Name ____________________

AP Calculus BC
Notes Packet 3 2024-25
Derivative Applications
3.7 Related Rates
8.7 L’Hôpital’s Rule
4.1 Extrema on an Interval
4.2 Rolle’s Theorem and Mean Value Thm
4.3 Increasing/Decreasing & 1st Deriv Test
4.4 Concavity & 2nd Derivative Test
4.6 Curve Sketching
4.7 Optimization
 AP Calculus BC
First Marking Period 2024 - 2025 September 25 – October 10, 2024
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
September 23 A Day 24 B Day 25 A Day 26 B Day 27 A Day
3.7 Related Rates
Day 2
Test: 3.1-3.6, PVA 3.7 Related Rates Day 1
AP Practice FRQ
30 B Day October 1 A Day 2 A Day 3 B Day 4 A Day
SC: Related Rates,
3.7 Related Rates L’Hôpital’s Rule
PSAT
Day 2
8.7 L’Hôpital’s Rule 8.7 L’Hôpital’s Rule 4.1 Extrema on an
LATE ARRIVAL Interval
AP Practice FRQ 4.2 Rolle’s Thm,
Mean Value Thm
7 B Day 8 A Day 9 B Day 10 A Day 11
SC: Related Rates, Quiz 3.7, 8.7
L’Hôpital’s Rule Skill Check: Crit. Num, Extrema, MVT
Analyze f ’ Graphs
st STAFF
4.1 Extrema on an 4.3 Inc/Dec, 1 Deriv. Test MC Practice on DEVELOPMENT
Interval 4.4 Concavity, 2nd Deriv. Test Curve Sketching
4.2 Rolle’s Thm, 4.6 Curve Sketching
Mean Value Thm End of 1st 9 Weeks

Second Marking Period 2024 - 2025 October 15 – 23, 2024

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
October 14 15 B Day 16 A Day 17 B Day 18 A Day
Quiz 3.7, 8.7
Analyze f ’ Graphs Quiz 4.3, 4.4, 4.6 AP Practice
HOLIDAY MC Practice on
Curve Sketching 4.7 Optimization Review for Test

Begin 2nd 9 Weeks

21 B Day 22 A Day 23 B Day 24 A Day 25 B Day
Test: Chapter 4, Related Rates
AP Practice
5.2 Area
Part 1: Critical Numbers, Extrema,
5.6 Trapezoidal Rule
Review for Test Related Rates, L’Hôpital’s Rule
Part 2: 1st & 2nd Derivative Tests, MVT

2
Chapter 4 : 3.7, 8.7, 4.1-4.4, 4.6-4.7 2024-25

Date Topic Learning Targets: I can…

Wednesday, 9/25 • 3.7 Related Rates *calculate related rates in applied contexts
Thursday, 9/26 HW: 3.7 Practice

Friday, 9/27 • 3.7 Related Rates Day 2 *calculate and interpret related rates in
Monday, 9/30 • AP Lighthouse problem (2002 AB-B) applied contexts

Tuesday, 10/1 • 8.7 Indeterminate Forms & L’Hôpital’s *apply L’Hôpital’s Rule to determine limits
Thursday, 10/3 Rule and derivatives of indeterminate forms
HW: 8.7 Practice

Friday, 10/4 • Skill Check: Related Rates & *justify conclusions about functions by
Monday, 10/7 L’Hôpital’s Rule applying the EVT, Rolle’s Thm, and MVT
• 4.1 Extrema on an Interval *calculate the max & min values of a
• 4.2 Rolle’s Theorem & Mean Value function
Theorem
HW: 4.1, 4.2 Practice

Tuesday, 10/8 • Skill Check: Crit Num, Extrema & MVT *apply 1st & 2nd Deriv Tests to determine
Wednesday, 10/9 • 4.3 Increasing/Decreasing and the 1st maxima, minima, increasing, decreasing,
Derivative Test and concavity of a function
• 4.4 Concavity and the 2 Derivative
nd

Test
• 4.6 Curve Sketching
HW: 4.3, 4.4, 4.6 Practice

Thursday, 10/10 • Quiz 3.7, 8.7 *demonstrate mastery of related rates and
Tuesday, 10/15 • Analyze f’ graphs L’Hôpital’s Rule on the quiz
HW: Worksheet on f’ graphs, *apply 1st & 2nd Deriv Tests to determine
MC Practice on Curve Sketching maxima, minima, increasing, decreasing,
and concavity of a function
END OF MP1 Thursday 10/10
Wednesday, 10/16 • Quiz 4.3, 4.4, 4.6 *demonstrate mastery of first and second
Thursday, 10/17 • 4.7 Optimization derivatives and curve sketching on the
HW: 4.7 Practice quiz
*calculate and interpret max & min values in
optimization applications
Friday, 10/18 • AP Practice *prepare for the test over derivatives
Monday, 10/21 • Finish AP Practice, review for test applications
over Derivatives

Tuesday, 10/22 *demonstrate mastery of derivatives

Wednesday, 10/23 Chapter 4 Test applications on the test
(includes Related Rates)

3
3.7 Notes: Related Rates

Questions that ask for the calculation of the rate at which one variable changes, based on the
rate at which another variable is known to change, are called related rates.

