Chapter 27: Problem 41
Solve the given problems by finding the appropriate derivative. The speed \(s\) of signaling by use of a certain communications cable is directly proportional to \(x^{2} \ln x^{-1},\) where \(x\) is the ratio of the radius of the core of the cable to the thickness of the surrounding insulation. For what value of \(x\) is \(s\) a maximum?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Problem
Set up the Function
Differentiate the Function
Simplify the Derivative
Find Critical Points
Solve for \( x \)
Verify Maximum
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Critical Points
- We derived \(-2x \ln{x} - x = 0\) from the prime function.
- We factor the equation, revealing \(x(-2 \ln{x} - 1) = 0\).
- This process is essential to determine potential values of \(x\) where the function's behavior changes.
Maximum Value
- We solve \(-2 \ln{x} - 1 = 0\) finding the solution \(\ln{x} = -\frac{1}{2}\).
- By exponentiating, we find \(x = e^{-\frac{1}{2}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{e}}\).
- To check if this corresponds to a maximum value, we observe changes in the slope around the critical point, noting if the derivative \(f'(x)\) transitions from positive to negative.
Product Rule
- In our problem, \(u = x^2\) and \(v = \ln{x^{-1}}\), simplifies to \(-\ln{x}\).
- Then, we calculated derivatives: \(u' = 2x\) and \(v' = -\frac{1}{x}\).
- The product rule is applied to formulate \(f'(x) = u'v + uv' = 2x(-\ln{x}) + x^2(-\frac{1}{x})\).
Natural Logarithm
- The function involves \(\ln{x^{-1}}\), simplifying to \(-\ln{x}\).
- Natural logarithms transform multiplicative processes into additive ones, useful for differentiation.
- Solving \(-2 \ln{x} - 1 = 0\), we use properties of logarithms to find \(x\): write \(\ln{x} = -\frac{1}{2}\) and solve \(x = e^{-\frac{1}{2}}\).