Cubic

Functions Grade 12
CAPS
Mathematics
Series
 Outcomes for this Topic
In this Topic we will:
• Apply Remainder and Factor Theorems.
Unit 1

• Finding Intercepts, Turning- and Inflection Points of Cubic

Functions.
Unit 2

• Sketch Cubic Functions.

Unit 3

• Make deductions from given Graphs of Cubic Functions.

Unit 4
 Unit 1

Application of
Remainder and CAPS
Factor Theorems Mathematics
Series
 Outcomes for this Unit
In this Unit we will :
• Formulate the Remainder and Factor Theorems.
• Determine at least one linear factor for a cubic
expression by means of the Factor Theorem.
• Determine the quadratic quotient when a cubic
expression is divided by a linear factor by means of :
Long Division or
Inspection.
• Utilize Factor Theorem and Quotient strategies
to Factorize Cubic Expressions.
Example: Long Division Procedure and
Terminology
2x 2 1
x2
2 x3  4 x 2  x  5
2x  4x
3 2

x 5
x2  Remainder
3  3
 
Furthermore g  x   2 x3  4 x 2  x  5  2 x 2  1  x  2   3

Polynomial = Quotient × Divisor + Remainder

 Remainder Theorem
Remainder Theorem Not examinable

If q  x  is the quotient when a polynomial f  x 

b
is divided by ax  b then the remainder R  f  
a
Proof  b
f  x    ax  b   q  x   R  ax  b  0  x  a 
b  b  b
Then f     a   b   q    R
a  a  a
b b
 b  b   q    R  0  q    R  0  R  R
a a a
R  f  
b
 Factor Theorem
If  x  p  is a factor of f  x  , then
Remainder  R  f  p  0
Example: Prove that 2 x  3; x  3 and 3 x  2
are factors of g  x   6 x 3  23 x 2  9 x  18
Solution 3  2
From Remainder Theorem: Remainders are g   ; g  3 and g   
2  3
 3 3
3
3
2
3
 g    6     23     9     18  0
 2 2 2 2

 g  3  6   3   23   3   9   3   18  0
3 2

 3 2
  2  2  2  2
  3
g   6      23      9      18  0
    3   3   3
It follows from factor theorem that 2 x  3; x  3 and 3 x  2
are factors of g  x   6 x 3  23 x 2  9 x  18
 Factorization of a Cubic Expression

Factorize h  x   x  2 x  5x  6
3 2

• Linear factors must be linked to coefficients of first or last terms.

Linear factors will be of the format ax  b
where a can be equal to 1 and
b can be equal to  1;  2;  3.
• Utilize the factor theorem to determine at least one linear factor :
h   1  0; h  2   0 but h  3  0   x  3 is a factor of h  x .
Also h 1  0; h  2   0, hence  x  2  and  x  1 are factors.
• Hence by Inspection Strategy we have :

h  x    x  1 x  2  x  3 Coefficient of x3 is 1.
 Factorization of a Cubic Expression
More challenging example

Factorize h  x   12 x  19 x  45x  183 2

• Linear factors must be linked to coefficients of first or last terms.

Linear factors will be of the format ax  b
where a can be equal to 1; 2; 3; 4; 6 or 12 and
b can be equal to  1;  2;  3;  6;  9 or  18
• Utilize the factor theorem to determine at least one linear factor.
h   1  0; h   2   0 but h  3  0   x  3 is a factor of h  x .
• Utilize Long Division or Inspection Strategy to determine
the Quadratic Quotient.  Will be discussed in the next slides 


 h  x    x  3 12 x 2  17 x 2  6  Factorize trinomial.
 h  x    x  3 3x  2  4 x  3
 Finding the Quadratic Quotient
by means of Long Division
We mentioned in the previous slide that Not required in CAPS Syllabus

 
h  x   12 x3  19 x 2  45 x  18   x  3 12 x 2  17 x  6   x  3  q  x 

In addition q  x  can be determined by means of Long Division.

