Information About a Function
Domain, symmetry, asymptotes, increase, concavity: you already know each piece separately. A complete study asks for all of them together, in a fixed order, for a function that may have parameters, be defined piecewise, or be given only by its graph. Can you draw a curve accurately without plotting hundreds of points? Yes: with the information that differential calculus provides. At the end of the page we will check it with the graph of a real function.
The complete procedure, step by step
The order has a reason: each step builds on the previous one (for example, vertical asymptotes also split the intervals of increase). Skipping steps forces you to repeat work.
Given the rational function $f(x) = \frac{x^2 + 3}{x^2 - 9}$, carry out a preliminary study of its basic elements by determining: a) The domain of the function. b) The…
Given the rational function $f(x) = \frac{x^2 + 3}{x^2 - 9}$, carry out a preliminary study of its basic elements by determining:
- a) The domain of the function.
- b) The points where it crosses the axes of coordinates.
- c) The existence of symmetries (state whether it is even, odd or has no symmetry).
Symmetry and period of trigonometric functions
Some functions repeat over and over, like sound waves or the tides in Cancún. To study them, in addition to symmetry, we ask about their period: how often the graph repeats.
Determine the period of the trigonometric function $f(x) = \sin(2x)$. Next, state with reasons whether the function exhibits any symmetry with respect to the origin or…
Determine the period of the trigonometric function $f(x) = \sin(2x)$. Next, state with reasons whether the function exhibits any symmetry with respect to the origin or the y-axis.
Rational functions: all the asymptotes at once
Rational functions are the case with the most pieces to coordinate: they can have several vertical asymptotes (one for each root of the denominator that does not cancel with the numerator) and, in addition, a horizontal or oblique one depending on the degrees.
A horizontal asymptote and an oblique one cannot occur on the same side.
Given the function $f(x) = \frac{2x}{x-1}$, determine: 1. The equations of its vertical and horizontal asymptotes. 2. The position of the curve with respect to these…
Given the function $f(x) = \frac{2x}{x-1}$, determine:
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The equations of its vertical and horizontal asymptotes.
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The position of the curve with respect to these asymptotes by studying the one-sided limits and limits at infinity.
Given the function $f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 1}{x}$, carry out a study of its infinite branches: a) Check whether it has vertical asymptotes. b) Check whether it has…
Given the function $f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 1}{x}$, carry out a study of its infinite branches:
- a) Check whether it has vertical asymptotes.
- b) Check whether it has horizontal asymptotes.
- c) If it has no horizontal asymptote, find out whether it has an oblique asymptote and find its equation.
Determine all the asymptotes (vertical, horizontal and oblique) of the function $f(x) = \frac{2x^2 + 1}{x - 3}$. If an oblique asymptote exists, calculate its equation…
Determine all the asymptotes (vertical, horizontal and oblique) of the function $f(x) = \frac{2x^2 + 1}{x - 3}$. If an oblique asymptote exists, calculate its equation in the form $y = mx + n$ and study the position of the curve with respect to this asymptote as $x \to \infty$.
Interpreting the asymptote in a real situation
When the function models a phenomenon (temperature, battery charge, concentration), the horizontal asymptote is interpreted as the "long-term" value.
A team of engineers is monitoring the temperature of an electronic component. The evolution of the temperature $T$ (in degrees Celsius) with respect to time $t$ (in…
A team of engineers is monitoring the temperature of an electronic component. The evolution of the temperature $T$ (in degrees Celsius) with respect to time $t$ (in minutes) is given by the function:
$T(t) = \dfrac{40t + 100}{t + 2}$ with $t \geq 0$
You are asked to:
- a) Find the initial temperature of the component ($t=0$).
- b) Determine the horizontal asymptote of the function and interpret its meaning in the context of the problem (long-term temperature).
A team of engineers monitors the charge level of a new lithium battery using the function $B(t) = \frac{100t}{t^2 + 9} + 10$, where $B$ is the percentage of charge and…
A team of engineers monitors the charge level of a new lithium battery using the function $B(t) = \frac{100t}{t^2 + 9} + 10$, where $B$ is the percentage of charge and $t$ is the time in hours ($t \ge 0$).
