Topic 7. Graphs.

Level 2.
Problem GRA2_01.
1
For n ≥ 2 , an even positive integer, sketch the graphs of a) y = x n ; b) y = x − n , c) y = x n
;
−1
d) y = x n
.

Solution:

a)

16 y
14
12
10
8
y = x2k, k = 1,2, ...
6
4
2

-4 -2 0 2 4 x

y = x n , n = 2k , k = 1,2,...
dy
= 2kx 2 k −1
dx
dy
Sign of
dx
− 0 +

0 x

(0,0)

The minimum turning point is (0, 0).

(− x) 2 k = x 2k ⇒ the graph y = x 2k is the graph of an even function ⇒ the graph y = x 2k is
symmetric about y-axis.
b)
 y

14

10
y = x-2k, k = 1,2, ...

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 x

y = x − n , n = 2k , k = 1,2,...
Domain {x : x ≠ 0}
dy
= −2kx − 2 k −1
dx
dy
Sign of
dx

+ −

0 x

y → ∞ as x → 0 ⇒ the line x = 0 is a vertical asymptote.

y → 0 as x → ∞ ⇒ the line y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote.
(− x ) −2 k = x −2 k ⇒ the function y = x −2k is even and the graph y = x −2 k is symmetric about y-
axis.
c)
y
2.5

1.5
1/2k
y=x , k = 1,2, ...
1

0.5

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 x

y = x , n = 2k , k = 1, 2,...
n

Domain {x : x ≥ 0}
1
dy 1 n −1
= x
dx n
dy
is not defined at x = 0 .
dx
dy
→ ∞ as x → 0 + ⇒ the tangent line at the critical point (0, 0) is vertical.
dx
d)
y
2.5

1.5
-1/2k
1 y=x , k = 1,2, ...

0.5

0
5 10 15 20 25 x

1
−
y = x n , n = 2k , k = 1,2,...
Domain {x : x > 0}
y → +∞ as x → 0 + ⇒ the line x = 0 is a vertical asymptote.
y → 0 + as x → +∞ ⇒ the line y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote.

Problem GRA2_02.
1
For n ≥ 3 , an odd positive integer, sketch the graphs of a) y = x n ; b) y = x − n , c) y = x n
;
−1
d) y = x n
.

Solution:
a)
y

100
y = x2k+1, k = 0,1, ...
50

-4 0 4 x
-50

-100

y = x n , n = 2k + 1, k = 0,1,...
dy
= nx n −1 ≡ (2k + 1) x 2 k
dx
dy
Sign of
dx
 + 0 +

0 x

(0,0)

Clearly the curve is symmetric about the point (0, 0) as the transformation y → − y and x → − x
leaves the Cartesian equation of the curve unchanged.
b)
y
60

20

-2 0 2 x
-20
y = x-(2k+1), k = 0,1, ...
-60

y = x − n , n = 2k + 1, k = 0,1,...
Domain {x : x ≠ 0}
As x → 0 − , y → −∞, and as x → 0 + , y → +∞ ⇒ the line x = 0 is a vertical asymptote.
As x → ∞, y → 0 ⇒ the line y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote.
Clearly the curve is symmetric about the point (0, 0) as the transformation y → − y and x → − x
leaves the Cartesian equation of the curve unchanged.
c)
y

y = x1/n, n = 2k+1,
2
k = 0,1, ...

0
-10 -6 -2 2 6 x

-2

-4

y = x , n = 2k + 1, k = 0,1,...
n

1
dy 1 n −1
= x
dx n
dy
is not defined at x = 0 .
dx
⇒ (0, 0) is a critical point.
dy
→ ∞ as x → 0 ⇒ the tangent line at (0, 0) is vertical.
dx
Clearly the curve is symmetric about the point (0, 0) as the transformation y → − y and x → − x
leaves the Cartesian equation of the curve unchanged
d)
y
6
y = x-1/n, n = 2k+1,
k = 0,1, ...
2

0 x
-2 2
-2

-6

1
−
y = x n , n = 2k + 1, k = 0,1,...
Domain {x : x ≠ 0}
As x → 0 − , y → −∞, and as x → 0 + , y → +∞ ⇒ the line x = 0 is a vertical asymptote.
As x → ∞, y → 0 ⇒ the line y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote.
Clearly the curve is symmetric about the point (0, 0) as the transformation y → − y and x → − x
leaves the Cartesian equation of the curve unchanged.