12x 2 17x  6

x 3 12 x3  19 x 2  45 x  18
12 x3  36 x 2
17 x 2  45 x
17 x 2  51x
6x  18
 q  x   12 x  17 x  6
2
6x  18
 Finding the Quadratic Quotient
by means of Inspection Strategy
We mentioned earlier that Not required in CAPS Syllabus

 
h  x   12 x3  19 x 2  45 x  18   x  3 12 x 2  17 x  6   x  3  q  x 
In addition q  x  can be determined by means of Inspection Strategy.

12 x  19 x  45 x  18   x  3  q  x 
3 2

12 x3  19 x 2  45x  18   x  3  ax 2  bx  c 
By inspection a  12 and c  6.
12 x3  19 x 2  45x  18   x  3 12 x 2  bx  6 
By further inspection 6  3b  45  3b  51  b  17.
 q  x   12 x 2  17 x  6
Tutorial 1: Factorization of Cubic Expressions

Given f  x   2 x  x  5 x  2 :
3 2

1. Determine two linear factors by means

of the Factor Theorem.
2. Determine the quadratic quotient by
Not required
means of the inspection strategy. in CAPS Syllabus

3. Check your answer in (3) by means

Not required PAUSE
of long division. in CAPS Syllabus
• Do Tutorial 1
4. Factorize the cubic expression.
• Then View solutions
 Tutorial 1 Problem 1:
Suggested Solution
Determine one linear factor for f  x   2 x3  x 2  5 x  2
by means of the factor theorem.
Possible factors :  x  1 ;  x  2  ;  2 x  1
Test some of the 6 possibilities.
f  1  2  1  5  2  0   x  1 is not a factor of f  x 
f 1  2 1  1  5 1  2  0
3 2

  x  1 is a factor of f  x 
f  2   2  2   2   5  2   2  0
3 2

  x  2  is also a factor of f  x 
 Tutorial 1 Problem 2:
Suggested Solution
We know that :
 
f  x   2 x3  x 2  5 x  2   x  1 ax 2  bx  c   x  1  q  x 
q  x  can be determined by means of Inspection Strategy.

 2 x3  x2  5x  2   x  1  ax2  bx  c 
By inspection a  2 and c  2.
 2 x3  x 2  5x  2   x  1  2 x 2  bx  2 
By further inspection  2  b  5  b  3  b  3.

 q  x   2 x  3x  2
2 Not required in CAPS Syllabus
 Tutorial 1 Problem 3:
Suggested Solution
We know that
 
f  x   2 x3  x 2  5 x  2   x  1 2 x 2  3x  2   x  1  q  x 

q  x  can be determined by means of Long Division.

2x 2  3x  2

x 1 2 x3  x 2  5 x  2
2 x3  2 x 2
Not required in CAPS Syllabus
3x  5 x
2

3x 2  3x
2 x  2
 q  x   2 x  3x  2
2
2 x  2
 Tutorial 1 Problem 4:
Suggested Solution
We know that
f  x   2 x3  x 2  5 x  2   x  1  2 x 2  3x  2 
Factorize the trinomial :
f  x   2 x  x  5 x  2   x  1  2 x  3 x  2 
3 2 2

  x  1 x  2 2 x  1
Alternatively we can use the Factor Theorem
to determine two factors of f  x :
Can show that :  f  x   2 x3  x 2  5 x  2
f 1  0   x  1 is a factor and   x  1 x  2  2 x  1
f  2   0   x  2  is also factor. Third factor by inspection.
 Unit 2

Finding:
• Intercepts CAPS
• Turning Points Mathematics
• Inflection Points Series
 x- and y- Intercepts
In a previous lessons on graphs of functions you have learnt that the
intercepts on the axes can be determined as follows :
The y - intercept of a function can be found where x  0.
i.e. at the point  0, f (0)  .
The x-intercepts of a function
can be found where y  0.
y  x 2  x  6   x  3 x  2 