A “rate of change” is referring to an instantaneous rate of change, which is a derivative.

Practice translating sentences into proper calculus notation.

1. The area of a circle is increasing at a rate 2. The volume of a cone is decreasing
of six square inches per minute. at a rate of two cubic feet per second.

1
3. The height of a tree is increasing at a rate of foot per year.
2

Related rate problems require you to take a derivative with respect to time.
Differentiate each equation with respect to time.
4. A =  r 5. V = r 2h
2

6. a2 + b2 = c2 7. C = 2 r

1
8. V = s3 9. A= bh
2

10. P = 2(l + w) 11. V = (l)(w)(h)

4
Problems:

12. Suppose that x and y are both differentiable functions of t and are related by the equation
dy dx
y = x2 + 3. Find when x = 1, given that = 2 when x = 1.
dt dt

13. A pebble is dropped into a calm pond, causing ripples in the form of concentric circles.
The radius r of the outer ripple is increasing at a constant rate of 1 foot per second. When
the radius is 4 feet, at what rate is the total area A of the disturbed water changing?

14. Air is being pumped into a spherical balloon at a rate of 4.5 cubic feet per minute. Find the
rate of change of the radius when the radius is 2 feet.

15. Let A be the area of a square whose sides have length x, and assume x varies with
time. At a certain instant the sides are 3 feet long and growing at a rate of 2 ft/min. How
fast is the area growing at that instant?

5
16. A container has the shape of an open right circular cone, as shown in the figure below.
The height of the container is 10 cm and the diameter of the opening is 10 cm. Water in
the container is evaporating so that its depth h is changing at the constant rate of
3 1
− cm/hr. (Note: the volume of a cone is V =  r 2 h .)
10 3
a. Find the volume of the container when h = 5 cm.
Indicate units of measure.

b. Find the rate of change of the volume of the water in the container, with respect to
time, when h = 5 cm. Indicate units of measure.

17. The radius r of a sphere is increasing at a constant rate of 0.04 centimeters per second.
4
(Note: The volume of a sphere with radius r is V =  r 3 .)
3
a. At the time when the radius of the sphere is 10 centimeters, what is the rate of
increase of its volume?

b. At the time when the volume of the sphere is 36 cubic centimeters, what is the rate
of increase of the area of a cross section through the center of the sphere?

c. At the time when the volume and the radius of the sphere are increasing at the same
numerical rate, what is the radius?

6
 18. A kite 100 feet above the ground is being blown away from the person holding the
string in a direction parallel to the ground at the rate of 10 feet per second. At what rate
must the string be let out when the length of the string already let out is 200 ft?

100

19. A streetlight is mounted at the top of a 15-foot pole. A man 6 feet tall walks away from the
pole at a rate of 5 ft. per second.
a. How fast is the tip of his shadow moving when he is 40 ft. from the pole?

b. What is the rate of change of the length of his shadow when he is 40 ft. from the pole?

7
20. A hot-air balloon rising straight up from a level field is tracked by a range finder 500
meters from the lift-off point. At the moment the range finder’s elevation angle is 45
 
degrees  radians  , the angle is increasing at the rate of 0.14 radians per minute. How
4 
fast is the balloon rising at that moment?

21. A police cruiser, approaching a right-angled intersection from the north, is chasing a
speeding car that has turned the corner and is now moving straight east. When the
cruiser is 0.6 mile north of the intersection and the car is 0.8 mile to the east, the police
determine with radar that the distance between them and the car is increasing at 20 mph.
If the cruiser is moving at 60 mph at the instant of measurement, what is the speed of the
car?

8
22. Air is being pumped into a spherical balloon so that its volume increases at a rate of
100 cm3 / s . How fast is the radius of the balloon increasing when the diameter is 50 cm?

23. Water runs into a conical tank at the rate of 9 ft3/min. The tank stands point down and has
a height of 10 ft and a base with a radius of 5 ft. How fast is the water level rising when
the water is 6 ft deep?

9
24. A 10-ft long ladder rests against a vertical wall. If the bottom of the ladder slides away
from the wall at a rate of 1 ft/sec, how fast is the top of the ladder sliding down the wall
when the bottom of the ladder is 6 ft from the wall?

25. A man walks along a straight path at a speed of 4 ft/sec. A searchlight is located on the
ground 20 ft from the path and is kept focused on the man. At what rate is the searchlight
rotating when the man is 15 ft from the point on the path closest to the searchlight?

10
3.7 Practice (p. 186)

Assume that x and y are both differentiable functions of t and find the required values of dy/dt
and dx/dt.
Equation Find Given
1. y = x (a) dy/dt when x=4 dx/dt = 3
(b) dx/dt when x=25 dy/dt = 2
4. x2 + y 2 = 25 (a) dy/dt when x=3, y=4 dx/dt = 8
(b) dx/dt when x=4, y=3 dy/dt = -2

7. A point is moving along the graph of y = tan x at a rate of dx/dt = 3 ft/sec. Find dy/dt for the
 
following: (a) x = − (b) x = − (c) x = 0
3 4
11. The radius r of a circle is increasing at a rate of 4 centimeters per minute. Find the rates of
change of the area when (a) r = 8 cm and (b) r = 32 cm.