Problem GRA2_03.
Sketch (showing critical points) the graph of y = x(2 + x ) .

Solution:

y
y = x(2+√x)
20

12
y = 2x

-4 0 4 8 x
-4

y = x( 2 + x )
Domain {x : x ≥ 0} .
dy 3 dy
=2+ x , x > 0. → 2 as x → 0 + ⇒
dx 2 dx
the tangent line at the critical point (0, 0) is y = 2 x .
y = x( 2 + x )

Problem GRA2_04.
Sketch (showing critical points) the graph of y = x + x .

Solution:

y
10

6 y = x+|x|

0
-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 x

y = x+ x
 2 x, x ≥ 0 dy  2, x > 0
y= =
 0, x < 0 dx  0, x < 0
dy dy
→ 2 as x → 0 + → 0 as x → 0 −
dx dx
dy
⇒ is not defined at x = 0, and (0, 0) is a critical point.
dx

Problem GRA2_05.
Sketch (showing critical points) the graph of y = x − x − 2 .

Solution:

-3 -1 0 1 3 x

-1 y = |x|−|x-2|
-2

-3
y = x − x−2
 x, x ≥ 0  x − 2, x ≥ 2
x = , x−2 = 
− x, x < 0  − x + 2, x < 2
Note that,
if x ≥ 2, y = x − x − 2 = 2
if 2 > x ≥ 0, y = x + x − 2 = 2 x − 2
if x < 0, y = − x + x − 2 = − 2
 2, x ≥ 2  0, x > 2
 dy 
⇒ y =  2 x − 2, 2 > x ≥ 0 = 2, 0 < x < 2
dx 
 − 2, x < 0  0, x < 0
dy dy
→ 0 as x → 2 + → 2 as x → 2 −
dx dx
dy
⇒ is not defined at x = 2, and ( 2, 2) is a critical point.
dx
dy dy
→ 2 as x → 0 + → 0 as x → 0 −
dx dx
dy
⇒ is not defined at x = 0, and (0, − 2) is a critical point.
dx

Problem GRA2_06.
Use the graph of f ( x) = 4 − x 2 (an even function) to sketch (showing critical points) the graph
of y = f (x) .

Solution:

y y = | f (x)|

-2 0 2 x

-2
y = 4-x2
-4

f ( x) = 4 − x 2 ⇒ f (− x ) = 4 − (− x ) 2 = 4 − x 2 ⇒ f (− x) = f ( x ) ⇒ the graph of y = f (x ) is
symmetric about the y-axis.
4 − x 2 , 4 − x 2 ≥ 0
y = 4 − x2 =  2
 x − 4, 4 − x < 0
2
The sections of y = 4 − x 2 which lie below the x-axis are reflected in the x-axis. The graph of
y = 4 − x 2 is also symmetric about the y-axis, as 4 − (− x ) = 4 − x 2 .
2

 x 2 − 4, x < −2  2 x, x < −2
 dy 
y = 4 − x 2 = 4 − x 2 , − 2 ≤ x < 2 = − 2 x, − 2 < x < 2
dx 
 x 2 − 4, x ≥ 2  2 x, x > 2

dy dy dy
→ 4 as x → 2 + , → −4 as x → 2 - ⇒ is not defined at x = 2 , and (2, 0) is a critical
dx dx dx
point. Hence the symmetric about the y-axis point (-2,0) is also critical.

Problem GRA2_07.
Use the graph y = x( x + 2) to sketch showing critical points the graph of y = x( x + 2) .

Solution:

y
3
2
y = |x +2x|
2

0 x
-3 -2 -1 1

-1
y = x2+2x

Those sections of y = x( x + 2) which lie below x-axis are reflected in the x-axis.
 x( x + 2), x < −2  2 x + 2, x < −2
 dy 
y = x( x + 2) = − x( x + 2), − 2 ≤ x < 0 = − 2 x − 2, − 2 < x < 0
dx 
 x( x + 2), 0 ≤ x  2 x + 2, 0 < x
dy dy dy
→ −2 as x → −2 − , → 2 as x → −2 + ⇒
dx dx dx
is not defined at x = −2, and (−2, 0) is a critical point.
dy dy dy
→ −2 as x → 0 − , → 2 as x → 0 + ⇒
dx dx dx
is not defined at x = 0, and (0, 0) is a critical point.

Problem GRA2_08.
Sketch the graph of x + y = 1 .