In the case of cubic functions (polynomial of degree 3)

the x-intercepts can be determined by using either
Factorisation or the Factor Theorem.
 Example 1 : x- and y- Intercepts
EXAMPLE : Determine the intercepts on the axes of the
following cubic function: f ( x)  x3  4 x 2  4 x
y - intercept :
i.e. y  f (0)  (0)3  4(0) 2  4(0)  0
x - intercepts :
i.e. f ( x)  0  x 3  4 x 2  4 x  0
Use factorisation.
 x ( x 2  4 x  4)  0
 x ( x  2) 2  0
 x  0 or x  2
 Example 2 : x- and y- Intercepts
EXAMPLE : Determine the intercepts on the axes of the
following cubic function: g ( x)  x 3  4 x 2  x  6
y - intercept :
i.e. y  g (0)  (0)3  4(0)2  (0)  6  6
x - intercepts :
i.e. g( x)  0  x3  4 x 2  x  6  0
Use the Factor Theorem :
g (1)  (1)3  4(1)2  1  6  0
 ( x  1) is a factor.
 g ( x )  ( x  1)( x 2  5 x  6)
  ( x  1)( x  2)( x  3)
 ( x  1)( x  2)( x  3)  0
 x 1 or x  2 or x  3
 Positive Gradients
Implies Function is Increasing
In a previous Unit on calculus you have learnt that the
gradient of the tangent to a curve of a function can be
determined by using the first derivative.
At a point where a curve is sloping upwards the gradient of
the tangent is positive and the y -value is increasing as
the x-value increases.
i.e. If f / ( a)  0 , then f ( x) is increasing at x  a
 Negative Gradients
Implies function is decreasing
We have also learnt that:
At a point where a curve is sloping downwards the gradient of
the tangent is negative and the y  value is decreasing as
the x  value increases.
i.e. If f / (a)  0 , then f ( x) is decreasing at x  a
 Zero Gradient
We have also learnt that:
The turning point is where the gradient of the tangent
is zero and the y - value is neither increasing or
decreasing i.e stationary.
i.e. If f / ( a)  0 , then f ( x) is stationary at x  a
 Turning Points and Gradients
A turning point is a stationary point where the curve smoothly
turns from increasing to decreasing or from decreasing to increasing
as shown in the figures below:

Gradient Zero

•
Local Maximum Local Minimum
if sign of first derivative if sign of first derivative
changes from changes from
positive to zero to negative negative to zero to positive
around critical point around critical point
 Turning Points and Gradients: Example
Not required in CAPS Syllabus
 90;1 is a local maximum
•
f   x  changes from   0  

y  f  x   sin x •
 270; 1 is a local minimum
f   x  changes from   0  

Note
• At a local extreme point the first derivative must be zero
• The sign of the first derivative must change around this point
 Concavity and
Second Derivative
y  2ax  b

y  2ax  b

y  2a  0

y  2a  0

y  ax  bx  c where a  0
2 y  ax 2  bx  c where a  0
• Curve is concave up • Curve is concave down
• Second derivative
• Second derivative
always negative
always positive
• Tangents below curve • Tangents above curve
or curve above tangents or curve below tangents
 Concavity and
Points of Inflection
y  x3  y  3x 2  0 y   x3  y  3x 2  0
y   6 x y  6 x
y  0 if x  0
 Concave Up  y  0 if x  0
 Concave Up 
• •
y  0 if x  0
y  0 if x  0
y  0 if x  0
 Concave Down  y  0 if x  0
 Concave Down 
Observations at or around (0;0) :
• First and second derivatives zero at (0;0) Inflection Point at (0;0)
• No change in sign of first derivative near (0;0) • Second derivative zero at this point
• Changes in sign of second derivative near (0;0) • Change in concavity around this point
 Concavity and Points of Inflection: Example

EXAMPLE : Given: f ( x)  x 3  3 x 2  7
Determine : a) the interval on which the curve is concave up or down
b) the coordinates of the inflection point.
(a) Firstly determine f ( x) : Inflection point when x  1:
f ( x)  3 x 2  6 x  f ( x)  6 x  6  1; f 1   1;5  is inflection point
Then determine where f ( x)  0 :
f ( x)  0 when 6 x  6  0  x  1
(b) Next determine the sign of •
f ( x ) near x  1:

f   x  :  0 
•
 f is concave down  f is concave up
1
when x  1 when x  1
 Concavity and Inflection Points:
Example from Trigonometry
Not required in CAPS Syllabus

