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Ch. 4 - Applications of the Derivative
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBriggs 3rd EditionCh. 4 - Applications of the DerivativeProblem 35
Chapter 4, Problem 35

Use the guidelines of this section to make a complete graph of f.
f(x) = tan⁻¹ (x²/√3)

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Identify the domain of the function f(x) = tan⁻¹(x²/√3). Since the arctangent function is defined for all real numbers, the domain of f(x) is all real numbers.
Determine the symmetry of the function. Since f(x) involves x², which is an even function, f(x) is also an even function. This means the graph is symmetric with respect to the y-axis.
Find the critical points by taking the derivative of f(x) with respect to x. Use the chain rule to differentiate: f'(x) = (1/(1 + (x²/√3)²)) * (2x/√3). Set f'(x) = 0 to find critical points.
Analyze the behavior of f(x) as x approaches positive and negative infinity. Since the arctangent function approaches π/2 as its argument goes to infinity and -π/2 as its argument goes to negative infinity, f(x) will have horizontal asymptotes at y = π/2 and y = -π/2.
Plot key points and asymptotes on the graph. Use the symmetry, critical points, and asymptotic behavior to sketch the complete graph of f(x).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Inverse Functions

Inverse functions, such as the arctangent function (tan⁻¹), reverse the effect of their corresponding functions. For example, if y = tan(x), then x = tan⁻¹(y). Understanding how to manipulate and graph inverse functions is crucial for analyzing the behavior of f(x) = tan⁻¹(x²/√3).
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Graphing Techniques

Graphing techniques involve plotting points, identifying asymptotes, and understanding the overall shape of a function. For f(x) = tan⁻¹(x²/√3), recognizing that the arctangent function has horizontal asymptotes at y = ±π/2 helps in sketching the graph accurately, especially as x approaches positive or negative infinity.
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Transformations of Functions

Transformations of functions include shifts, stretches, and reflections that alter the graph of a function. In f(x) = tan⁻¹(x²/√3), the x² term indicates a vertical stretch and affects the symmetry of the graph, while the division by √3 scales the output. Understanding these transformations is essential for accurately graphing the function.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Evaluate and simplify y'.

y = (3t²−1 / 3t²+1)^−3

Textbook Question

Use linear approximations to estimate the following quantities. Choose a value of a to produce a small error.

√146

Textbook Question

Use the guidelines of this section to make a complete graph of f.

f(x) = x + 2 cos x on [-2π,2π)

Textbook Question

Graphing functions Use the guidelines of this section to make a complete graph of f.

f(x) = x²/(x - 2)

Textbook Question

Demand and elasticity The economic advisor of a large tire store proposes the demand function D(p) = 1800/p-40, where D(p) is the number of tires of one brand and size that can be sold in one day at a price p.

c. Find the elasticity function on the domain of the demand function.

Textbook Question

Graphing functions Use the guidelines of this section to make a complete graph of f.

f(x) = (x2 + 12)/(2x + 1)