]f'(x) = 6x - 4x^{3}[/tex]

Now, the problem I'm having is finding the critical numbers. I know that 0 is obviously one of them, but I don't know what the other one is (since I'm quite confident that there is another one)
Thanks for your help!

rocophysics said:
1. set your derivative equal to 0 and solve for x

I think that's what he said he did!

Yes, momogiri, f'(x)= 6x- 4x3= x(6- 4x2)= 0 at the critical points. It is because of that "x" factor that x= 0 is one. The other two, of course, satisfy 6- 4x2= 0. Can you solve that?
 
Oh gosh, I can't believe I didn't see that XD
I'm pretty sure I can do it, Thanks for the help :D
 

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