14. A spherical balloon is inflated with gas at the rate of 800 cm 3/minute. How fast is the radius
of the balloon increasing at the instant the radius is (a) 30 cm and (b) 60 cm?

21. A ladder 25 feet long is leaning against the wall of a house. The
base of the ladder is pulled away from the wall at a rate of 2 feet
per second.
(a) How fast is the top of the ladder moving down the wall when its
base is 7 feet from the wall?
(b) Consider the triangle formed by the side of the house, the
ladder, and the ground. Find the rate at which the area of the
triangle is changing when the base of the ladder is 7 feet from
the wall.

30. A man 6 feet tall walks at a rate of 5 feet per second toward a light
that is 20 feet above the ground.
(a) When he is 10 feet from the base of the light, at what rate is the
tip of his shadow moving?
(b) When he is 10 feet from the base of the light, at what rate is the
length of his shadow changing?

34. The combined electrical resistance R of two resistors R1 and R2, connected in parallel, is
1 1 1
given by = + where R, R1, and R2 are measured in ohms. R1 and R2 are increasing
R R1 R2
at rates of 1 and 1.5 ohms per second, respectively. At what rate is R changing when
R1 = 50 ohms and R2 = 75 ohms?

45. Find the acceleration of the top of the ladder described in #21 when the base of the ladder
is 7 feet from the wall.

11
Related Rates Day 2 4
V =  r3
3
Set up the related rate problem by: 1
1) Drawing the diagram.
V =  r 2h
3
2) Read the problem and fill in FWGE. “Find=”, “When=”, “Given=”, and “Equation:”
d (something )
3) Find the derivative of both sides of the equation remembering to put for the variables that
dt
change with respect to time.
4) Substitute in “FWGE” then solve for “Find”

1. The top of a 25-foot ladder is sliding down a vertical wall at a constant rate of 3 feet per minute. When the
top of the ladder is 7 feet from the ground, what is the rate of change of the distance between the bottom of
the ladder and the wall?

cm cm
2. The width of a rectangle is increasing at a rate of 2 , and its length is increasing at a rate of 3 . At
sec sec
what rates is the area of the rectangle changing when its width is 4 cm and its length is 5 cm?

ft 3
3. Water pours into a fish tank at a rate of 3 . How fast is the water level rising if the base of the tank is a
min
rectangle of dimensions 2 x 3 ft?

Related Rates with Changing Variables

Use this method usually when some rate of ratio is given for one variable in the problem.
1) Draw, and then determine FWGE
2) Using the ratio, solve 1 variable in terms of another.
3) Substitute that info into the relating equation “E” first, THEN differentiate.
4) Plug in “Given”, & “When”, then solve for the “Find”
cm3
4. An inverted cone has a height of 9 cm and a diameter of 6 cm. It is leaking water at the rate of 1 . Find
min
the rate at which the water level is dropping when h = 3cm .

12
5. A spy tracks a rocket through a telescope to determine its velocity. The rocket is traveling vertically from a
launching pad located 10 km away. At a certain moment, the spy’s instruments show that the angle between
 1 radian
the telescope and the ground is equal to and is changing at a rate of . What is the rocket’s
3 2 min
velocity at that moment?

6. A balloon is being filled with air at a rate of 3 cubic meters per minute. Find the rate at which the radius is
changing when the volume is 36 cubic meters.

7. Water pours out of a conical tank of height 10 feet and radius 4 feet at a rate of 10 cubic feet per minute.
How fast is the water level changing when it is 5 feet high?

8. Let A be the area of a square whose sides have length x, and assume x varies with time. At a certain instant
the sides are 3 feet long and growing at a rate of 2ft/min. How fast is the area growing at that instant?

9. A stone dropped into a still pond sends out a circular ripple whose radius increases at a constant rate of
3 ft/sec. How rapidly is the area enclosed by the ripple increasing at the end of 10 seconds?

10. A spherical balloon is to be deflated so that its radius decreases at a constant rate of 15 cm/min. At what
rate must air be removed when the radius is 9 cm?

13
AP Practice (2002 AB-B)

14
8.7 Notes: L’Hôpital’s Rule
ln x ln x
Analyze f ( x ) = . We know that f ( x ) is undefined at _________. lim =?
x −1 x →1 x −1

L’Hôpital’s Rule
f ( x)
Given lim where f & g are differentiable and g ' ( x )  0 near a, but could be zero at a.
x→a g ( x)
Suppose that lim f ( x ) = 0 and lim g ( x ) = 0 or that lim f ( x ) =  and lim g ( x ) =  .
x →a x →a x →a x →a

f ( x)
Then lim = _______________ .
x →a g ( x)

ln x
ex. lim
x →1 x −1

ex
ex. lim
x → x 2

ex. lim+ x ln x
x →0

g( x) g ( x)
If you have lim  f ( x )  , rewrite  f ( x )  =
x→a

g( x)
or y =  f ( x )  

15
 x
ex. lim+ x
x →0

ln x
ex. lim
x → 3 x

ex. lim− ( sec x − tan x )


x→
2

tan x − x
ex. lim
x →0 x3

16
8.7 Practice (p. 564)

