Chapter 14: Problem 109
Which of the following is not true? The function \(f(x)=x^{2}+\frac{\lambda}{x}\) has a (A) minimum at \(x=2\) if \(\lambda=16\) (B) maximum at \(x=2\) if \(\lambda=16\) (C) maximum for no real value of \(\lambda\) (D) point of inflexion at \(x=1\) if \(\lambda=-1\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function does not have a maximum at \( x=2 \) if \( \lambda=16 \) (Option B is not true).
Step by step solution
01
Find the First Derivative
The given function is \( f(x) = x^2 + \frac{\lambda}{x} \). To find the critical points, we need its first derivative. Use the differentiation rules: the derivative of \( x^n \) is \( nx^{n-1} \), and the derivative of \( \frac{a}{x} \) is \( -\frac{a}{x^2} \). The first derivative, \( f'(x) \), is:\[ f'(x) = 2x - \frac{\lambda}{x^2} \]
02
Evaluate Critical Points
Set the first derivative to zero to find critical points:\[ 2x - \frac{\lambda}{x^2} = 0 \]Rearrange to find \( \lambda \) in terms of \( x \):\[ 2x^3 = \lambda \]Substitute \( x = 2 \) into the equation:\[ \lambda = 2(2)^3 = 16 \]So, the function has a critical point at \( x=2 \) when \( \lambda = 16 \).
03
Determine Nature of Critical Points
To determine if the function has a minimum or maximum at the critical point, we need the second derivative. Differentiate \( f'(x) \):\[ f''(x) = \frac{d}{dx}\left(2x - \frac{\lambda}{x^2}\right) = 2 + \frac{2\lambda}{x^3} \]Substitute \( x = 2 \) and \( \lambda = 16 \):\[ f''(2) = 2 + \frac{2(16)}{8} = 6 > 0 \]Since \( f''(2) > 0 \), the function has a minimum at \( x=2 \) when \( \lambda = 16 \), not a maximum.
04
Check for Maximum for Any \( \lambda \)
The presence of a maximum at a critical point requires that the second derivative \( f''(x) \) is negative. The expression \( f''(x) = 2 + \frac{2\lambda}{x^3} \) can be zero or positive but cannot be negative for any real \( \lambda \) at any \( x \), hence never a maximum.
05
Check for Point of Inflexion
For a point of inflexion, the second derivative should change sign at a point, which means you need to evaluate the third derivative:\[ f'''(x) = \frac{d}{dx} \left(2 + \frac{2\lambda}{x^3}\right) = -\frac{6\lambda}{x^4} \]If \( \lambda = -1 \) and \( x=1 \):\[ f'''(1) = -\frac{6(-1)}{1^4} = 6 eq 0 \]Thus, no inflection point at \( x=1 \) for \( \lambda = -1 \).
06
Conclusion
Based on the calculations:- The function has a minimum, not a maximum, at \( x=2 \) if \( \lambda=16 \).- There is no maximum for any real \( \lambda \).- No point of inflexion for \( \lambda=-1 \) at \( x=1 \).Therefore, the statement that the function has a maximum at \( x=2 \) if \( \lambda=16 \) is not true.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Critical Points
In calculus, finding the critical points of a function is a key step in understanding its behavior. A critical point occurs where the first derivative of a function is equal to zero or is undefined. In the problem's context, we are given the function:
- \( f(x) = x^2 + \frac{\lambda}{x} \)
- \( f'(x) = 2x - \frac{\lambda}{x^2} \)
- \( 2x - \frac{\lambda}{x^2} = 0 \)
- \( 2x^3 = \lambda \)
Second Derivative Test
Once critical points are located, it's crucial to determine their nature—whether they represent a maximum, minimum, or something else. This is where the Second Derivative Test comes into play.The second derivative of a function helps reveal the concavity of the graph:
- \( f''(x) = \frac{d}{dx} \left(2x - \frac{\lambda}{x^2} \right) = 2 + \frac{2\lambda}{x^3} \)
- \( f''(2) = 2 + \frac{2(16)}{8} = 6 \)
Inflection Point
An inflection point on a graph is where the concavity changes direction. To find potential inflection points, we need to examine the function's second and third derivatives.In this particular problem, for \( \lambda = -1 \) and \( x=1 \), first ensure the second derivative is zero, which may suggest an inflection point. However, we also need the third derivative to confirm a change in concavity:
- \( f'''(x) = \frac{d}{dx} \left(2 + \frac{2\lambda}{x^3} \right) = -\frac{6\lambda}{x^4} \)
- \( f'''(1) = -\frac{6(-1)}{1^4} = 6 \)