2
QuizMultiple Choice

Using Technology to Help Analyze a Function

Question 2 • CUSD Math 01 A (5.0)

Graph the function y = x3 + 3x2 – x – 3. Which lists all of the turning points of the graph rounded to the nearest whole number?

Answer
A
(–3, 0) and (1, 0)
B
(–2, 3) and (0, –3)
C
(–2, 3), (–1, 0), and (0, –3)
D
(–3, 0), (–1, 0), and (1,0)

Explanation

Turning points occur where the derivative is zero. For y = x³ + 3x² − x − 3, the derivative is 3x² + 6x − 1; solving 3x² + 6x − 1 = 0 gives x-values about −2.15 and 0.15. Substituting these into the original function gives y-values about 3.08 and −3.08, so the rounded turning points are (−2, 3) and (0, −3), listed in choice B.

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