Solution:
 y

1
|y| + |x| = 1

0
-1 1 x

-1

x + y =1
Clearly x , y ≥ 0 ⇒ domain {x : − 1 ≤ x ≤ 1} , range { y : − 1 ≤ y ≤ 1} .
1 + x, − 1 ≤ x < 0 dy 1, − 1 < x < 0
If y ≥ 0 , then y =  =
dx − 1, 0 < x < 1
,
 1 − x, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1
dy dy
⇒ → +1 as x → 0 − and → −1 as x → 0 +
dx dx
dy
⇒ is not defined at x = 0 , and (0, 1) is a critical point.
dx
The curve is symmetric about x-axis as the transformation y → − y leaves the Cartesian
equation of the curve unchanged. Hence the symmetric point (0, -1) is also critical.
 − 1 − x, − 1 ≤ x < 0
If y ≤ 0 , then y =  .
 − 1 + x , 0 ≤ x ≤ 1
The curve is also symmetric about the line y = x as the transformation ( x, y ) → ( y, x ) leaves
the Cartesian equation of the curve unchanged. Hence the points (1, 0) and (-1, 0) is also critical.

Problem GRA2_09.
π
Use the graph of y = cos x to sketch the graph of y = cos( x − ) .
2

Solution:
 y
1
y = cos(x-π/2)

y = cos(x)
0
x
-2π 2π

-1

π π
The graph y = cos( x − ) is obtained by translating the graph y = cos x through units to the
2 2
right.

Problem GRA2_10.
π
Use the graph of y = sin −1 x to sketch the graph of: y = sin −1 x − .
2

Solution:

π/2 y
y = sin-1x

-1 0 1 x

-π/2 y = sin-1x-π/2

-π

π π
The graph y = sin −1 x − is obtained by translating the graph y = sin −1 x through units
2 2
down.

Problem GRA2_11.
1 1
Use the graphs of y = ln x and y = to sketch the graph of y = ln x + .
x x

Solution:
y
3 y = 1/x

2 y = ln(x) + 1/x
1

0
1 2 3 x
-1 y = ln(x)

-2

1
The ordinates of the graph y = ln x + are obtained by summing the ordinates of the graphs
x
1
y = ln x and y = .
x

Problem GRA2_12.
Use the graphs of y = x and y = e − x to sketch the graph of y = x − e − x .

Solution:

6
y = exp(-x)

-2 -1 0 1 2 x
-2
y=x

y = x - exp(-x) -6

-10

In order to sketch the graph of y = x − e − x we apply the procedure of subtraction of ordinates of

the graphs y = x and y = e − x .

Problem GRA2_13.
1
Sketch the graph of y = x 2 + .
x2

Solution:
 y
12

2 1
y=x + 2
8 x

4
1
y= 2 y = x2
x
-2 -1 0 1 2 x

1
The ordinates of the graph y = x 2 + are obtained by summing the ordinates of the graphs
x2
1 1 1
y = x 2 and y = 2 . Clearly the function x 2 + 2 is even, and hence the graph y = x 2 + 2 is
x x x
symmetric about y-axis.

Problem GRA2_14.
1
Sketch the graph of y = x 2 − .
x

Solution:

y
7
5
2 1
y=x 2 3 y=x −
x
-2 -1 1 0

1 -1 1 2 x
y=
x -3
-5
-7
1
The ordinates of the graph y = x 2 − are obtained by applying the procedure of subtraction of
x
1
ordinates of the graphs y = x 2 and y = .
x

Problem GRA2_15.
Sketch the graph of y = cos x + sin x .

Solution:
 y
√2 y = √2.cos(x−π/4)
1
y = cos(x−π/4)
-5π -π 3π y = cos(x)
2 2 2 x
0
-3π π 5π
2 2 2
-1
-√2

π π  π  π
y = cos x + sin x = 2 (cos cos x + sin sin x ) = 2 cos x −  ⇒ y = 2 cos x −  .
4 4  4  4
  π
The graph y = − is obtained by translating the graph y = cos x through units to the
  4
right.
   
The graph y = − is obtained by enlarging y = − by a factor in the
   
direction parallel to the -axis.

