E-6 Curve Sketching Summary

There are 8 steps to take into account when completing the sketch of a graph. These steps
are...

1. Determine the first and second derivative of the function.

2. Complete a sign analysis of f '(x) to determine the intervals where the function is
increasing and/or decreasing.

3. Determine any relative minimums or maximums.

4. Use the second derivative to complete a sign analysis of f ''(x) to determine concavity.

5. Identify any points of inflection.

6. Determine the x and y intercepts.

7. Determine the equations of any horizontal and vertical asymptotes.

8. Complete a careful sketch of the function that supports all of the above features.

Example 1 Complete the 8 steps to sketch the graph of f(x) = x3 - 3x + 2

2
 f(-1) = (-1)3 - 3(-1) + 2 = 4
f(2) = (1)3 - 3(1) + 2 = 0
3
There is a relative maximum at (-1, 4)
There is a relative minimum at (1, 0)

Add these points to your rough sketch.

f(0) = (0)3 - 3(0) + 2 = 2

5
The inflection point is (0, 2).
Add this point and the concavity to the graph.

0 = x3 - 3x + 2 = (x - 1)2(x + 2)
6 x-intercepts occur at 1 and -2
y-intercept occurs at 2 (already determined in step 5)
Add these points to the graph

7
There are no asymptotes
8 Complete the graph cleanly with all important points
noted.

Example 2 Complete the 8 steps to sketch the graph of

Add this point to your rough sketch.

4

5 There are no inflection points, as the change in

concavity occur at asymptotes.

Add these points to the graph

7
8
Complete the graph cleanly.

Example 3 Complete the 8 steps to sketch the graph of f(x) = x4 - 2x3

f(3/2) = (3/2) 4 - 2(3/2)3 = -27/16

3 The absolute minimum exists at (3/2, -27/16)

Add this point to your rough sketch.

4
 f(1) = (1) 4 - 2(1)3 = -1
f(0) = (0) 4 - 2(0)3 = 0
5
Inflection point are at (1, -1) and (0,0)

Add these points to your rough sketch.

0 = x4 - 2x3
0 = x3(x - 2)
6 x-intercepts at 0 and 2

Add these points to the graph

7 There are no asymptotes.

8 Complete the graph cleanly.

Additional methods of curve sketching are included in the activities section