180; 0  is a point of inflection

f   x  changes from   0  
•
y  f  x   sin x
Enrichment :
 0  180 k ;0  where k  are all points of inflection
y  f   x   cos x
f   x  changes from   0   or from   0  
y  f   x    sin x
 f  180   sin(180)  0

Note :
• At an inflection point the second derivative must be zero
• The sign of the second derivative must change around this point
Tutorial 2: Turning and Inflection Points

A function f is defined by f ( x)  2 x 3  6 x.
Determine :
1. the turning points (maximum or minimum) and
2. the inflection point.

PAUSE
• Do Tutorial 2

• Then View solutions

 Tutorial 2 Problem 1:
Suggested Solution
1. f ( x)  2 x 3  6 x
For the turning points we first find f ( x):  1;4 
 f ( x)  6 x 2  6  6( x 2  1)  6( x  1)( x  1)
hence f ( x)  0 at x  1 or x  1

Next we determine the signs of f ( x) :

f  x :  0  0 
1 1 1; 4 
Local maximum at x  1 with y  2(1)3  6(1)  4
 maximum turning point at (  1 ; 4)

Local minimum at x  1 with y  2(1)3  6(1)  4

 minimum turning point at (1 ;  4)
 Tutorial 2 Problem 2:
Suggested Solution
f ( x)  2 x 3  6 x  f   x   6 x 2  6
(2) For the inflection point we find f ( x):
 f ( x)  12 x

Possible inflection point where f   x   0 :

 f ( x)  12 x  0 at x  0

Only an inflection point if there is a change in concavity:

 We discuss the signs of f   x  around x  0 :
f   x  :  0 
0
 Curve change from concave down to concave up around x  0.
Thus  0; f  0     0; 0  is the inflection point.
 Unit 3

Sketching
CAPS
Cubic Functions Mathematics
Series
 Sketching Cubic Functions
In order to sketch a cubic function, one should:
STEP 1: Find intercepts of the curve and the axes
STEP 2 : Determine the sign of the function over
the domain. (This determine the position of the curve)
STEP 3 : Find the turning point(s) of the function
STEP 4 : Find the inflection point(s) of the function

STEP 5 : Sketch the curve of the function

Sketching cubic functions defined by y  ax3  c
Example: Sketch the function defined by y  f ( x)  x3  8.
Step 1: y  intercept at  0;8
x  intercept(s) where x3  8  0 or when x  3 8=  2. Hence at  2;0 .

Step 2: f  x   0 when x  2 (Curve lies above x  axis)

f  x :  0 
f  x   0 when x  2 (Curve lies below x  axis) 2
Step 3: f   x   3x 2  0  x  0 Step 5: Sketch

If x  0 then f   x   0 and if x  0 then f   x   0

 There is no turning point(s)
Step 4: f   x   6 x  0  x  0
If x  0 then f   x   0 and if x  0 then f   x   0
  0; f  0     0;8  is the point of inflection.
Sketching cubic functions defined by y  ax  bx 3 2

Example: Sketch function defined by y  f ( x)  x3  3x 2

y  intercept: Where y  f (0)  (0)3  3(0) 2  0
x  intercepts: Where x 3  3x 2  0  x 2  x  3  0  x  0 (equal) or x  3

Signs of f  x  :  0  0 
0 3
Signs of f   x  : f ( x)  3x 2  6 x  3x( x  2) f  x :  0  0 
f ( x )  0  x  0 or x2
0 2
  0; f  0     0;0  is a maximum turning point
and  2; f  2     2; 4  is a minimum turning point.