Problem GRA .
y=
1 x
2
(
e − e−x . )
Solution:

y
y
7 y = exp(x) − exp(-x)
y = exp(-x) 6 y = exp(x) 5
3 y = [exp(x) − exp(-x)]
2
4 1
-3 -1 -1 1 3 x
2 -3
-5
x -7
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2

The graph of y = e x − e − x is obtained by subtraction of ordinates of the graphs y = e x and

y = e−x .
1
( )
The graph y = e x − e − x is obtained by enlarging y = e x − e − x by a factor
2
1
2
in the direction
parallel to the y-axis.
Problem GRA2_17.
Use the graph of y = cos −1 x to sketch the graphs of:
1  x
a) y = cos −1 x , b) y = cos −1   .
2  2

Solution:
a)
y
π

π
2 y = cos-1(x)
1
y = 2cos-1(x)

-1 0 1 x

1 1
The graph y = cos −1 x is obtained by enlarging y = cos −1 x by a factor in the direction
2 2
parallel to the y-axis.

b)
-1
y = cos (x) y
π

-1 x
y = cos ( 2 )

π
2

-2 -1 0 1 2 x

 x
The graph y = cos −1   is obtained by enlarging y = cos −1 x by a factor 2 in the direction
 2
parallel to the x-axis.

Problem GRA2_18.
Sketch the graph of y = x 2 ln x .
Solution:

y
2
y=x
8 (e,e2)
6

4 y = x2.ln(x)

2 y = ln(x)

-3 -1 0 1 3 5 x
-2

The graph y = x 2 ln x is obtained by multiplication of ordinates y = x 2 and y = ln x .

Features:
• Domain { x : x > 0}
• y = 0 when x = 1
• y = x 2 ln x lies above y = x 2 only for x > e (where ln x > 1 ).
1
• As x → 0 + , ln x → ∞ more slowly than and hence x ln x → 0 − .
x

Problem GRA2_19.
x
e
Use the graphs of y = x and y = e x
to sketch the graph of y = .
x

Solution:

y y = exp(x)

4
2 (1,e)
y = 1/x

-2 0 2 x
-2
y= 1x. exp(x)
-4
x
e 1
The graph y = is obtained by multiplication of ordinates of y = and y = e .
x

x x
x
e
Features of y = :
x
• Domain { x : x ≠ 0}
• y = e as x = 1
x
e 1
• y= lies above y = for x > 0 and for x < 0
x x
x
+ e
• As x → 0 , e → 1 ⇒ y = x
→ +∞
x
x
e
• As x → 0 − , e x → 1 ⇒ y = → −∞
x

Problem GRA2_20.
1
Sketch the graph of y = −1
.
sin x

Solution:

y y= 1
π sin-1x

π/2 y = sin-1x
(1,2/π)
-1 0 1 x
(-1,-2/π)
-π/2

1
The graph y = −1
are constructed by considering the features of y = sin −1 x .
sin x
1
Features of y = −1
:
sin x
1
• sin −1 x , −1
have the same sign.
sin x
1
• sin −1 x increases ⇒ −1
decreases.
sin x
1
• sin −1 x = 0 when x = o ⇒ the line x = 0 is the vertical asymptote of y = −1
.
sin x

Problem GRA2_21.
x
Use the graphs of y = x and y = e x to sketch the graph of y = x
.
e

Solution:
 y

5 y = exp(x)
4
3 y=x
2
1 x
-3 -1 0 1 3
-1
-2
y = x/exp(x) -3

x
The graph of y = x
is obtained by division of ordinates of the graphs y = x and y = e x .
e
Features:
• y = 0 when x = 0 .
x
• For all real x, xe x < x ⇒ the graph y = x
lies below the line y = x .
e
x x
• y= x
> 0 only for x > 0 , and y = x
< 0 only for x < 0 .
e e
x
• As x → +∞, e x → +∞ more quickly than any power of x and hence x
→ 0+ .
e
x
• As x → −∞, x
= xe − x → −∞ more quickly than e − x .
e

Problem GRA2_22.
ln x
Use the graphs of y = x and y = ln x to sketch the graph of y = .
x

Solution:

y = ln(x)
0.6 y
y = x (e,1)
e y = ln(x)
0.2 x
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
-0.2 x

-0.6

ln x
The graph of y = , domain { x : x > 0} , is obtained by division of ordinates of the graphs
x
y = ln x and y = x .
Features:
• y = 0 when x = 1 .
ln x
• As x → +∞, ln x → +∞ at a much slower rate than any power of x and hence → 0+ .
x
ln x
• As x → 0 + , → −∞ .
x
ln x ln x
• For all x > 0 , < ln x ⇒ the graph of y = lies below y = ln x .
x x

Problem GRA2_23.
2 2
x 1 x
Show that = x −1 + . Hence sketch the graph of y = .
x +1 x +1 x +1

Solution:

1
y= y
x+1

4
x = -1 y = x-1

-2 0 2 x

-4

x2
y=
x+1
-8

x −1 +1 x −1
2 2 2
x 1 1
= = + = x −1 + .
x +1 x +1 x +1 x +1 x +1
1
The graph has been constructed by addition of the ordinates of y = x − 1 and y = .
x +1
y = x − 1 is an asymptote as x → ∞ .

