Episode 3 — Differential Calculus

Cubic Functions

Learners will be able to:

• Identify the general form of a cubic function and explain its characteristics. • Sketch a cubic function by determining its shape, x-intercepts, y-intercept, and turning points. • Find the x and y intercepts of a cubic function using algebraic methods. • Determine the stationary points (local maximum or minimum) of a cubic function using the first derivative. • Calculate the second derivative to determine concavity and identify points of inflection. • Use the second derivative to sketch a cubic function and explain its shape.