Math 31 Sign Diagrams Class Workbook

Instructions: Use algebraic / reasoning methods where possible (or your graphing calc!) to sketch each indicated graph. Then, follow the instructions give. The first is already done.

1.

(a) Sketch the line f ( x ) = 6x 3 , label the x and y intercepts. (b) On the number line below, label the x-intercept with a solid dot ( ). This is a called a critical value of the function.
Graph is below -axis Graph is above -axis

(c) Your number line above has been split into two intervals by the critical value. Indicate the sign, pos (+) or neg (-) for each of the two intervals.

2.

(a) Sketch the curve f (x ) = x 2 x 6 , label the x and y intercepts. (b) On the number line below, label each x-intercept with a solid dot ( ).

(c) Your number line above has been split into three intervals by the critical value. Indicate the sign, pos (+) or neg (-) for each of the two intervals.

3.

(a) Sketch the curve f ( x ) = x (x + 2)(x 3) , label the x and y intercepts. (b) On the number line below, label the x-intercepts with a solid dot ( ).

(c) Your number line above has been split into four intervals by the critical value. Indicate the sign, pos (+) or neg (-) for each of the two intervals.

4.

(a) Sketch the curve f (x ) = x 2 , label the x and y intercepts. (b) On the number line below, label the x-intercept with a solid dot ( ).

(c) Your number line above has been split into two intervals by the critical value. Indicate the sign, pos (+) or neg (-) for each of the two intervals.

5.

(a) Sketch the curve f ( x ) =

2x , label the x and y intercepts. x 3

(b) On the number line below, label the x-intercept with a solid dot ( ) and the undefined value with a hollow dot (o).

(c) Your number line above has been split into intervals by the critical value. Indicate the sign, pos (+) or neg (-) for each of the two intervals.

6.

(a) Sketch the curve

, label the x and y intercepts. (b) On the number line below, label the x-intercept with a solid dot ( ) and the undefined value with a hollow dot (o).

(c) Your number line above has been split into intervals by the critical value. Indicate the sign, pos (+) or neg (-) for each of the two intervals.

The SIGN DIAGRAM of a function is used to indicate:

7. The x-values for which the functions is equal to 0 ( ) , or is undefined (o). These are called the critical values. The intervals where the function is positive (+) or negative (-). Construct a sign diagram for each function: (a) (b)

STEPS to constructing a SIGN DIAGRAM

Find the critical values of the function. (Values of x that make the function zero or undefined) This may involve factoring. Plot the critical values on a number line, solid dot ( ) for zeros, and hollow dots (o) for restricted values. Determine the sign (+) or (-) for the furthest left interval, that is, for large x. Proceed leftward alternating signs at all* critical values. *Alternate signs UNLESS the factor that provides the critical value has an even multiplicity. In that case, the curve bounces on the x-axis / do NOT change sign. 8. Construct a sign diagram for each function:

(a) y = x 3 7 x 6

When x is large (more than 3) first factor, (x-3) is positive

Second factor (x+1) As is final factor, (x+2) is also positive SO, pos times a pos times a pos isPOSITIVE!

(b) f (x ) =

x 2 + 2x 15 x 1

All three factors are positive when x is larger than 3

(c) f (x ) =

x 2 + 2x 15 x 3

(d) f ( x ) =

(1 x )(x + 2) 4 (x 5)3

(e) f (x ) =

(2 x ) 2 x 2 25

(f) y = (3 x ) 2 (x + 1)6 (x + 3)5

9. (a)

Given the graph of each function, construct a sign diagram: (b) (c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

Using Sign Diagrams to Solve Inequalities

Step Step Sept 1. Ensure that the inequality expression is set to 0. Construct a Sign Diagram for the expression. Use the signs to determine the solution interval. Express in both interval notation and on a number line.

2.

or

3.

x2 x 6 0

4. x (x 3)(x + 1)2 < 0

5. x 3 + 2x 2 10 x 0

6. (2 x )(x 3)3 ( x + 1)2 < 0

7.

x +2 0 (x 3)2

8.

2x 10 >0 x 3

9.

x 2 x 12 0 x

10.

x 2 x 12 <0 x