Complete the table and use the result to estimate the limit. Use a graphing utility to graph the
function to support your result.
sin 4 x
1. lim
x→0 sin 3x

x -0.1 -0.01 -0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1

f(x)

6x
4. lim
x →
3x 2 − 2 x

x 1 10 102 103 104 105

f(x)

Evaluate.
3( x − 4)
5. lim
x →4 x 2 − 16

e x − (1 + x)
15. lim+
x →0 x3

sin ax
20. lim , where a, b  0
x→0 sin bx

arctan x − ( / 4)
22. lim
x→1 x −1

x3
28. lim 2
x → ex

17
4.1 Notes: Extrema on an Interval

Extrema – Let f be defined on some interval I that contains some value c.

1. f ( c ) is a ____________________ of f on I if ________________ for all x on I .

2. f ( c ) is a ____________________ of f on I if ________________ for all x on I .

These are called _____________, or more precisely, absolute ___________ or ___________.

Extreme Value Theorem

If f is continuous on [a, b], then f has both a minimum and a maximum value.

for some c and d on [a, b].

Absolute Extrema:

Relative (local) Extrema: The max or min value in a smaller defined area.

All relative extrema have ____________ or _____________________________.

18
 Critical Number: Let f be defined at c. If ___________ or ________________________
then c is a critical number.

Guidelines for Finding Extrema on a Closed Interval

f is continuous on [a, b].
1. Take derivative of f.
2. Find values where f ' = 0 or is undefined. These are the critical numbers.
3. Evaluate f at each critical number.
4. Find f(a) and f(b) (endpoints).
5. Biggest = max, smallest = min.

ex. Find all critical numbers. ex. Find the absolute extrema on [0, 3].
(
g ( x ) = x2 x2 − 4 ) 3
f ( x ) = − x3 − x 2
2

  
ex. Find the absolute extrema on [-1,1]. ex. Find the absolute extrema on  − ,  .
 6 3
g ( x) = 3 x f ( x ) = sec x

19
4.2 Notes: Rolle’s Theorem & Mean Value Theorem

Rolle’s Theorem
If f(a) = f(b), f is continuous on [a, b] and f is
differentiable on (a, b) then there is at least
one number c in (a, b) where f ’(c) = 0.

ex. Find the x-intercepts of f ( x ) = x3 − 4 x and show that f ' ( x ) = 0 at some point between the
intercepts.

20
 Mean Value Theorem
Let f be continuous on [a, b] and
differentiable on (a, b). There exists some
value(s) c in (a, b) such that f ’(c) = slope
from (a, f(a)) to (b, f(b)).

f (b) − f ( a )
f '(c) =
b−a

ex. Given f ( x ) = x3 − x 2 − 2 x on [-1, 1].

f (b) − f ( a )
Find all values of c in (a, b) such that f ' ( c ) = .
b−a

4
ex. f ( x ) = 5 − , [1, 4]
x

21
4.1 Practice (p. 207)
9. Approximate the critical numbers of the function shown in the graph.
Determine whether the function has a relative max/min, an absolute
max/min, or none of these at each critical number on the interval
shown.

Find the critical numbers of the function.

11. f ( x ) = x3 − 3x2
4x
14. f ( x ) =
x +1
2

(
19. f ( x ) = x2 log2 x2 + 1 )
Find the absolute extrema of the function on the closed interval.

21. f ( x ) = 3 − x,  −1, 2
27. y = 3x 2/3 − 2 x,  −1,1
  
36. g ( x ) = sec x,  − , 
 6 3
39. f ( x ) = arctan x2 ,  −2,1
43. y = e x sin x, 0,  

Find the absolute extrema of the function (if any exist) on each interval.

45. f ( x ) = 2 x − 3
(a) [0, 2] (b) [0, 2) (c) (0, 2] (d) (0, 2)

46. f ( x ) = 4 − x 2
(a) [-2, 2] (b) [-2, 0) (c) (-2, 2) (d) [1, 2)

Continued on next page →

22
4.2 Practice (p. 214)
3. Explain why Rolle’s Theorem does not apply to f ( x ) = 1 − x − 1 , 0, 2 even though there
exist a and b such that f(a) = f(b).

5. Find the two x-intercepts of the function f ( x ) = x 2 − x − 2 and show that f ' ( x ) = 0 at some
point between the two x-intercepts.

Determine whether Rolle’s Theorem can be applied to f on the closed interval [a, b]. If Rolle’s
Theorem can be applied, find all values of c in the open interval (a, b) such that f’(c) = 0. If
Rolle’s Theorem cannot be applied, explain why not.
9. f ( x ) = − x2 + 3x, 0,3
14. f ( x ) = 3 − x − 3 ,  0, 6
17. f ( x ) = sin x,  0, 2 
19. f ( x ) = tan x,  0,  
22. f ( x ) = x − 2 ln x, 1,3

31. Sketch the secant line to the graph through the points (a, f(a))
and (b, f(b)). Then sketch any tangent lines to the graph for each
value of c guaranteed by the Mean Value Theorem.