- a) At what time does the battery reach its maximum charge level? Justify that it is a maximum.
- b) What value does the battery charge approach if it is left plugged in indefinitely? Justify your answer by calculating limits.
Increase and concavity in the complete study
With the asymptotes located, the study continues with $f'$ and $f''$. The zeros of $f'$ and the points outside the domain give the intervals of increase; the zeros of $f''$ with a sign change give the inflection points. In this course we use concave up ($\cup$) when $f''>0$ and concave down ($\cap$) when $f''<0$.
Study the monotonicity (increasing and decreasing intervals) and calculate the relative extrema (maximums and minimums) of the following polynomial function:…
Study the monotonicity (increasing and decreasing intervals) and calculate the relative extrema (maximums and minimums) of the following polynomial function:
$f(x) = x^3 - 3x + 2$
Analyse the curvature of the function $f(x) = x^4 - 6x^2 + 5$. To do this: 1. Find the second derivative $f''(x)$. 2. Determine the intervals of concavity ($\cup$) and…
Analyse the curvature of the function $f(x) = x^4 - 6x^2 + 5$. To do this:
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Find the second derivative $f''(x)$.
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Determine the intervals of concavity ($\cup$) and convexity ($\cap$).
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Find the x-coordinates of the points of inflection.
Carry out a complete study of the monotonicity and relative extrema of the rational function $f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 4x + 4}{x - 1}$. Determine precisely the intervals where…
Carry out a complete study of the monotonicity and relative extrema of the rational function $f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 4x + 4}{x - 1}$. Determine precisely the intervals where the function is increasing and decreasing, as well as the coordinates of its maximums and minimums, if any.
Consider the polynomial function $f(x) = \frac{1}{4}x^4 - 2x^2 + 3$. Find the intervals of concavity and convexity, as well as the exact coordinates of its inflection…
Consider the polynomial function $f(x) = \frac{1}{4}x^4 - 2x^2 + 3$. Find the intervals of concavity and convexity, as well as the exact coordinates of its inflection points. Use the symbol $\cup$ to denote the intervals where the function is convex (curving upward) and $\cap$ for the intervals where it is concave (curving downward).
Functions with exponentials, logarithms, and parameters
The whole outline applies the same way to $f(x)=(x^2-1)e^{-x}$ or $f(x)=\ln(x^2+k)$. These points help:
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In $\ln(g(x))$, the domain requires $g(x)>0$.
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For limits with $e^{-x}$: as $x\to+\infty$, $e^{-x}\to 0$ and it beats any polynomial; the product tends to $0$, and that gives a horizontal asymptote $y=0$. As $x\to-\infty$, $e^{-x}\to+\infty$.
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If there are parameters, each condition in the problem becomes an equation: vertical asymptote at $x=a$ → the denominator is zero at $a$; extremum at $x=a$ → $f'(a)=0$; inflection at $x=a$ → $f''(a)=0$; tangent parallel to a line → $f'(x_0)=$ slope of that line; function differentiable at $x_0$ (piecewise) → continuous at $x_0$ and the one-sided derivatives agree.
Consider the function $f(x) = \ln(x^2 + k)$, where $k$ is a real parameter. a) Determine the value of $k$ so that the function has a point of inflection at $x = 1$. b)…
Consider the function $f(x) = \ln(x^2 + k)$, where $k$ is a real parameter.
- a) Determine the value of $k$ so that the function has a point of inflection at $x = 1$.
- b) For that value of $k$, study the domain of the function and check whether it exhibits any symmetry (even or odd).
Given the piecewise function: $f(x) = \begin{cases} x^2 + 2x & \text{if } x \le 0 \\ \frac{ax}{x+1} & \text{if } x > 0 \end{cases}$ a) Calculate the value of $a$ so that…
Given the piecewise function:
$f(x) = \begin{cases} x^2 + 2x & \text{if } x \le 0 \\ \frac{ax}{x+1} & \text{if } x > 0 \end{cases}$
- a) Calculate the value of $a$ so that the function is differentiable at $x = 0$.
