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Mathematical Methods

SAT 1 – Differential Calculus Test

No calculators and handwritten notes are allowed on this exam

Examination information

Reading time

ˆ 10 minutes

ˆ You may make notes on scribbling paper

Writing time

ˆ 60 minutes

ˆ State all answers correct to three decimal places, unless otherwise instructed

ˆ Use black or blue pen

ˆ You may use a sharp dark pencil for diagrams

Total marks: 50

Be sure you have a complete exam, for no credit can be given for work that is not done.
Show your work; little or no credit will be given for unsupported answers. Finally, before
you start to work a problem, be sure that you understand what is being asked and that you
are following instructions.
SACE College Vietnam – Sao Mai Building, 19 Le Van Luong, Hanoi
 √
1. (11 marks) Let f (x) = x + 3.
1
(a) Use first principles to show that f ′ (1) = (4 marks)
4

(b) Write an equation of tangent to y = f (x) at x = 1. (3 marks)

(c) Recall that the normal line to y = f (x) at x = a is the line passing (a, f (a)) and
perpendicular to the tangent at x = a.
i. Find slope of the normal line to y = f (x) at x = 1. (2 marks)

ii. Write an equation of the normal to the graph of y = f (x) at x = 1.(2 marks)
2. (9 marks) Find the derivative of the following functions. There is no need to simplify
your answers.
√ 1
(a) f (x) = x+ 3 (3 marks)
x

(b) f (x) = (2x − 1)4 (x2 + 3x + 4) (3 marks)

x+1
(c) f (x) = (3 marks)
x2 −x+5
3. (12 marks) Consider the function f (x) = x4 − 4x2 + 8.

(a) Find and classify all turning points and inflection points. (4 marks)
(b) Find intervals where the function is increasing or decreasing, and intervals where
the function is concave up or down. (4 marks)
(c) Sketch the function showing the features you have found. (4 marks)
4. (18 marks) Consider the function f (x) for x > −3. The graph of y = f (x) is shown in
the figure below. The point (0, 0) is the function’s stationary inflection. The function
has two vertical asymptotes with equations x = ±3.

(a) Which one of the following statements is true? Round the correct statement, and
justify your answer. (3 marks)

f ′ (−2)f ′′ (−2) < 0 f ′ (−2)f ′′ (−2) = 0 f ′ (−2)f ′′ (−2) > 0

Justification:

(b) Which one of the following statements is true? Round the correct statement, and
justify your answer. (3 marks)

f ′ (0)f ′′ (0) < 0 f ′ (0)f ′′ (0) = 0 f ′ (0)f ′′ (0) > 0

Justification:
(c) Which one of the following statements is true? Round the correct statement, and
justify your answer. (3 marks)

f ′ (2)f ′′ (2) < 0 f ′ (2)f ′′ (2) = 0 f ′ (2)f ′′ (2) > 0

Justification:

(d) Draw the sign diagram for f ′ (x). (3 marks)

(e) Draw the sign diagram for f ′′ (x). (3 marks)

(f) Sketch a possible graph of y = f ′ (x) for x > −3. (3 marks)