Chapter 4: Problem 18
Find the exact global maximum and minimum values of the function. The domain is all real numbers unless otherwise specified. $$f(t)=\frac{t}{1+t^{2}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The global maximum is \( \frac{1}{2} \) at \( t=1 \) and the global minimum is \( \frac{-1}{2} \) at \( t=-1 \).
Step by step solution
01
Find the derivative
The first step is to find the derivative of the function to determine the critical points. Given the function \( f(t) = \frac{t}{1+t^2} \), we will use the quotient rule for differentiation which states that if \( f(t) = \frac{u}{v} \), then \( f'(t) = \frac{v u' - u v'}{v^2} \). Here, \( u = t \) and \( v = 1 + t^2 \). Thus, the derivatives are \( u'=1 \) and \( v'=2t \). The derivative is:\[ f'(t) = \frac{(1 + t^2)(1) - t(2t)}{(1+t^2)^2} = \frac{1 + t^2 - 2t^2}{(1+t^2)^2} = \frac{1 - t^2}{(1+t^2)^2}. \]
02
Find critical points
To find the critical points, solve \( f'(t) = 0 \). Setting the numerator of the derivative equal to zero gives \( 1 - t^2 = 0 \). Solving for \( t \), we get the critical points:\[1 = t^2 \t = \pm 1.\]
03
Evaluate function at critical points and limits
Evaluate \( f(t) \) at the critical points and examine the behavior as \( t \to \infty \) and \( t \to -\infty \).- At \( t = 1 \): \( f(1) = \frac{1}{1+1^2} = \frac{1}{2} \).- At \( t = -1 \): \( f(-1) = \frac{-1}{1+(-1)^2} = \frac{-1}{2} \).As \( t \to \infty \) or \( t \to -\infty \), the term \( \frac{t}{1+t^2} \) approaches \( 0 \). Therefore, the function bounds itself at zero.
04
Determine global maximum and minimum
From the evaluations, the maximum value at the critical points is \( \frac{1}{2} \) and the minimum value is \( \frac{-1}{2} \). Since the function values as \( t \to \infty \) or \( t \to -\infty \) are \( 0 \), and \( \frac{-1}{2} < 0 < \frac{1}{2} \), these are the global extrema.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Derivative
To understand the global extrema of a function, the first step is often to find its derivative. The derivative of a function gives us important information about the rate at which the function changes. For a function like \( f(t) = \frac{t}{1+t^2} \), finding the derivative involves calculus techniques.
- The derivative helps identify points where the function's slope is zero, these points are potential extrema (maximum or minimum).
- For a quotient of two functions, like our example, the quotient rule helps in differentiation.
Critical Points
Critical points are the values of \( t \) where the derivative of the function equals zero or where the derivative does not exist. These points are significant because they are candidates for local and global extrema.
- To find critical points for \( f(t) = \frac{t}{1+t^2} \), we locate where \( f'(t) = 0 \).
- Setting \( 1 - t^2 = 0 \) gives us the critical points \( t = \pm 1 \).
Quotient Rule
The quotient rule is a technique for differentiating functions that are divided by each other. When you have a function \( \frac{u}{v} \), the rule provides a structured way to find the derivative. It is essential because it handles the complexities intrinsic to the ratios of functions.
- It states: \( f'(t) = \frac{v u' - u v'}{v^2} \).
- This formula is key in finding derivatives where both the numerator and denominator are functions of \( t \).
Limits
Limits are crucial in defining the behavior of functions as a variable approaches a certain value or infinity. They help in understanding the end behavior of the function and are essential in determining global extrema by analyzing function behavior at infinity.
- For \( f(t) = \frac{t}{1+t^2} \), investigating the limits as \( t \to \infty \) and \( t \to -\infty \) reveals how the function behaves at these extremes.
- In this case, both limits approach 0, giving insight into the global bounds of the function.