34. Explain why the Mean Value Theorem does not apply to the function f on the interval [0, 6].

Determine whether the Mean Value Theorem can be applied to f on the closed interval [a, b]. If
the Mean Value Theorem can be applied, find all values of c in the open interval (a, b) such
f (b) − f ( a )
that f ' ( c ) = . If the Mean Value Theorem cannot be applied, explain why not.
b−a
41. f ( x ) = x3 + 2 x,  −1,1
46. f ( x ) = 2 − x ,  −7, 2
51. f ( x ) = x log 2 x, 1, 2

23
4.3-4.4 Notes: 1st & 2nd Derivatives

4.3 Increasing and Decreasing Functions and the First Derivative Test

A function is increasing if, as x moves to the right, its graph moves up.
A function is decreasing if, as x moves to the right, its graph moves down.

A function is strictly monotonic on an interval if it is either increasing or decreasing on the

entire interval.

Guidelines for Finding Intervals on Which a Function is Increasing or Decreasing

1) Locate the critical numbers of f in (a, b), and use these numbers to determine test
intervals.
2) Determine the sign of f’(x) at one test value in each of the intervals.
3) Determine whether f is increasing or decreasing on each interval.
a) If f’(x) > 0 for all x in (a, b), then f is increasing on [a, b].
b) If f’(x) < 0 for all x in (a, b), then f is decreasing on [a, b].
c) If f’(x) = 0 for all x in (a, b), then f is constant on [a, b].

3 2
1. Find the open intervals on which f(x) = x −
3
x is increasing or decreasing.
2

24
The First Derivative Test
c = critical number of a function f

1) If f’(x) changes from negative to positive at c, then f has a relative minimum at

(c, f(c)).
2) If f’(x) changes from positive to negative at c, then f has a relative maximum at
(c, f(c)).
3) If f’(x) is positive on both sides of c or negative on both sides of c, then f(c) is neither a
relative minimum nor a relative maximum.

1
2. Find the relative extrema of the function f ( x ) = x − sin x in the interval (0,2 ) .
2

2
3. Find the relative extrema of f ( x ) = ( x − 4)
2 3.

25
 x4 +1
4. f ( x ) =
x2
a. Find the critical numbers of f.
b. Find the open interval(s) on which the function is increasing or decreasing.
c. Apply the First Derivative Test to identify all relative extrema.

26
 4.4 Concavity
Concavity
1) Let f be differentiable on an open interval I. If the graph of f is concave upward on I, then
the graph of f lies above all of its tangent lines on I.

2) Let f be differentiable on an open interval I. If the graph of f is concave downward on I, then

the graph of f lies below all of its tangent lines on I.

Steps to Determine Concavity

1) Locate the x-values at which f’’(x) = 0 or f”(x) does not exist. (These x-values are called
“possible points of inflection”)
2) Use these x-values to determine test intervals.
3) Test the sign of f’’(x) in each test interval.
4) Determine concavity.
a) If f’’(x) > 0 for all x in I, then the graph of f is concave upward in I.
b) If f’’(x) < 0 for all x in I, then the graph of f is concave downward in I.

Points of Inflection
The point (c, f(c)), is a point of inflection of the graph of f if the concavity of f changes from
upward to downward or downward to upward at the point.

1. Given y = -x3 + 3x2 – 2

Find: a. possible points of inflection b. concavity c. points of inflection

27
2. Given f ( x ) = xe
−x

Find: a. critical numbers b. increasing/decreasing c. relative extrema

d. possible points of inflection e. concavity f. points of inflection

28
3. Given f(x) = x4 – 4x3
Find: a. critical numbers b. increasing/decreasing c. relative extrema
d. possible points of inflection e. concavity f. points of inflection

The Second Derivative Test

Let f be a function such that f’(c) = 0 and the second derivative of f exists on an open interval
containing c.

1) If f”(c) > 0, then f has a relative minimum at (c, f(c)).

2) If f”(c) < 0, then f has a relative maximum at (c, f(c)).

If f”(c) = 0, then the test fails. That is, f may have a relative maximum, a relative minimum, or
neither. In such cases, you can use the First Derivative Test.

29
4.6 Notes: Curve Sketching
Example 1: f(x) = x2 -4x + 3
f(x) = (x – 1)(x + 3)
x-intercepts: (1, 0) and (-3, 0)
y-intercept: (0, 3)

f’(x) = 2x – 4 so there is a critical point at x = 2

When x < 2, f’ is negative so f is decreasing

When x > 2, f’ is positive so f is increasing

f”(x) = 2 which is always positive so f(x) is concave up everywhere

No inflection points
f”(2) = 2 > 0 therefore, (2, -1) is a minimum

1 1
Example 2: f ( x ) = x3 − x 2 − 2 x + 3
3 2
f ' ( x ) = x − x − 2 = ( x − 2 )( x + 1) so there are critical points at x = 2 and x = -1
2

Interval f’ f Notes
x < -1 + Increasing
At x = -1, f’ goes from + to -, f has max
-1 < x < 2 – Decreasing
At x = 2, f’ goes from – to +, f has min
x>2 + Increasing

f”(x) = 2x – 1 so x = ½ is a point of inflection

When x < ½, f” is negative so f is concave down.

