Chapter 6: Problem 10
Find the absolute maximum and minimum values of \(f\) on the given closed interval, and state where those values occur. $$f(x)=\left(x^{2}+x\right)^{2 / 3} ;[-2,3]$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The absolute minimum is 0 (at \( x = -1, 0, -\frac{1}{2} \)), and the maximum is \( 12^{2/3} \) (at \( x = 3 \)).
Step by step solution
01
Define the problem and identify endpoints
We need to find the absolute maximum and minimum of the function \( f(x) = (x^2 + x)^{2/3} \) on the closed interval \([-2, 3]\). Since the interval is closed, both endpoints \( x = -2 \) and \( x = 3 \) must be considered.
02
Find the derivative
To find critical points, we'll differentiate the function. Use the chain rule to differentiate \( f(x) = (x^2 + x)^{2/3} \). We have:\[ f'(x) = \frac{2}{3}(x^2 + x)^{-1/3} \cdot (2x + 1). \]
03
Set the derivative equal to zero
We find the critical points by setting \( f'(x) = 0 \):\[ \frac{2}{3}(x^2 + x)^{-1/3} \cdot (2x + 1) = 0. \]This equation is zero when \( 2x + 1 = 0 \), which simplifies to \( x = -\frac{1}{2} \).
04
Determine where f'(x) does not exist
The derivative \( f'(x) \) is undefined where \( (x^2 + x)^{-1/3} \) is undefined. Since this occurs when \( x^2 + x = 0 \), solve:\[ x(x + 1) = 0 \] gives \( x = 0 \) or \( x = -1 \).
05
Evaluate the function at critical values and endpoints
Evaluate \( f(x) \) at the critical points and endpoints:- \( f(-2) = ((-2)^2 - 2)^{2/3} = (2)^{2/3} = 2^{2/3} \).- \( f(-1) = 0^{2/3} = 0 \).- \( f(0) = (0^2 + 0)^{2/3} = 0 \).- \( f\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right) = \left(\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 - \frac{1}{2}\right)^{2/3} = (0)^{2/3} = 0 \).- \( f(3) = ((3)^2 + 3)^{2/3} = (12)^{2/3} \).
06
Compare function values to find maximum and minimum
Compare all evaluated values:- The minimum value is 0, occurring at \( x = -1, 0, -\frac{1}{2} \).- The maximum value is \( 12^{2/3} \), occurring at \( x = 3 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Absolute Extrema
Absolute extrema refer to the highest and lowest values that a function attains over a specific interval. This involves identifying the absolute maximum and minimum.
- The absolute maximum is the largest value of the function within the interval.
- The absolute minimum is the smallest value of the function within the interval.
Critical Points
Critical points occur where the derivative of a function is zero or undefined. These are points where the function can potentially have a local maximum, minimum, or a point of inflection. For the function \(f(x) = (x^2 + x)^{2/3}\), we found critical points by setting the derivative equal to zero and analyzing where the derivative is undefined. The equation \(f'(x) = \frac{2}{3}(x^2 + x)^{-1/3} \cdot (2x + 1)\)leads to critical points at \(x = -\frac{1}{2}, 0, \text{ and } -1\),rate the critical points early in processes like finding extrema.
Chain Rule
The chain rule is a fundamental tool in calculus for differentiating compositions of functions. It's especially helpful when dealing with expressions raised to a power, like \(f(x) = (x^2 + x)^{2/3}\).To apply the chain rule, you identify two functions: an outer function and an inner function.
- In our example, the outer function is \(g(u) = u^{2/3}\), and the inner function is \(u = x^2 + x\).
- The derivative then involves differentiating both the outer function with respect to the inner function and the inner function with respect to \(x\).
Interval Evaluation
Interval evaluation involves assessing a function's behavior at specific points within a defined domain, such as endpoints and critical points. When solving for absolute extrema, evaluating the function at critical points and the endpoints of the interval is key.
- This process ensures that all potential sites for relative and absolute extrema are considered.
- Using the interval \([-2, 3]\), you calculate the function \(f(x)\) at \(x = -2, -1, 0, -\frac{1}{2},\) and \(3\) to find the minimum and maximum values.