Problem GRA2_24.
2
x
Sketch the graph of y = .
x −1
2

Solution:
 y
2
5 y= x
y = x2-1 x2-1

y=1 2

-4 0 2 x
-2 4
-2

x = -1 -5 x=1

x −1 +1
2 2
x 1 1
y = = =1+ ⇒ y =1+
x −1 x −1 x −1 x −1
2 2 2 2

1
The graph y = has been translated one unit upward.
x −1
2

1
y = 1 is an asymptote as x → ∞ . The graph y = is a reciprocal of y = x 2 − 1 .
x −1
2

1
Consider the graphs y = f ( x ) and y = , where f ( x ) = x − 1 .
2

f (x)
Features:
1
• f ( x ), have the same sign.
f ( x)
1
• f ( x ) = 0 when x = ±1 ⇒ the lines x = −1 and x = 1 are vertical asymptotes of y = .
f (x)
1
• As x → ∞, f ( x ) → +∞ ⇒ → 0+ .
f (x)
• Minimum turning point of y = f ( x ) is ( 0 , − 1) ⇒ maximum turning point of
1
y = is ( 0 , − 1) .
f (x)

Problem GRA2_25.
x +4
2

Sketch the graph of y = .

x

Solution:
 y
20 4
y=x+
x
y=x
-2 -1
4
y= 0 x
x 1 2

-20

x +4
2
4
y = =x+ . Domain { x : x ≠ 0} .
x x
The graph has been constructed by addition of the ordinates of
4
y = x and y = . y = x is an asymptote as x → ∞ .
x

Problem GRA2_26.
2
x 
3
x 
3

Use the graph of y = 3 x − to sketch the graph of. y =  3 x − 

4  4 

Solution:

y
3
15 y= (3x- x )2
4

5
-4 -2 0 2 4
x
-2√3 2√3
3
-5 y= 3x- x
4

3
x 3
f ( x) = 3 x − f '(x) = 3 −
2
x
4 4
Sign of f ' ( x )

− 0 + 0 −

-2 2 x

(-2,-4) (2,4)
 2
dy dy x 3
y = [ f ( x)] = 2 f ( x) f ' ( x) = 2 x (3 − )( 3 −
2 2
x )
dx dx 4 4
dy 3
= x ( 2 3 − x )( 2 3 + x )( 2 − x )( 2 + x )
dx 8
dy
Sign of
dx

−0 + 0 − 0 + 0 − 0 +

-2√3 -2 0 2 2√3 x

(-2√3,0) (-2,16) (0,0) (2,16) (2√3,0)

Problem GRA2_27.
Use the graph of y = 4 sin x to sketch the graph of y = (4 sin x ) .
2

Solution:

y = (4sin(x))2
12

4
0
-2π -π - π π π 2π x
2 2
-4 y = 4sin(x)

f ( x ) = 4 sin x f ' ( x ) = 4 cos x

π
Critical points are + n π, n - integral
2
Sign of f ' ( x )

0 − 0 + 0 − 0

... -3π -π π 3π ... x

2 2 2 2

(-π/2,−4) (π/2,4)
 dy dy
y = [ f ( x)] = 2 f ( x) f ' ( x) = 2 (4 sin x )(4 cos x ) = 16 sin 2 x
2

dx dx
π
Critical points are n , n - integral
2
dy
Sign of
dx

0 + 0 − 0 + 0 − 0 x

... -π -π 0 π π ...
2 2

(-π/2,16) (0,0) (π/2,16)

Problem GRA2_28.
Use the graph of y = 1 − x 2 to sketch the graph of y = 1 − x 2 . ( )3