When x > ½, f” is positive so f is concave up.

25  1  23 1
f ( −1) = f(0) = 3 f  = f ( 2) = −
6  2  12 3
Max Y-intercept POI min

30
Example 3: f ( x ) = 3x 4 − 8x3 + 6 x 2 + 1
f ' ( x ) = 12 x3 − 24 x 2 + 12 x = 12 x ( x 2 − 2 x + 1) = 12 x ( x − 1)
2

Critical points at x = 0 and x = 1

f " ( x ) = 36 x 2 − 48 x + 12 = 12 ( 3x 2 − 4 x + 1) = 12 ( 3x − 1)( x − 1)
1
Transition points at x = 1 and x =
3

Interval f f’ f” Notes about f

( −, 0 ) – + Decreasing, concave up
x=0 1 0 + Minimum since f’ goes from – to +
 1
 0,  + + Increasing, concave up
 3
1 38
x= + 0 Increasing, Point of inflection
3 27
 1 
 ,1 + – Increasing, concave down
3 
x=1 2 0 0 Increasing, Point of inflection
(1,  ) + + Increasing, concave up

lim f ( x ) =  so the function is rising on the left.

x →−

lim f ( x ) =  so the function is rising on the right.

x →

31
Example 4: 1
f ( x ) = cos x + x over 0,  
2
1  5
f ' ( x ) = − sin x + so x = , are critical points
2 6 6

f " ( x ) = − cos x so x = is a transition point
2
Interval f f’ f” Notes about f
x=0 1 Endpoint
 
 0,  + – Increasing, concave down
 6
 3 
x= +  1.13 0 – Local max since f’ goes from + to –
6 2 12
  
 ,  – – Decreasing, concave down
6 2
 2 
x= +  0.79 – 0 Decreasing, point of inflection
2 2 4
  5 
 ,  – + Decreasing, concave up
2 6 
5 3 5
x= − +  0.44 0 + Local min since f’ goes from – to +
6 2 12
 5 
 ,  + + Increasing, concave up
 6 

x= −1 +  0.57 Endpoint
2

32
 x
Example 5: f ( x) =
x2 + 2
1 
x 2 + 2 (1) − x  ( x 2 + 2 ) ( 2 x ) 
−1/ 2

f '( x) = 2 
x2 + 2 so there are no critical points
( x + 2 ) − x = 2 = 2 x 2 + 2 −3/ 2
2 2

f '( x) = ( )
( x2 + 2) ( x2 + 2)
3/ 2 3/ 2

Furthermore, since f’ will always be positive, f is always increasing.

 3 −5/ 2  −6 x
f "( x ) = 2 − ( x2 + 2 )  ( 2 x ) = so there is a transition point at x = 0
 2  ( x + 2)
2 5/ 2

Interval f f’ f” Notes about f

x<0 + + Increasing, concave up
1
x=0 0 0 Increasing, Inflection point
2
x>0 + – Increasing, concave down

x
lim = −1 so the left side will approach y = -1
x →−
x +22

x
lim = 1 so the left side will approach y = 1
x →
x2 + 2

33
 x2
Example 6: f ( x) =
x4 −1
x2
f ( x) = so f has “issues” at x = -1, 1 also known as vertical asymptotes
( x − 1)( x + 1) ( x 2 + 1)

2 x ( x 4 − 1) − x 2 ( 4 x 3 ) −2 x5 − 2 x −2 x ( x 4 + 1)
f '( x) = = = so there is a critical point at x = 0
(x − 1) (x − 1) (x − 1)
4 2 4 2 4 2

(x − 1) ( −10 x 4 − 2 ) + ( 2 x5 + 2 x )( x 4 − 1) ( 2 ) ( 4 x3 ) (x − 1)( −10 x 4 − 2 ) + ( 2 x5 + 2 x )(8 x3 )

4 2 4

f "( x ) = =
(x − 1) (x − 1)
4 4 4 3

−10 x8 + 8 x 4 + 2 + 16 x8 + 16 x 4 6 x8 + 24 x 4 + 2
f "( x ) = =
(x − 1) (x − 1)
4 3 4 3

which will never = 0 so there are no inflection points

Interval f f’ f” Notes about f

( −, −1) + + Increasing, concave up
x = -1 Und Und Und Vertical asymptote
(-1, 0) + – Increasing, concave down
x=0 0 0 + Local maximum at (0, 0)
(0, 1) – – Decreasing, concave down
x=1 Und Und Und Vertical asymptote
(1,  ) – + Decreasing, concave up

x2
lim =0 so the left side approaches a horizontal asymptote of 0.
x →− x 4 − 1

x2
lim 4 =0 so the right side approaches a horizontal asymptote of 0.
x → x − 1

The dashed lines are the asymptotes.

34
4.3 Practice (p. 223)

Identify the open intervals on which the function is increasing or decreasing.

