Calculus: Early Transcendentals 8th Edition

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1285741552
ISBN 13: 978-1-28574-155-0

Chapter 3 - Section 3.1 - Derivatives of Polynomials and Exponential Functions - 3.1 Exercises - Page 180: 41

Answer

$f'(x)=4x^{3}-6x^{2}+2x$ The graphs of f'(x) correctly shows the increasing and decreasing nature of f(x), as well as all the vertices.

Work Step by Step

$f(x)=x^{4}-2x^{3}+x^{2}$ using the power rule, ($\frac{d}{dx}$[$x^{n}$]=n$x^{n-1}$) we can find that $f'(x)=4x^{3}-6x^{2}+2x$ When you compare the graphs of f(x) and f'(x), they make sense. This is because from the left (negative), moving right, f(x) is decreasing until x=0. f'(x) is negative here and at x=0, crosses the x-axis. f(x) then increases from 0 to 1/2, and then decreases from 1/2 to 1. Through this, f'(x) is positive, zero, then negative, just as it should be. At x=1, f(x) has a vertex, meaning f(x) should have a zero, which it does. After x=1, f(x) increases and f'(x) is positive.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.