Chapter 3: Problem 1
1-20. Find (without using a calculator) the absolute extreme values of each function on the given interval. $$ f(x)=x^{3}-6 x^{2}+9 x+8 \text { on }[-1,2] $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The absolute maximum is 12 and the minimum is -8.
Step by step solution
01
Find the critical points
To find critical points, we first need to differentiate the function \( f(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 + 9x + 8 \). The derivative is \( f'(x) = 3x^2 - 12x + 9 \). We set \( f'(x) = 0 \) to find critical points: \[ 3x^2 - 12x + 9 = 0 \]. Divide the entire equation by 3 to simplify:\[ x^2 - 4x + 3 = 0 \]. Factor the quadratic equation:\[ (x-1)(x-3) = 0 \], giving the critical points \( x = 1 \) and \( x = 3 \).
02
Evaluate the endpoints and critical points
Evaluate the function \( f(x) \) at the endpoints and the critical points. - At \( x = -1 \), \( f(-1) = (-1)^3 - 6(-1)^2 + 9(-1) + 8 = -1 - 6 - 9 + 8 = -8 \).- At the critical point \( x = 1 \), \( f(1) = 1^3 - 6(1)^2 + 9(1) + 8 = 1 - 6 + 9 + 8 = 12 \).- At the endpoint \( x = 2 \), \( f(2) = 2^3 - 6(2)^2 + 9(2) + 8 = 8 - 24 + 18 + 8 = 10 \).
03
Identify the absolute extreme values
After evaluating, we have the following values:- \( f(-1) = -8 \)- \( f(1) = 12 \)- \( f(2) = 10 \)The absolute minimum value is \(-8\) and the absolute maximum value is \(12\) on the interval \([-1, 2]\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Critical Points
Critical points are a fundamental concept in calculus, representing points where the derivative of a function is zero or undefined. These points are crucial because they often indicate locations where a function's slope changes, usually corresponding to potential minimum or maximum values. To find the critical points of a function, follow these steps:
- First, take the derivative of the function. This involves applying rules of differentiation to determine the function's rate of change at any given point.
- Next, solve the equation where the derivative is set to zero. For example, if the derivative is given by \(f'(x)\), set \(f'(x) = 0\) and solve for \(x\).
- Critical points can also occur where the derivative is undefined, but for most polynomial functions, you will only need to solve for where it equals zero.
Derivative
The derivative of a function essentially gives us the slope of the tangent line to the function's curve at any given point. It’s a measure of how the function is changing at that specific point, and it forms the backbone of calculus. Here's how derivatives function in practice:
- Derivatives are used to determine critical points, as they help show where the function's rate of change is zero.
- Models physical concepts such as velocity, where it provides the rate of change of position.
Extreme Values
Extreme values refer to the highest and lowest points in a given range of a function. Understanding extreme values is crucial as they indicate maxima and minima, which are essential in various real-world problems such as optimization.Here's how you identify them:
- Firstly, find the critical points by setting the derivative of the function to zero and solving for \(x\).
- Next, evaluate the original function at these critical points, as well as the endpoints of the interval. This helps determine the absolute extreme values.
- Compare these values to see which is the highest (maximum) and which is the lowest (minimum).