Solution:

y
1
2
y = 1-x
0
-1 1 x

-1

23
-2 y = (1-x )

f (x) = 1 − x f ' ( x ) = −2 x
2

Sign of f ' ( x )
− 0 +

0 x

(0,1)

dy dy
y = [ f ( x)] = 3[ f ( x ) ] f ' ( x ) = −6 x (1 − x 2 ) 2
3 2

dx dx
dy
Sign of
dx
 + 0 + 0 − 0 −

-1 0 1 x

(-1,0) (0,1) (1,0)

Problem GRA2_29.
For the function f ( x ) = x 2 − 1 use the graph of y = f ( x ) to sketch the graphs of
a) y = f ( x ) , b) y = f ( x ) .
2

Solution:
a)
y
3
y = x2-1

2
y = √(x2-1)
1

0
-2 -1 1 2 x

-1
Features:
• y = f ( x ) is defined only where f ( x ) ≥ 0 .
dy f ′( x )
• f ( x ) = 0 where x = ±1 ⇒ = is not defined at x = ±1 ⇒ (-1,0) and (1,0) are
dx 2 f (x)
critical points.
dy x
• = → ∞ as x → −1 − or x → 1 +1 ⇒ the tangent lines at ( ±1, 0 ) are vertical.
dx f (x)
• The graph y = f ( x ) lies above the graph y = f ( x ) where f ( x ) < 1 .
The graph y = f ( x ) lies below the graph y = f ( x ) where f ( x ) > 1 .
• y = f ( x ) , y = f ( x ) intersect where f ( x ) = 1 or f ( x ) = 0 .
b)
y
3 y = x2-1

2
y2 = x2-1
1

-2 -1 0 1 2 x
-1

-2
y = f ( x ) ⇒ y = f ( x ) ⇒ ( − y ) = f ( x ) . Hence the graph y = f ( x ) is obtained by reflecting
2 2 2

y = f ( x ) in the x-axis. The graph y = f ( x ) has vertical tangent lines at the critical points
2

( ±1, 0 ) .

Problem GRA2_30.
Use the graph of y = 4 cos x to sketch the graphs of:
a) y = 4 cos x b) y 2 = 4 cos x

Solution:
a)
4 y

2
y = √(4cos(x))

0
-3π -π π 3π x
2 2 -2 2 2

-4 y = 4cos(x)

Let f ( x ) = 4 cos x
Features of y = f ( x) :
• y= f ( x ) is defined only where f ( x ) ≥ 0 .
π dy f '(x)
• f ( x ) = 0 where x = + πn , n - integral ⇒ = is not defined at
2 dx 2 f (x)
π π
x= + πn , n - integral ⇒ ( + n π, 0 ), n - integral, are critical points.
2 2
dy − 2 sin x π π
• = → ∞ as x → ( + 2 πn) - , n - integral, or x → ( − + 2 πn ) + , n - integral, ⇒
dx f ( x) 2 2
π
the tangent lines at ( + πn, 0 ), n - integral, are vertical.
2
b)
 y
y = 4cos(x)

2
y2 = 4cos(x)

0
-3π -π π 3π x
-1
2 2 2 2
-2

-4

y = f ( x) ⇒ y = f ( x) ⇒ ( − y ) 2 = f ( x ) Hence the graph y 2 = f ( x ) is obtained

2

by reflecting y = f ( x ) in the x-axis. The graph y 2 = f ( x ) has vertical tangent lines at the
π
critical points ( + n π, 0 ), n - integral.
2

Problem GRA2_31.
Sketch the graph of y = ln( 1 − x 2 ) .

Solution:

y y u
2
y = ln(u) 4
1 y = ln(1-x2)
2
0
1 2 3 u -3 0 3 x
-1 -2
-4 u = 1-x2
-2
x = -1 x=1

Features of the graph of the composite function y = ln( 1 − x 2 ) :

• y = ln u , u = 1 − x 2 ⇒ y = ln( 1 − x 2 ) .
• y = ln u is defined where u = 1 − x 2 > 0 ⇒ domain { x : − 1 < x < 1}
• Vertical asymptote of y = ln u at u = 0 . But u = 1 − x 2 and 1 − x 2 = 0 at x = ±1 ⇒
x = −1 and x = 1 are vertical asymptotes of y = ln( 1 − x ) .
2

• u = 1 − x 2 ≤ 1 ⇒ y = ln u ≤ 0 .
• ln( 1 − ( − x ) 2 ) = ln( 1 − x 2 ) ⇒ the function y = ln( 1 − x 2 ) is even.
• y = ln u is an increasing function ⇒ y = ln( 1 − x 2 ) increases as 1 − x 2 increases and
decreases as 1 − x 2 decreases.
Problem GRA2_32.
2
Sketch the graph of y = e − x .

