How do you find the domain and range of f(x)=(x^4)-(4x^3)+3x^2?

1 Answer
Jul 18, 2017

Perhaps this question should be in the calculus section.

Domain-> color(white)(..)-oo < x < +oo

I have taken you to a point where you can finish off for the range.

Explanation:

Tony B

Input comes before you can get any output.

As a memory aid: d for domain comes before r for range so the link is:

input->d for domain
output->r for range

color(brown)("Determine the domain")

There are no denominators so no 'excluded' values

If you have a variable in the denominator and it has the 'ability' to 'turn' the denominator into 0 then we have a problem.

YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DIVIDE BY 0

Thus the expression/equation becomes 'undefined'.

ul("As no such condition exists") we may use any value we so wish for x such that -oo < x < +oo

color(white)()

color(brown)("Determine the range")

As the value of x becomes more and more positive then the influence of x^4 becomes more and more influential. Not only that, it is added to by the 3x^2 making it even greater in influence over -4x^3

Note that if x<0 then x^4>0 and x^2>0. Not only that but -4x^3 is also positive. Consequently for x<0 , y grows even faster.

lim_(x->+-oo) y = lim_(x->+-oo) (x^4-4x^3+3x^2)->k=+oo

Ok that has dealt with the maximums but what about the minimums.

To answer this I am choosing to use calculus.

Set y=x^4-4x^3+3x^2

Then dy/dx=4x^3-12x^2+6x

Set " "4x^3-12x^2+6x=0

x(4x^2-12x+6)=0

x=0 is one.

Solve 4x^2-12x+6=0 as a normal quadratic.

The values of y can be found by substitution.

I will let you finish this off.