Graphing Function: (x^2 + x -12)/(x-4)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around sketching the function (x^2 + x - 12)/(x - 4) and understanding its critical points, specifically local maxima and minima, as well as the behavior of the function around the point where it is undefined.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the first derivative of the function and its critical points, questioning the nature of local maxima and minima, particularly when the local minimum appears to be greater than the local maximum. There is also mention of the function's behavior at the point of discontinuity.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the nature of local versus absolute extrema, suggesting that the observed behavior is possible due to the function's discontinuity. Others have indicated that sketching the graph can clarify the situation further.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the professor's focus on absolute maxima and minima, which may have contributed to some confusion regarding local extrema. The function is undefined at x = 4, which is a critical aspect of the discussion.

Government$
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Homework Statement



I should sketch function (x^2 + x -12)/(x-4).




The Attempt at a Solution


I have problem with first derivative i find it to be (x^2 - 8x +8)/(x-4)^2 with roots at 4 - 2√2, 4 + 2√2, and 4(we lose four because f is not defined at 4). Where at 4 - 2√2 f is at max and at 4 + 2√2 f is at min. But when i plug those two roots in f i find that when x 4 - 2√2 f is = 3.32 and when i plug 4 + 2√2 i find f to be 16.47. How come min is greater then max? Is that even possible?
 
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Government$ said:

Homework Statement



I should sketch function (x^2 + x -12)/(x-4).

The Attempt at a Solution


I have problem with first derivative i find it to be (x^2 - 8x +8)/(x-4)^2 with roots at 4 - 2√2, 4 + 2√2, and 4(we lose four because f is not defined at 4). Where at 4 - 2√2 f is at max and at 4 + 2√2 f is at min. But when i plug those two roots in f i find that when x 4 - 2√2 f is = 3.32 and when i plug 4 + 2√2 i find f to be 16.47. How come min is greater then max? Is that even possible?

Sure it is possible. They are only a local max and a local min. Start filling in your sketch of the rest of the function. You'll see what's happening.
 
I figured it out by myself when i sketched graph. My professor didn't mention local max and min, he only talked about absolute. Thank you anyway.
 
Hi Government$! :smile:
Government$ said:
… But when i plug those two roots in f i find that when x 4 - 2√2 f is = 3.32 and when i plug 4 + 2√2 i find f to be 16.47. How come min is greater then max? Is that even possible?

At x = 4 it goes off to infinity.

The graph is effectively two unconnected graphs either side of x = 4, one with a maximum and one with a minimum …

since they're unconnected, there's no reason why the maximum should be more than the minimum! :wink:
 

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