Solution:

y y u

y = exp(-u) 2 u = x2
2
1

u 1
-2 -1 0 1 2
-1
y = exp(-x2)
-2
-2 -1 0 1 2 x

2
Features of the composite function y = e − x :
2
• y = e −u , u = x 2 ⇒ y = e −x .
2 2 2
• e −( − x ) = e − x ⇒ y = e − x is an even function.
2
• y = e −u is an decreasing function ⇒ y = e − x increases as x 2 decreases and decreases as
2
x increases.
• The minimum turning point ( 0 , 0 ) of u = x 2 corresponds to the maximum turning point
−x2
( 0 , 1) of y = e .

Problem GRA2_33.
3 3
Sketch (showing critical points) the graph of x 2
+y 2
=1.

Solution:

1
3 3
x2+y2 = 1

0.5

0
0 0.5 1 x
 3 3
x + y 2 = 1 . Clearly x , y ≥ 0 ⇒ domain { x : 0 ≤ x ≤ 1} , range { y : 0 ≤ y ≤ 1} . Taking the
2

derivative of both sides with respect to x, remembering that y is a function of x, we have

1
3 1 3 1 dy x 2
dy
x 2
+ y 2
=0⇒ = −  .
2 2 dx dx y
dy
As y → 0 + , x → 1 − ⇒ → −∞ . Hence the curve has a vertical tangent line at the critical point
dx
(1,0).
dy
As x → 0 + , y → 1 − ⇒ → 0 − . Hence the curve has a horizontal tangent line at the critical
dx
point (0,1).
The curve is symmetric about y = x , since the transformation y ↔ x leaves the Cartesian
equation of the curve unchanged.

Problem GRA2_34.
Sketch (showing critical points and stationary points) the graph of x 2 + 4 y 2 = 4 .

Solution:

y
2
1 x2+4y2 = 4

-2 0 1
-1 2

-1

-2

x + 4 y = 4 . Clearly x , y ≥ 0 , hence domain { x : − 2 ≤ x ≤ 2} , range { y : − 1 ≤ y ≤ 1} . Take

2 2 2 2

the derivative of both sides with respect to x. Consider y as a function of x and use the chain
dy dy 1x
rule. Then we have 2 x + 8 y =0⇒ = −   .
dx dx 4y
dy
As y → 0 , x → ±2 ⇒ → −∞ and the curve has vertical tangent at (-2,0) and (2,0).
dx
dy
As x = 0 , y = ±1 ⇒ = 0 and the curve has horizontal tangent at (0,-1) (0,1).
dx
Clearly the curve is symmetric about the lines y = 0 and x = 0 as the transformation
y → − y and x → − x leave the Cartesian equation of the curve unchanged.

Problem GRA2_35.
Sketch the graph of y = x − x − 4 . Use this graph to solve the inequality x − x − 4 > 2 .

Answer: { x : x > 3} .
Solution:

y
4 y = |x|-|x-4|

2 y=2
(3,2)
0
-8 -4 0 4 8 x
-2
y = -x+(x-4) y = x-(x-4)
-4
0 4 x
y = x+(x-4)

 − 4, x < 0

y = 2 x − 4, 0 ≤ x < 4

 4, x > 4
By inspection of the graph, x − x − 4 > 2 for x > 3 .

Problem GRA2_36.
Sketch the graph of y = cos x for 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 π . Use this graph to solve the inequalities.
1 1
a) cos x ≤ , for 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 π ; b) cos x ≤ , for 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 π .
2 2
π 5 π 2 4 5
Answer: a) { x : ≤x≤ π} ; b) { x : ≤x≤ π or π≤ x ≤ π} .
3 3 3 3 3 3

Solution:

y
y = cos(x)
(π, 1 ) (5π, 1)
1
3 2 3 2
y = 1/2
0.5

0 π 2π x
y = -1/2
-0.5
(2π, -1) (4π, -1)
3 2 3 2
-1
 1 1 π
a) cos x = ⇔ x = ± cos −1 + 2 πn , n integral. But of these values of x only cos −1 = and
2 2 3
π 5
− + 2π = π are from the interval [ 0; 2 π] . By inspection of the graph,
3 3
1 π 5
cos x ≤ , for ≤ x ≤ π.
2 3 3
1 1 1
b) cos x ≤ ⇔− ≤ cos x ≤ .
2 2 2
1 2 4
cos x = − ⇒x= π or x = π.
2 3 3
1 π 2 4 5
By inspecting the graph, cos x ≤ for ≤x≤ π or π ≤ x ≤ π.
2 3 3 3 3

Problem GRA2_37.
Sketch the graph of y = x 4 − 4 x 3 . Use this graph to find the number of real roots of the
equation x 4 − 4 x 3 = kx , where k is a positive real number.