- b) For the obtained value of $a$, investigate whether the function has a horizontal asymptote as $x \to +\infty$.
Given the function $f(x) = (x^2 - 1) \times e^{-x}$, carry out a comprehensive study for its graphical representation by analysing: 1. Domain and axis intercepts. 2.…
Given the function $f(x) = (x^2 - 1) \times e^{-x}$, carry out a comprehensive study for its graphical representation by analysing:
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Domain and axis intercepts.
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Behavior at infinity (limits and asymptotes).
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Monotonicity intervals and relative extrema (x- and y-coordinates).
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Points of inflection and concavity/convexity.
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Use all the above information to sketch the graph of the function, highlighting in particular the horizontal asymptotic behavior.
The inverse exercise: from properties to the graph
You are also asked the other way around: you are given a list of properties (intercepts, an extremum, limits) and asked for a sketch that satisfies them all. There is no single answer: any curve consistent with the data works, but you must verify each condition.
The following information is known about a function $f(x)$ that is continuous on all of $\mathbb{R}$: It crosses the $X$ axis at $x = -2$ and $x = 2$. It has a relative…
The following information is known about a function $f(x)$ that is continuous on all of $\mathbb{R}$:
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It crosses the $X$ axis at $x = -2$ and $x = 2$.
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It has a relative minimum at $(0, -4)$.
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It is decreasing on $(-\infty, 0)$ and increasing on $(0, +\infty)$.
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$\lim_{x \to +\infty} f(x) = +\infty$ and $\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x) = +\infty$.
Draw a sketch of the graph that satisfies all these conditions. To help you, here are the axes with the known points; copy the axes onto your paper and draw the curve.
You can do it on paper and send a photo with your answer.
Sketch the graph of a continuous function $f(x)$ that simultaneously satisfies the following conditions obtained from its analytic study: Domain: $\mathbb{R} - \{0\}$…
Sketch the graph of a continuous function $f(x)$ that simultaneously satisfies the following conditions obtained from its analytic study:
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Domain: $\mathbb{R} - \{0\}$
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Axes intercepts: $(2, 0)$ and $(-2, 0)$.
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Vertical asymptote at $x = 0$, with $\lim_{x \to 0^-} f(x) = -\infty$ and $\lim_{x \to 0^+} f(x) = +\infty$.
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Horizontal asymptotes: $y = -1$ as $x \to +\infty$ and $y = 1$ as $x \to -\infty$.
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$f'(x) < 0$ on its entire domain.
You can do it on paper and submit a photo with your answer.
Reading the graph of $f'$: the information in reverse
An exercise may give only the graph of $f'$ and ask for all the information about $f$. The key is not to mix up what the sign of $f'$ says with what its increase says.
Given the graph of the derivative function $f'(x)$ shown below (a straight line passing through the points $(-2, 0)$ and $(0, 4)$), state with reasons: a) The intervals…
Given the graph of the derivative function $f'(x)$ shown below (a straight line passing through the points $(-2, 0)$ and $(0, 4)$), state with reasons:
- a) The intervals where the original function $f(x)$ is increasing and decreasing.
- b) The x-coordinate of the relative extrema of $f(x)$ and their type (maximum or minimum).
- c) The interval of concavity or convexity of $f(x)$.
The following graph corresponds to the derivative function $f'(x)$ of a continuous function $f(x)$ defined on all of $\mathbb{R}$. Using the visual information provided:…
The following graph corresponds to the derivative function $f'(x)$ of a continuous function $f(x)$ defined on all of $\mathbb{R}$. Using the visual information provided:
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State the intervals where the original function $f(x)$ is increasing and decreasing.
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Determine the x-coordinates of the relative extrema of $f(x)$, classifying them as maximums or minimums.
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Study the curvature of $f(x)$ and locate its points of inflection.
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Given that $f(0) = 1$, sketch the graph of the original function $f(x)$, justifying the shape obtained.
Complete problems and optimization using the study of the function
The tools on this page serve to solve problems where a function models a situation. An absolute extremum on a closed interval $[a,b]$ is found by comparing the values of $f$ at the critical points and at the endpoints of the interval. For functions with absolute value or piecewise functions, check separately the point where the definition changes: there $f$ can be continuous and not differentiable (a peak).