9
12. y = x +
x
17. g ( x ) = e− x + e3 x

For each problem, (a) find the critical numbers of f (if any), (b) find the open interval(s) on
which the function is increasing or decreasing, and (c) apply the First Derivative Test to identify
all relative extrema.
23. f ( x ) = −2 x 2 + 4 x + 3
x5 − 5 x
29. f ( x ) =
5

(i) (ii)
90. Use the graph of f’ to
(a) identify the critical numbers of f,
(b) identify the open interval(s) on which f is increasing
or decreasing, and
(c) determine whether f has a relative maximum, a
relative minimum, or neither at each critical
number. (iii) (iv)

99. Coughing forces the trachea (windpipe) to contract, which affects the velocity v of the air
passing through the trachea. The velocity of the air during coughing is v = k ( R − r ) r 2 , 0  r  R
where k is a constant, R is the normal radius of the trachea, and r is the radius during
coughing. What radius will produce the maximum air velocity?

4.4 Practice (p. 232)

Find the points of inflection and discuss the concavity of the graph of the function.

13. f ( x ) = x3 − 6 x2 + 12 x
18. f ( x ) = ( x − 2 ) ( x − 1)
3

x+3
22. f ( x ) =
x
28. f ( x ) = x + 2 cos x,  0, 2 
32. y = ln x 2 + 9

Continued on next page

35
Find all relative extrema. Use the Second Derivative Test where applicable.
41. f ( x ) = x 2/3 − 3
48. y = x ln x
e x + e− x
51. f ( x ) =
2

63. Consider a function f such that f ’ is increasing. Sketch graphs of f for (a) f ’<0 and (b) f ’>0.
64. Consider a function f such that f ’ is decreasing. Sketch graphs of f for (a) f ’<0 and (b) f ’>0.
65. Sketch the graph of a function f that does not have a point of inflection at (c, f (c)) even
though f “(c) = 0.
69. Sketch the graph of a function f having the given characteristics.
f ( 2) = f ( 4) = 0
f ' ( x )  0 for x  3
f ' ( 3) does not exist
f ' ( x )  0 for x  3
f " ( x )  0, x  3

4.6 Practice (p. 253)

Analyze and sketch a graph of the function. Label any intercepts, relative extrema, points of
inflection, and asymptotes.
17. y = 3x4 + 4 x3
19. y = x5 − 5x
41. f ( x ) = 2 x − 4sin x, 0  x  2

36
1.

37
2.

38
Practice: f ’ graphs
What does the first derivative graph tell us?

f’

a b c d e f g h

What are the critical points for f(x)? ______________________________________________

Where is f(x) increasing?_______________________________________________________

Where is f(x) decreasing? ______________________________________________________

Identify the location of any relative maxima for f(x). __________________________________

Identify the location of any relative minima for f(x). __________________________________

Where is f(x) concave up? ______________________________________________________

Where is f(x) concave down? ___________________________________________________

Identify the location of any points of inflection for f(x). ________________________________

39
Multiple Choice Practice: Curve Sketching

x  3
1. If f ( x ) = sin   , then there exists a number c in the interval x that satisfies
2 2 2
the conclusion of the Mean Value Theorem. Which of the following could be c?
2 3 5
A. B. C.
3 4 6

3
D.  E.
2

1 1
2. At what value of x does the graph of y = − have a point of inflection?
x2 x3

A. 0 B. 1 C. 2

D. 3 E. At no value of x

3. The derivative of f is x 4 ( x − 2)( x + 3). At how many points will the graph of f have a
relative maximum?

A. none B. one C. two

D. three E. four

4. How many critical points does the function f ( x) = ( x + 2)5 ( x − 3) 4 have?

A. one B. two C. three

D. five E. nine

5
5. Let f be the function with derivative given by f '( x) = x 2 − . On which of the following
x
intervals is f increasing?

A. ( −,  )
B. ( −,0) ( 3 5, )
C. ( 3 5, ) only
D. (0, 3 5)

40
  x3, x  0
6. Let f be the function defined by f ( x ) =  . Which of the following statements
 x, x  0
about f is true?
A. f is an odd function
B. f is discontinuous at x=0
C. f has a relative maximum
D. f ' ( 0 ) = 0
E. f ' ( x )  0 for x  0

Calculator questions
7.** If the derivative of f is given by f '( x) = e x − 3x 2 , at which of the following values of x
does f have a relative maximum value?

A. -0.46
B. 0.20
C. 0.91
D. 0.95
E. 3.73

8.** The function f is given by f ( x ) = x 3 + 12 x − 24 is

A. increasing for x<-2, decreasing for –2<x<2, increasing for x>2.

B. decreasing for x<0, increasing for x>0.
C. increasing for all x
D. decreasing for all x
E. decreasing for all x<-2, increasing for –2<x<2, decreasing for x>2.

x
9.** The function f has a first derivative given by f '( x) = . What is the x
x − x −1
2

coordinate of the inflection point of the graph of f?

A. -0.618
B. 1.618
C. 0
D. -4.866
E. The graph of f has no inflection point

Key: 1.D 2.C 3.B 4.C 5.B 6.E 7.C 8.C 9.E

41
4.7 Notes: Optimization

1. The sum of two numbers is ½. Use calculus to find the numbers that would have the
maximum product. What is that product?