Signs of f   x  : f ( x)  6 x  6  6( x  1)
f ( x)  0  x  1
f   x  :  0 
1
 1; f 1   1; 2  is an inflection point.  2; 4
Sketching cubic functions defined by y  ax3  bx 2  cx
Example: Sketch function defined by y  f ( x)  2 x3  3 x 2  12 x
y  intercept: Where y  f (0)  0
3  105
x  intercepts: Where x  2 x 2  3x  12   0  x  0 or x   x  0 or x  3,3 or x  1,8
4

Signs of f  x  :  0  0  0 
1,8 0 3, 3 f  x :  0  0 
Signs of f   x  : f ( x)  6 x 2  6 x  12  6( x  2)  x  1 1 2
f ( x)  0  x  2 or x  1
  1; f  1    1;7  is a maximum turning point
and  2; f  2     2; 20  is a minimum turning point.
Signs of f   x  : f ( x)  12 x  6  6(2 x  1)
1
f ( x)  0  x 
2
f   x  :  0 
0, 5
  0,5; f  0,5    0,5; 6,5  is an inflection point.
Sketching cubic functions defined by y  ax3  bx 2  cx  d
Example: Sketch function defined by y  f ( x)  x3  6 x 2  9 x  4
y  intercept: Where y  f (0)  4
x  intercepts: Where  x  1  x 2  5 x  4    x  1  x  4   0  x  1 or x  4
2

Signs of f  x  :  0  0 
1 4 f  x :  0  0 
Signs of f   x  : f ( x)  3x 2  12 x  9  3( x  1)  x  3 1 3
f ( x)  0  x  1 or x 3
 1; f 1   1;0  is a maximum turning point
and  3; f  3    3; 4  is a minimum turning point.

Signs of f   x  : f ( x)  6 x  12  6( x  2)
f ( x)  0  x  2

f   x  :  0 
2
 2; f  2     2; 2  is an inflection point.
Tutorial 3: Sketching Cubic Functions
For each of the functions, calculate the intercepts
with the axes, the signs of the function, the turning
points and point of inflection. Then draw a sketch
graph of the function:
PAUSE
• Do Tutorial 3
1. f ( x)  x  2 x  4 x  8
3 2
• Then View Solutions

2. g ( x )  (  x  1)( x  3)( x  7)

3. h( x)  2 x 3  x 2  13 x  6
Tutorial 3 Problem 1: Suggested Solutions
Sketch function defined by y  f ( x )  x 3  2 x 2  4 x  8
y  intercept: Where y  f (0)  8
x  intercepts: Where x 2  x  2   4  x  2    x  2   x 2  4    x  2   x  2  0
2

 x  2 (Equal) or x  2

Signs of f  x  :  0  0 
2 2 f  x :  0  0 
Signs of f   x  : f ( x)  3x 2  4 x  4  (3x  2)  x  2  2 2
2 3
f ( x)  0  x  or x  2
3
  2; f  2     2;0  is a maximum turning point
2  2   2 13 
and  ; f      ; 9  is a minimum turning point.
3  3   3 27 
Signs of f   x  : f ( x)  6 x  4  2(3x  2)
2
f ( x )  0  x  
3 f   x  : 0 
2
 2  2   2 20  
  ; f        ; 4  is an inflection point. 3
 3  3   3 27 
Tutorial 3 Problem 2 : Suggested Solutions
Sketch function defined by y  g ( x)    x  1 x  3 x  7 
y  intercept: Where y  g (0)  1 3 7   21
x  intercepts: Where   x  1 x  3 x  7   0  x  1 or x  3 or x  7

Signs of f  x  :  0  0 0 
7 1 3 g  x  :  0  0 
Signs of g   x  : g  x    x 3  3 x 2  25 x  21  g ( x)  3 x 2  6 x  25 4,1 2,1
6  336
g ( x)  0  x   x  4,1 or x  2,1
6
 Max TP at approx.  2,1 ; 9 
and Min TP at approx.  4,1 ;  105 
Signs of g   x  : g ( x)  6 x  6  6( x  1)
g ( x)  0  x  1
g   x  : 0 
 IP at  1; g  1    1; 48
1
Tutorial 3 Problem 3 : Suggested Solutions
Sketch function defined by y  h( x)  2 x 3  x 2  13x  6
y  intercept: Where y  h(0)  6
1
x  intercepts: Where  x  2  2 x  1 x  3  0  x  2 or x   or x  3
2

