f (x) = ln(9 ln x) is defined when x > 0 (so that ln x is defined) and

9ln x > 0 [so that ln(9ln x) is defined]. The second condition is equivalent
to 9 > ln x x < e9 so f has domain (0, e9 ).
(a) As x 0+ ,ln x , so 9 ln x and f (x) . As x

e9 ,ln x 9 , so 9 ln x 0+ and f (x) . Thus, x = 0 and

x = e9 are vertical asymptotes. There is no horizontal asymptote.


1
1
1

< 0 on (0, e9 ). Thus, f is

=
(b) f (x) =
9 ln x
x
x(9 ln x)
decreasing on its domain, (0, e9 ).
(c) f (x) 6= 0 on (0, e9 ), so f has no local maximum or minimum value.
[x(9 ln x)]
x(1/x) + (9 ln x)
ln x 8
=
=

[x(9 ln x)]2
x2 (9 ln x)2
x2 (9 ln x)2
8

so f (x) > 0 ln x < 8 0 < x < e . Thus, f is CU on (0, e8 )

and CD on(e8 , e9 ). There is an inflection point at (e8 , 0).

(d) f (x) =