Chapter 3: Problem 357
=Consider the function \(y=x^{1 / x}\) for \(x > 0\) a. Determine the points on the graph where the tangent line is horizontal. b. Determine the points on the graph where \(y^{\prime} > 0\) and those where \(y^{\prime} < 0\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
a. Tangent line is horizontal at \((e, e^{1/e})\). b. \(y' > 0\) for \(x < e\), \(y' < 0\) for \(x > e\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
The function given is \(y = x^{1/x}\). We need to find points where the tangent line is horizontal, which occurs where \(y' = 0\). Additionally, we need to understand where \(y' > 0\) and \(y' < 0\). To begin, we have to find the derivative \(y'\) of the function.
02
Express Function in a More Convenient Form
To differentiate easily, let's rewrite \(y = x^{1/x}\) using logarithms. Take the natural logarithm of both sides: \(\ln(y) = \frac{1}{x}\ln(x)\). We'll derive \(y\) implicitly.
03
Implicit Differentiation
Differentiate both sides with respect to \(x\): \[ \frac{d}{dx}(\ln(y)) = \frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{\ln(x)}{x}\right) \]This results in \[ \frac{1}{y}y' = \frac{1 - \ln(x)}{x^2} \] Hence, \[ y' = y \cdot \frac{1 - \ln(x)}{x^2} \] Substitute back \(y = x^{1/x}\): \[ y' = x^{1/x} \cdot \frac{1 - \ln(x)}{x^2} \].
04
Find Where the Derivative is Zero
The derivative \(y'\) is zero when the numerator is zero. Thus, solve \[ 1 - \ln(x) = 0 \] which gives \( \ln(x) = 1 \). Hence, \( x = e \). The point on the graph is \( (e, e^{1/e}) \).
05
Determine Sign of the Derivative
The derivative \(y' = x^{1/x} \cdot \frac{1 - \ln(x)}{x^2}\) changes sign based on \(1 - \ln(x)\):- For \(1 - \ln(x) > 0\), we find \(x < e\), thus \(y' > 0\).- For \(1 - \ln(x) < 0\), we find \(x > e\), thus \(y' < 0\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Derivative of a function
In calculus, the derivative of a function represents how the function's value changes as its input changes. It is a fundamental concept that allows us to understand the behavior of functions.
The derivative is often denoted as \( y' \) or \( \frac{dy}{dx} \), and for any function \( y = f(x) \), it expresses the rate of change or slope at any given point \( x \).
The derivative is often denoted as \( y' \) or \( \frac{dy}{dx} \), and for any function \( y = f(x) \), it expresses the rate of change or slope at any given point \( x \).
- For the function \( y = x^{1/x} \), our task is to find \( y' \).
- This derivative gives us insights into whether the function is increasing or decreasing.
Implicit Differentiation
Implicit differentiation is a technique used when a function is not straightforwardly presented as \( y = f(x) \). Instead, it's buried in a more complex equation.
With implicit differentiation, we differentiate each term separately, treating \( y \) as a function of \( x \), even if it doesn’t explicitly appear that way.
With implicit differentiation, we differentiate each term separately, treating \( y \) as a function of \( x \), even if it doesn’t explicitly appear that way.
- For \( y = x^{1/x} \), we first take the natural log on both sides to rewrite it as \( \ln(y) = \frac{1}{x}\ln(x) \).
- This helps us simplify the differentiation process.
Horizontal Tangent Lines
A tangent line is horizontal when its slope, given by the derivative, is zero. For a function \( y = f(x) \), this means finding \( x \) where \( y' = 0 \).
In our problem:
At \( x = e \), the tangent line is horizontal because the slope at this point equals zero. The corresponding \( y \) value is \( e^{1/e} \), so the point on the graph with a horizontal tangent is \( (e, e^{1/e}) \).
This knowledge helps in determining peaks or troughs in the function's graph where the rate of change comes to a pause.
In our problem:
- The derivative is \( y' = x^{1/x} \cdot \frac{1 - \ln(x)}{x^2} \).
- The numerator, \( 1 - \ln(x) \), dictates when the derivative is zero.
At \( x = e \), the tangent line is horizontal because the slope at this point equals zero. The corresponding \( y \) value is \( e^{1/e} \), so the point on the graph with a horizontal tangent is \( (e, e^{1/e}) \).
This knowledge helps in determining peaks or troughs in the function's graph where the rate of change comes to a pause.
Graph Analysis
Graph analysis involves understanding various aspects of a function's graph, such as slope, behavior, and critical points.\( y' \), the derivative, is crucial for this.
In our case, critical analysis of the graph of \( y = x^{1/x} \) around \( x = e \) reveals that the behavior shifts, providing vital insights into the function's structure and helping solve related calculus problems effectively.
- The sign of \( y' \) indicates whether the function is increasing or decreasing.
- For \( y = x^{1/x} \), \( y' > 0 \) when \( x < e \), implying the function is increasing.
- Conversely, \( y' < 0 \) for \( x > e \), suggesting the function is decreasing.
In our case, critical analysis of the graph of \( y = x^{1/x} \) around \( x = e \) reveals that the behavior shifts, providing vital insights into the function's structure and helping solve related calculus problems effectively.