A team of engineers is designing the profile of a jump ramp for a skateboarding competition. The side profile follows the curve of the function…
A team of engineers is designing the profile of a jump ramp for a skateboarding competition. The side profile follows the curve of the function $f(x) = \ln(x^2 - 2x + 2)$ in the interval $[0, 3]$.
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Find the point on the ramp that is at the lowest height above the ground.
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Determine the points on the ramp where the slope is maximum and minimum. What physical interpretation do these points have in the context of skateboarding?
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Investigate whether the function has any point of inflection in this interval and explain how the skater's sensation changes when passing through it.
We wish to inscribe a rectangle of maximum area in the region of the first quadrant bounded by the $OX$-axis, the $OY$-axis and the graph of the function…
We wish to inscribe a rectangle of maximum area in the region of the first quadrant bounded by the $OX$-axis, the $OY$-axis and the graph of the function $f(x) = 4e^{-0.5x}$.
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Express the area of the rectangle as a function of the x-coordinate $x$ of one of its vertices located on the $OX$-axis.
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Calculate the dimensions of this rectangle so that its area is maximum.
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Draw a sketch of the situation using the following visual diagram.
You can do it on paper and send a photo with your answer.
Study the continuity and differentiability of the function $f(x) = x \times |x - 2|$. From this study: 1. Express the function as a piecewise defined function. 2.…
Study the continuity and differentiability of the function $f(x) = x \times |x - 2|$. From this study:
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Express the function as a piecewise defined function.
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Calculate the intervals where the function is increasing and decreasing.
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Determine the relative and absolute maximums and minimums in the interval $[0, 4]$.
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Study the curvature and points of inflection. Pay special attention to the point where the function changes its definition.
Consider the function $f(x) = \frac{ax^2 + bx}{x + c}$. Determine the values of the real parameters $a$, $b$, and $c$ knowing that the following conditions are…
Consider the function $f(x) = \frac{ax^2 + bx}{x + c}$. Determine the values of the real parameters $a$, $b$, and $c$ knowing that the following conditions are simultaneously met:
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The line $x = 2$ is a vertical asymptote of the graph of the function.
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The function has a relative extremum at the point with abscissa $x = 3$.
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The tangent line to the graph at the point of intersection with the $OY$ axis is parallel to the line $y = -2x + 5$.
Once the parameters are found, study the existence of an oblique asymptote and determine the relative position of the curve with respect to it.
Let the piecewise function be defined by: $f(x) = \begin{cases} \frac{x^2 - kx}{x-1} & \text{if } x < 0 \\ \ln(x^2 + 1) + ax + b & \text{if } x \ge 0 \end{cases}$ 1.…
Let the piecewise function be defined by:
$f(x) = \begin{cases} \frac{x^2 - kx}{x-1} & \text{if } x < 0 \\ \ln(x^2 + 1) + ax + b & \text{if } x \ge 0 \end{cases}$
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Calculate the values of $a$ and $b$ so that the function is differentiable at $x = 0$, knowing that in the first piece the parameter $k$ takes the value $1$.
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For the values found, investigate whether the function has an oblique asymptote as $x \to -\infty$. If so, find it.
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Does the function have any relative extremum in the interval $(0, +\infty)$? Justify your answer.
Consider the function $f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 4}{x^2 - 1}$. 1. Analyse its symmetries and domain. 2. Determine all its asymptotes and the position of the graph with respect…
Consider the function $f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 4}{x^2 - 1}$.
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Analyse its symmetries and domain.
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Determine all its asymptotes and the position of the graph with respect to them.
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Find the points on the graph where the tangent line is horizontal.
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Prove that the function is concave in its entire domain except in the interval $(-1, 1)$, where it is convex.
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Sketch the graph of the function, combining all the previous elements.
You can do it on paper and send a photo with your answer.
Back to the beginning: you do not need to plot hundreds of points. With the domain, intercepts, asymptotes, sign of $f'$, and sign of $f''$ you already know where the graph rises, where it falls, how it curves, and what it approaches; the rest is connecting the key points.