2. One side of a rectangular fence is against a house. (This means that the house is used as
the 4th side and no fencing material is needed along the house.) You only have enough
money to buy 80 meters of fencing. What is the maximum area you could fence in? What
are the dimensions of the fenced area?

42
3. A farmer has 100 meters of wire fence with which he plans to build 2 identical rectangular
adjacent pens. What are the dimensions of the enclosure that maximizes that area?

4. A cylindrical can is to be made to hold 1 liter of oil. Find the dimensions that will minimize
the cost of the metal to manufacture the can.

43
5. Find the point on the parabola y = 2 x that is closest to the point (1, 4).
2

6. Find the area of the largest rectangle that can be inscribed in a semicircle of radius r.
(Hint: Let the center of the semicircle be the origin.)

44
7. A man launches his boat from point A on a bank of a straight river, 3 km wide, and wants to
reach point B, 8 km downstream on the opposite bank, as quickly as possible. He could
row his boat directly across the river to point C and then run to B, or he could row directly to
B, or he could row to some point D between C and B and then run to B. If he can row at 6
km/hr and he can run at 8 km/hr, where should he land to reach B as soon as possible?
(We assume that the speed of the water is negligible compared with the speed at which the
man rows.)

45
4.7 Practice (p. 262)

5. Find two positive numbers that have a product of 147, and the sum of the first number plus
three times the second number is a minimum.

19. A farmer plans to fence a rectangular pasture adjacent to a river (see figure). The pasture
must contain 245,000 square meters in order to provide enough grass for the herd. No
fencing is needed along the river. What dimensions will require the least amount of
fencing?

20. A rectangular solid (with a square base) has a surface area of 337.5 square centimeters.
Find the dimensions that will result in a solid with maximum volume.

46
AP Practice (2005 BC-A)

Find the distance the car travels in 24 seconds.

47
AP Practice (2004 BC-A)

48
AP Practice (2001 BC)

49
AP Practice (2001 BC)

50
 Chapter 4 Homework Assignment Key (even problems)

HW 3.7 (p. 186) HW 8.7 (p. 564) HW 4.1 (p. 207)

dy
= −6
6 4 (1 − x 2 )
4. (a) 4. 14. f ' ( x ) =
dt 3
(x + 1)
2 2

dx 3 a
(b) = 20. Critical numbers: x = ±1
dt 2 b
dr 1 dV 36. Minimum (0, 1)
= 1
14.
dt 4 r 2 dt
22.  
2 Maximum  ,2
dr 2 28. 0 3 
(a) = cm/min
dt 9 46. (a) Minima: (-2, 0) and (2, 0)
dr 1 Maximum: (0, 2)
(b) = cm/min
dt 18 (b) Minimum: (-2, 0)
dy 50 (c) Maximum: (0, 2)
=−
( )
30. (a) ft/sec
dt 7 (d) Maximum: 1, 3
dy dx 15
(b) − =− ft/sec
dt dt 7
dR 3
34. = ohm/sec
dt 5

HW 4.2 (p. 214)

14. f is not differentiable on (0, 6) because f’(3) does not exist. Rolle’s Theorem does not apply.
22. Because f(1) ≠ f(3), Rolle’s Theorem doesn’t apply on [1, 3].
34. f is not differentiable at x = 2. The graph of f is not smooth at x = 2.
46. f(x) is continuous on [-7, 2] and differentiable on (-7, 2).
f ( 2 ) − f ( −7 ) 1 1 1
=− f '( x) = =− c = -¼
2 − ( −7 ) 3 2 2− x 3

HW 4.3 (p. 223)

12. Dec: [-3, 0) and (0, 3]
Inc: (-∞, -3] and [3, ∞)

90.
Critical #’s f is increasing f is decreasing Rel. Max. Rel. Min.
(i) x=2 [2, ∞) (-∞, 2) x=2
(ii) x = 0, 1 (-∞, 0] and [1, ∞) [0, 1] x=0 x=1
(iii) x = -1, 0, 1 (-∞, -1] and [0, 1] (-1,0) and (1, ∞) x = -1 and x = 1 x=0
(iv) x = -3, 1, 5 [-3, 5] (-∞, -3] and [5, ∞) x = -3 x=5

51
 HW 4.4 (p. 232)

 3 3  3 1 
18. CCU:  −,  and [2, ∞) CCD:  , 2  POI:  ,  and (2, 0)
 2  2   2 16 

22. CCU: (0, 9] CCD: [9, ∞) POI: (9, 4)

  3     3      3 3 
28. CCU:  , CCD: 0,  and  , 2  POI:  ,  and  , 
 2 2   2  2  2 2  2 2 
 1 
32. CCU: [-3, 3] CCD: (-∞, -3] and [3, ∞) POI:  3, ln18 
 2 
1 1 1 1
48. Since f '   = 0 and f "    0 , then  , −  is a relative minimum.
e e e e
64. (a) (b)

HW 4.7 (p. 262)

20. The maximum volume will occur when each dimension is 7.5 cm.

For answers to odd-numbered problems, go to www.calcchat.com and select Calculus ETF 6e.
Textbook problems are from Calculus of a Single Variable: Early Transcendental Functions,
Sixth Edition, AP® Edition by Ron Larson and Bruce Edwards

52