Chapter 4: Problem 24
$$ \begin{array}{l}{\text { (a) Find the critical numbers of } f(x)=x^{4}(x-1)^{3} \text { . }} \\ {\text { (b) What does the Second Derivative Test tell you about the }} \\ {\text { behavior of } f \text { at these critical numbers? }} \\ {\text { (c) What does the First Derivative Test tell you? }}\end{array} $$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Find the first derivative
Find critical numbers
Find the second derivative
Second Derivative Test
First Derivative Test
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
First Derivative Test
- Find the critical numbers by setting the first derivative of the function equal to zero or identifying where it is undefined. In our example, with the function \(f(x) = x^4(x-1)^3\), the critical numbers were found to be \(x = 0\), \(x = \frac{4}{7}\), and \(x = 1\).
- Choose test points in intervals around each critical number. For example, if your critical point is \(x = \frac{4}{7}\), you might choose test values on either side, such as \(x < \frac{4}{7}\) and \(x > \frac{4}{7}\).
- Evaluate the first derivative, \(f'(x)\), at these test points. Determine whether the function changes from increasing to decreasing or vice versa as you pass through the critical numbers.
- If \(f'(x)\) changes from positive to negative, the critical number is a local maximum. If it changes from negative to positive, it indicates a local minimum. No sign change means the point may not be an extremum.
Second Derivative Test
- First, identify the critical numbers \(x = 0, \frac{4}{7}, \text{and } 1\) as mentioned in the problem.
- Calculate the second derivative \(f''(x)\). For our function, this involves differentiating \(f'(x) = x^3(x-1)^2(7x-4)\) again, which you can do using the product and chain rules. While simplification may be complex, focus on evaluating specific critical points.
- Evaluate \(f''(x)\) at your critical numbers.
- Interpret the results:
- If \(f''(x) > 0\), the function is concave up at that point, suggesting a local minimum.
- If \(f''(x) < 0\), the function is concave down, indicating a local maximum.
- If \(f''(x) = 0\), the test is inconclusive, and other methods, like the First Derivative Test, may be needed.
Polynomial Functions
- Polynomial functions are smooth and continuous. They do not have breaks or sharp corners, which makes calculation of derivatives straightforward.
- The degree of the polynomial is determined by the highest power of the variable. In our function, the degree is 7 (from \(x^4 \times x^3\)), suggesting potential for up to 6 turning points.
- Critical points are solutions to the equation \(f'(x) = 0\). Since polynomials are defined everywhere, the first derivative is also defined everywhere, simplifying the process of finding these points.
- By analyzing roots and behavior changes around critical points using derivatives, we understand the geometric nature of the polynomial.