Signs of h  x  :  0  0 0 
2 0,5 3 h  x  :  0  0 
Signs of h  x  : h  x   6 x 2  2 x  13 1,3 1, 6
2  316
h( x)  0  x   x  1, 6 or x  1,3
12
 Max TP at approx.  1, 3 ; 4,8 
and Min TP at approx. 1,6 ;  21,1
Signs of h  x  : h( x)  12 x  2  2(6 x  1)
1
h( x)  0  x 
6
 1  1   1 5  h  x  :  0 
 IP at  ; h      ; 8 
 6  6   6 27  1
6
 Unit 4

Deductions
CAPS
from given Mathematics
Cubic Graphs Series
 Interpretations of Cubic Graphs
In this section we are going to determine equations of cubic
functions as well as some interpretations from given graphs.
We will approach this section by using some examples.
NOTE :
The equation of a cubic function is given by
y  ax3  bx 2  cx  d or y  a( x  p)( x  q)( x  r )
If a  0 the shape is : If a  0 the shape is :

OR
OR
 Deductions from Graphs: Example 1
EXAMPLE 1 :
The diagram below shows the sketch graph of f ( x)  x3  ax 2  11x  30.
A(  1; 36) and B are the turning points and C is an inflection point of f .
A•

•C

•B
Determine:
a) the value of a.
b) the coordinates of B
c) the coordinates of C
d) the values of k for which f  x  k will have three roots?
e) the coordinates of the turning points of g if g ( x )  f ( x  2).
 Solution 1 (a)
a) /
find f ( x ) f ( x)  x3  ax 2  11x  30.
f ( x )  3 x  2ax  11
/ 2

But A is a turning point at x  1

 f / ( 1)  0
 3( 1)2  2a( 1)  11  0
  2a  8 f
 a  4
 Solution 1 (b)
b) using a  4 we have
f ( x )  3 x  8 x  11
/ 2 f ( x)  x3  4 x 2  11x  30.

f ( x)  0
/
gives
f
 3 x  8 x  11  0
2

 (3 x  11)( x  1)  0
 x 11
3
or x  1
 y  ( )  4( )  11( 11
11 3
3
11 2
3 3
)  30   14 22
27

 B ( 11
3
;  14 22
27
)
 Solution 1 (c)
c) Find f ( x ) // f ( x)  x3  4 x 2  11x  30.

f ( x)  6 x  8
//

 f ( x)  6 x  8  0
//
f
x 4
3

 y  ( )  4( )  11( 34 )  30
4 3
3
4 2
3

 10 16
27

 The point C( 34 ; 10 16
27
)
 Solution 1 (d)
 11 22 
A  1;36  and B  ; 14
27 
d)
 3
22
f ( x )  k will have 2 roots when k  36 or k  14
27
A  1;36 
• y  k  36
y  k  36

22
y  k  14
•22 
27
22
 11 y  k  14
B ; 14
27 
27
 3
22
 f ( x)  k will have 3 roots when  14  k  36.
27
 Solution 1 (e)
e) Turning points of g ( x )  f ( x  2)
translation of 2 units to the right:
 ( 1  2 ;36) and ( 11
3
 2 ;  14 22
27
)
 (1;36) and ( 173 ;  14 27
22
)
f ( x)  x3  4 x 2  11x  30.

f
 Problem 2
EXAMPLE 2 :
The diagram below shows the sketch graph of
g ( x )  x 3  bx 2  9 x  4. P and Q are the turning
points and R( 2 ;  2) is an inflection point of g.
y

P x

R(2 ;  2)
g
Q

Determine:
a) the value of b.
b) the coordinates of Q
c) the coordinates of the inflection point of h if h( x )   g ( x ).
 Solution 2 (a)
a) Find g / / ( x ) :
g ( x )  x 3  bx 2  9 x  4  g / ( x )  3 x 2  2bx  9
 g / / ( x )  6 x  2b

