Chapter 4: Problem 38
Find constants \(a\) and \(b\) in the function \(f(x)=a x e^{b x}\) such that \(f\left(\frac{1}{3}\right)=1\) and the function has a local maximum at \(x=\frac{1}{3}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(a = 3e, b = -3\)
Step by step solution
01
Understand the function
We are given the function \(f(x) = a x e^{b x}\) and need to find the constants \(a\) and \(b\) so that it satisfies the conditions: 1) \( f\left(\frac{1}{3}\right) = 1\) and 2) the function has a local maximum at \(x = \frac{1}{3}\).
02
Apply given function value condition
Substitute \(x = \frac{1}{3}\) into the function: \(f\left(\frac{1}{3}\right) = a \cdot \frac{1}{3} \cdot e^{b \cdot \frac{1}{3}} = 1\). Solve for \(a\) in terms of \(b\): \(a \cdot \frac{1}{3} \cdot e^{\frac{b}{3}} = 1\), leading to \(a = \frac{3}{e^{\frac{b}{3}}}\).
03
Find the derivative to locate critical points
The derivative of \(f(x) = a x e^{b x}\) is found using the product and chain rules: \(f'(x) = a e^{b x} + a x b e^{b x}\). Factor out common terms: \(f'(x) = a e^{b x}(1 + bx)\).
04
Set the derivative to zero at local maximum
Set \(f'(x) = 0\) to find critical points: \(a e^{b x}(1 + bx) = 0\). Since \(a e^{b x} eq 0\), we have \(1 + bx = 0\). Substituting \(x = \frac{1}{3}\) implies \(1 + \frac{b}{3} = 0\) leading to \(b = -3\).
05
Determine constant \(a\)
Substitute \(b = -3\) back into the equation for \(a\): \(a = \frac{3}{e^{\frac{-3}{3}}} = 3 e\).
06
Verify the solution
Substitute \(a = 3e\) and \(b = -3\) back into the original function equation and check the conditions: 1. \(f\left(\frac{1}{3}\right) = 3e \cdot \frac{1}{3} \cdot e^{-1} = 1\), which holds true.2. Check second derivative \(f''(x)\) to confirm local maximum at \(x = \frac{1}{3}\). We find \(f''\left(\frac{1}{3}\right) < 0\), confirming a local maximum.
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.
Local Maximum
Understanding "local maximum" is an essential part of solving calculus problems. A local maximum is a point on a function's graph where the value of the function is greater than all other nearby points.
In simple terms, think of it as the "peak" in its immediate neighborhood.
To determine if a function has a local maximum at a certain point, we typically utilize the derivative of the function. If the derivative changes sign from positive to negative at a point, the function has a local maximum at that point.
That means, the curve is concave down, verifying that it is at the "top" of a hill.
In simple terms, think of it as the "peak" in its immediate neighborhood.
To determine if a function has a local maximum at a certain point, we typically utilize the derivative of the function. If the derivative changes sign from positive to negative at a point, the function has a local maximum at that point.
- This indicates a rise to the high point and then a fall afterward.
That means, the curve is concave down, verifying that it is at the "top" of a hill.
Derivative
The derivative is a fundamental concept in calculus. It provides the rate at which a function is changing at any given point.
For example, if you think of the function as a moving car, the derivative at any point tells you the speed of the car right then.
- It helps understand how a function behaves and changes over its domain.
- This change in behavior can help locate critical points like local maximums or minimums.
Calculus Problem Solving
Solving calculus problems involves a combination of techniques and understanding multiple concepts. First, understanding the problem requirements: what values are needed, and what conditions the function should meet.
In our example, we are asked to find the constants for the function such that it has a specific function value at a point and a local maximum at the same point. This involves:
It involves systematically applying calculus principles to derive the solution.
- Substituting known values into the function to create equations.
- Using derivatives to find critical points where changes in behavior occur.
- Applying the second derivative test to confirm the nature of these critical points.
It involves systematically applying calculus principles to derive the solution.