Step by step
The question
Question: sketch the graph of y = −x³ + 3x² − 4.
1 Where it crosses the axes
Where it crosses the y-axis: put x = 0.
We get y = −4.
Where it crosses the x-axis: try small numbers.
x = −1 gives 0.
Factor out x + 1, and solve what is left: x = −1, or 2.
2 Turning points
The slope: f′(x) = −3x² + 6x, by the power rule.
Turning points: where the slope is 0.
Every term has −3x: take it out.
A product is 0 only when one of its parts is 0.
So x = 0 or x = 2.
To tell max from min: f″(x) = −6x + 6.
f″(0) is positive: a cup, a minimum.
Its y is −4.
f″(2) is negative: a cap, a maximum.
Its y is 0.
So: a minimum at (0, −4), and a maximum at (2, 0).
3 Inflection points
The bending changes where f″ is 0.
So x = 1.
Its y is −2.
Careful!
Turning points are where f′ is 0.
The inflection point is where f″ is 0.
They are different points.
4 The two ends
Far out, the x³ term wins.
On the right the graph goes down for ever.
On the left it goes up.
5 Draw the graph
Now plot the key points.
Where it crosses the x-axis.
The minimum.
The maximum.
The inflection point.
Join them with a smooth curve: down to the min, up to the max, then down for ever.
6 Check
Let's check one more point: x = 3 gives y = −4.
It sits on our curve.
Right!
Let's look back.
First: where it crosses the axes.
Then: turning points.
Then: inflection points.
Then: the two ends.
Then: draw the graph.
Last: check.