But R is an inflection point at x  2

 g (2)  0
//
y

 6(2)  2b  0
P

 2b  12
x

g R(2 ;  2)

 b  6 Q
 Solution 2 (b), (c)
b) using b  6 we have g / ( x )  3 x 2  12 x  9
g / ( x)  0 gives y

g
 3( x  4 x  3)  0
2
P x

 3( x  1)( x  3)  0 R(2 ;  2)

 x  1 or x3 Q

 y  (3)3  6(3)2  9(3)  4  4

 Q (3 ;  4) h  x  g  x
c) Inflection point of h is the reflection in
the x-axis of the inflection point of g
i.e. (2 ;  2)  (2 ; 2)
 TUTORIAL 4: Part 1
Problem 1:
The diagram below shows the sketch graph of the cubic function g ( x)
with roots at x  3 ; x  1 and x  0,5.
The y -intercept is at (0 ;  3).

y PAUSE
g
• Do Tutorial 4: Part 1
• Then View Solutions
x

3 1 0,5
(0, 3)

a) Find the equation of the cubic function ax3  bx 2  cx  d .

b) Determine the inflection point of the function.
 Tutorial 4 Problem 1(a):
Suggested Solution
PROBLEM 1:
a) Form of the cubic equation g( x)  a( x  p )( x  q )( x  r )
 g ( x )  a( x  0,5)( x  1)( x  3)
but (0 ;  3) is the y -intercept
 a(0  0,5)(0  1)(0  3)  3
  1,5a  3
 a2

 g ( x )  2( x  0,5)( x  1)( x  3)  (2 x  1)( x 2  4 x  3)

 2 x3  7 x 2  2 x  3
 Tutorial 4 Problem 1(b):
Suggested Solution
g ( x )  2 x3  7 x 2  2 x  3

b) g ( x )  6 x  14 x  2
/ 2

 g / / ( x )  12 x  14
 12 x  14  0
 x   76
 y  2(  )  7(  )  2(  76 )  3  1 541
7 3
6
7 2
6

 inflection point  6 54 
 7
; 1 1
 TUTORIAL 4: Part 2
Problem 2 :
The diagram below shows the sketch graph of the cubic function
f ( x)  x3  sx2  tx  2
The A(1 ; 2) and B are turning points with C(2 ; 0) the inflection point of f .

Pause
• Do Tutorial 4: Part 2
• Then View Solutions

a) Find the values of s and t.

b) Determine the coordinates of point B.
c) Determine inflection point and
turning points of h if h( x )  2 f ( x ).
 Tutorial 4 Problem 2:
Suggested Solutions
PROBLEM 2 : b) f / ( x )  3 x 2  12 x  9  3( x 2  4 x  3)
a) f ( x )  x 3  sx 2  tx  2  f / ( x )  3( x  1)( x  3)  0
 f / ( x )  3 x 2  2 sx  t  x  1 or x3
 f / / ( x)  6 x  2s  y  (3)3  6(3)2  9(3)  2  2
but (2 ; 0) is the inflection point  B (3 ;  2)
 f / / (2)  6(2)  2 s  0
 s  6 c) vertical stretching by factor 2
Also (1; 2) is a turning point. x value remains the same
y value multiplied by 2
 f / (1)  3(1)2  2( 6)(1)  t  0
Inflection point of h is (2 ; 2  0)  (2 ; 0)
 t 9
Max TP at 1;-2  and Min TP at  3;-4 
a) Find s and t
b) Coordinates of point B?
c) IP and TP's of h if h( x )  2 f ( x )
 End of the Topic Slides on
Cubic Functions

REMEMBER!
• Consult text-books and past exam papers and memos
for additional examples.
• Attempt as many as possible other similar examples on
your own.
• Compare your methods with those that were discussed
in these Topic slides.
• Repeat this procedure until you are confident.

• Do not forget: Practice makes perfect!