Answer: 2 real roots.

Solution:

y y = x4-4x3
40

20
y = kx
0
-2 2 4 x
-20

-40 (3,-27)

Features of the graph y = x 4 − 4 x 3 :

y = 0 when x = 0
dy
= 4 x 3 − 12 x 2
dx
dy
Sign of = 4 x 2 ( x − 3)
dx

− 0 − 0 +

0 3 x

(0,0) (3,-27)
Real solution of the equation x 4 − 4 x 3 = kx are given by x-values where y = x 4 − 4 x 3 and
y = kx intersect. k > 0 ⇒ the equation has 2 real roots.

Problem GRA2_38.
( x + 1)
4

Sketch the graph of y = . Use this graph to find the set of values of the real number k
x +1
4

for which the equation ( x + 1) 4 = k ( x 4 + 1) has two real distinct roots.

Answer: { k : 0 < k < 8 , k ≠ 1} .

Solution:

y
(1,8)
8
4
6 y = (x+1)
x4+1
4

y=1 2

-20 -10 (-1,0) 0 10 20 x

( x + 1)
4

Features of the graph y = :

x +1
4

• y = 0 when x = −1
• As x → ∞, y → 1
• y = 1 when x = 0
4 ( x + 1) (1 − x )
3 3
dy
• =
( x + 1)
4 2
dx
dy
Sign of
dx

− 0 + 0 −

-1 1 x

(-1,0) (1,8)

( x + 1)
4

Real solution of the equation ( x + 1) 4 = k ( x 4 + 1) are given by x-values where y = and

x +1
4

y = k intersect. Hence the equation has two real distinct roots for the following set of k
{ k : 0 < k < 8 , k ≠ 1} .

Problem GRA2_39.
 Find the gradient of the tangent from the origin to the curve y = ln x . Hence find the set of
values of the real number k such that the equation ln x = kx has two real distinct roots.

1 1
Answer: ,0<k < .
e e

Solution:

y y = x/e
3
y = ln(x)
(e,1)
1
y = k.x
0
-3 -1 1 3 5 7 9x
-1

-3

′
Let the gradient of the tangent from the origin to the curve be equal to a. Then a = (ln x ) , i.e.,
1
a = . In addition at the point ( x , y ) where the tangent touch the curve y = ln x and
x
simultaneously y = ax . Hence we have the simultaneous equations:
 1  1  1  1
 a=x  a=x a = x a = e
 y = ln x ⇔  y = ln x ⇔  y = e ⇔  y = e
   
 y = ax  y =1  y =1  y =1
   
Real solution of the equation ln x = kx are given by x-values where y = ln x and y = kx
1
intersect. Hence the equation has two real distinct roots for the following set of k { k : 0 < k < } .
e

Problem GRA2_40.
A chord AB of a circle makes on angle θ with the diameter passing through A. If the area of
π
the minor segment is one-quarter the area of the circle, show that sin 2 θ = − 2 θ . Solve this
2
equation graphically.

Answer: θ ≈ 0 .4 .

Solution:
 A B
θ
α r

Let the chord AB subtends an angle α at the centre of a circle. OA = OB ⇒ the triangle OAB
is isosceles ⇒ ∠OAB = ∠OBA . Hence α = π − 2 θ .
1 1 1
Area of a segment = area of a circle ⇒ r ( α − sin α ) =
2
πr 2
4 2 4
π π
π − 2 θ − sin( π − 2 θ) = ⇒ sin 2 θ = − 2θ .
2 2

y
2
1.5 x ≈ 0.83
1
y = sin(x)
0.5
π/2 π
0
-0.5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 x
-1
-1.5
y = π/2-x
-2

π
Solution of this equation is given by θ -values, where y = sin x and y = − x intersect, and
2
2 θ = x . From the graph we have 2 θ ≈ 0 .83 ⇒ θ ≈ 0 .4 .
.