Chapter 4: Problem 28
\(23-36=\) Find the critical numbers of the function. $$g(t)=|3 t-4|$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The critical number is \(t = \frac{4}{3}\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Concept
A critical number of a function is a value of the variable in the domain of the function where the derivative is zero or undefined. For the function \(g(t) = |3t - 4|\), we need to first find the derivative and determine where it is zero or undefined.
02
Express Absolute Value as a Piecewise Function
Rewrite the absolute value function \(g(t) = |3t - 4|\) as a piecewise function:- If \(3t - 4 \geq 0\), then \(g(t) = 3t - 4\).- If \(3t - 4 < 0\), then \(g(t) = -(3t - 4) = -3t + 4\).
03
Determine Intervals
Find the point where \(3t - 4 = 0\). Solve this equation:\[3t - 4 = 0 \implies t = \frac{4}{3}\].So, the function is piecewise and changes at \(t = \frac{4}{3}\).
04
Find Derivatives on Each Interval
Calculate the derivative for each piece of the function:- On the interval \(t < \frac{4}{3}\), where \(g(t) = -3t + 4\), the derivative \(g'(t) = -3\).- On the interval \(t > \frac{4}{3}\), where \(g(t) = 3t - 4\), the derivative \(g'(t) = 3\).
05
Examine Derivative at Critical Point
Since the derivative changes from \(-3\) to \(3\) at \(t = \frac{4}{3}\), this means that the derivative is undefined at \(t = \frac{4}{3}\). This point is a critical number of the function.
06
Conclusion
The critical number is the point where the derivative changes from one value to another, which happens at \(t = \frac{4}{3}\), because the derivative is not continuous at this point.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Absolute Value Function
The absolute value function is a vital concept in algebra and calculus. It's defined as the distance of a number from zero on the number line, without considering direction. This means it always outputs a non-negative value.
For instance, the absolute value of both \(3\) and \(-3\) is \(3\). In mathematical terms, the absolute value of a number \(x\) is written as \(|x|\).
For instance, the absolute value of both \(3\) and \(-3\) is \(3\). In mathematical terms, the absolute value of a number \(x\) is written as \(|x|\).
- If \(x \geq 0\), then \(|x| = x\).
- If \(x < 0\), then \(|x| = -x\).
Piecewise Functions
Piecewise functions are mathematical expressions defined by multiple sub-functions, each applying to a certain interval of the main function's domain. These functions break down into simpler pieces, which are defined over specific ranges, or intervals, of the variable.
In the example of \(g(t) = |3t - 4|\), the absolute value expression is rewritten as:
In the example of \(g(t) = |3t - 4|\), the absolute value expression is rewritten as:
- \(g(t) = 3t - 4\) for \(3t - 4 \geq 0\)
- \(g(t) = -3t + 4\) for \(3t - 4 < 0\)
Derivatives
Derivatives represent one of the fundamental concepts of calculus and measure how a function changes as its input changes. It's akin to calculating the "instantaneous rate of change" or the slope of the tangent line at a particular point on the function.
For the piecewise function derived from \(g(t) = |3t - 4|\), derivatives offer insights into how each segment behaves:
For the piecewise function derived from \(g(t) = |3t - 4|\), derivatives offer insights into how each segment behaves:
- Derivative of \(g(t) = -3t + 4\) when \(t < \frac{4}{3}\) is \(g'(t) = -3\).
- Derivative of \(g(t) = 3t - 4\) when \(t > \frac{4}{3}\) is \(g'(t) = 3\).
Calculus
Calculus is the mathematical study of continuous change and offers tools like derivatives and integrals to work with functions that depict such changes. It plays a critical role in exploring the concepts of motion and growth in natural and physical sciences.
With functions like \(g(t) = |3t - 4|\), calculus allows us to:
With functions like \(g(t) = |3t - 4|\), calculus allows us to:
- Understand function behavior through derivatives.
- Investigate critical points and analyze their significance.
- Explore how functions transform across intervals using piecewise expressions.