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First derivative test

Learning goals

  • Identifies critical numbers.
  • Constructs a sign chart for the first derivative.
  • Classifies local maxima and minima from sign changes.
  • Recognizes critical points where no extremum occurs.
  • Connects the sign chart to the behavior of the original function.

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First derivative test 1
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\) of a function \(f\). How many interior local extrema does \(f\) have in the displayed interval? Briefly justify your answer.
Figure for problem 534999

Hints

- Find every interior zero of \(f'\). - Check whether the derivative changes sign at each zero.

Solution

1. A local extremum in the interior can occur where \(f'\) changes sign. 2. The graph of \(f'\) crosses the x-axis at \(x=-3\), \(x=1\), and \(x=4\). 3. The derivative changes sign at all three zeros, so \(f\) has three interior local extrema.

Answer

Three interior local extrema.
First derivative test 2
Near the critical number \(x=2\), a differentiable function has \(f'(x)>0\) for \(x<2\) and \(f'(x)<0\) for \(x>2\). Use the first derivative test to classify the point at \(x=2\).

Hints

- Translate each sign of \(f'\) into increasing or decreasing behavior. - Compare the direction of motion before and after the critical number.

Solution

1. To the left of \(2\), \(f'(x)>0\), so \(f\) is increasing. 2. To the right of \(2\), \(f'(x)<0\), so \(f\) is decreasing. 3. The function changes from increasing to decreasing at \(x=2\), so the first derivative test gives a local maximum there.

Answer

\(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=2\).
First derivative test 3
The derivative signs near \(x=-2\) are shown. <table><tr><th>Interval</th><th>Sign of \(f'(x)\)</th></tr><tr><td>Just left of \(-2\)</td><td>Positive</td></tr><tr><td>Just right of \(-2\)</td><td>Negative</td></tr></table> Does \(f\) have a local maximum, a local minimum, or neither at \(x=-2\)?

Hints

- Translate each sign into rising or falling behavior. - Picture what happens when a graph rises and then falls. - Which of the two extrema matches that shape?

Solution

1. A positive derivative means \(f\) is increasing just before \(-2\). 2. A negative derivative means \(f\) is decreasing just after \(-2\). 3. The change from increasing to decreasing gives a local maximum at \(x=-2\).

Answer

A local maximum at \(x=-2\).
First derivative test 4
A differentiable function has \(f'(x)<0\) just to the left of \(x=1\) and \(f'(x)>0\) just to the right. Also, \(f(1)=4\). What kind of local extremum occurs at \(x=1\)? Give its coordinates.

Hints

- What direction corresponds to each derivative sign? - Think about a graph that falls and then rises. - Use the given function value to complete the ordered pair.

Solution

1. The function decreases before \(x=1\), then increases after \(x=1\). 2. By the first derivative test, this change gives a local minimum. 3. The point is \((1,4)\).

Answer

A local minimum at \((1,4)\).
First derivative test 5
The graph shows the derivative \(f'(x)=x^2\) near \(x=0\). Does \(f\) have a local maximum or minimum at \(x=0\)? Use the first derivative test.
Figure for problem 562330

Hints

- Compare the derivative's sign on the left and right sides. - A zero derivative alone is not enough to classify an extremum. - Does the function reverse direction at \(0\)?

Solution

1. The derivative is positive on both \((-2,0)\) and \((0,2)\). 2. Although \(f'(0)=0\), the derivative does not change sign at \(0\). 3. Therefore \(f\) keeps increasing and has no local extremum there.

Answer

Neither. \(f'\) stays positive on both sides of \(0\).
First derivative test 6
The graph of \(f(x)=|x+1|\) is shown near \(x=-1\). Explain why \(f\) has a local minimum there even though its derivative does not exist at \(-1\).
Figure for problem 562331

Hints

- Read the direction of the two straight pieces. - What would the derivative sign be on each side? - Does the first derivative test require a derivative at the critical point itself?

Solution

1. To the left of \(-1\), the graph has slope \(-1\), so \(f\) decreases toward \(-1\). 2. To the right, its slope is \(1\), so \(f\) increases away from \(-1\). 3. This negative-to-positive slope change shows a local minimum, although the two one-sided slopes do not agree at the corner.

Answer

The function decreases toward \(-1\) and increases afterward, so \((-1,0)\) is a local minimum despite the corner.
First derivative test 7
Three possible first-derivative sign patterns around a critical number \(c\) are listed: A: positive on both sides B: positive before \(c\), negative after \(c\) C: negative before \(c\), positive after \(c\) Which pattern shows a local maximum at \(c\), and why?

Hints

- Picture walking along a hill from left to right. - What is the slope sign while you climb? While you descend? - Which pattern has those signs in that order?

Solution

1. At a local maximum detected by the first derivative test, the function rises before the critical number and falls afterward. 2. This requires a positive derivative on the left and a negative derivative on the right. 3. Pattern B matches.

Answer

B, because the function increases before \(c\) and decreases afterward.
First derivative test 8
A differentiable function is constant on an open interval around \(x=5\), so \(f'(x)=0\) throughout that interval. Does its derivative change sign at \(5\)? Can the usual sign-change test identify a strict local maximum or minimum there?

Hints

- A constant function has the same derivative value on both sides. - What sign change does the usual test look for? - Keep strict and non-strict extrema separate.

Solution

1. The derivative is zero on both sides of \(5\), so there is no positive-to-negative or negative-to-positive sign change. 2. The first derivative sign-change test does not establish a strict local maximum or minimum. 3. Because all nearby function values are equal, \(5\) is both a non-strict local maximum and a non-strict local minimum.

Answer

No sign change occurs. There is no strict local extremum; the constant function has both a non-strict local maximum and a non-strict local minimum at \(5\).
First derivative test 9
The sign of \(f'\) is positive just to the left of \(x=3\) and negative just to its right. What does the first derivative test say about \(f\) at \(x=3\)?

Hints

- Picture how the height of the curve changes as you move right toward the point. - What changes once you pass that input? - Could a quick sketch help you classify the turn?

Solution

1. A positive derivative means the function increases as it approaches \(3\). 2. A negative derivative means it decreases after \(3\). 3. The change from increasing to decreasing gives a local maximum at \(x=3\).

Answer

\(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=3\).
First derivative test 10
A student says, “\(f'\) changes from negative to positive at \(x=-2\), so \(f\) has a local maximum there.” Correct the statement and explain the first derivative test.

Hints

- Picture the curve's height just before and just after the specified input. - What would a sketch look like if those changes happened in that order? - Compare the sketch with the student's description.

Solution

1. A negative derivative means \(f\) decreases before \(-2\). 2. A positive derivative means \(f\) increases after \(-2\). 3. Falling then rising makes a local minimum, not a local maximum.

Answer

It is a local minimum at \(x=-2\), because \(f\) decreases and then increases.
First derivative test 11
Find and classify the local extrema of \(f(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 + 9x + 2\). Give the coordinates of each point and use the first derivative test.

Hints

- Find and factor the first derivative. - Determine the derivative sign on every interval separated by the critical numbers. - Classify each critical number from the direction of the sign change. - Evaluate the original function after the classifications are known.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x) = 3x^2 - 12x + 9 = 3(x - 1)(x - 3)\). 2. The critical numbers are \(x = 1\) and \(x = 3\). 3. The derivative is positive for \(x<1\), negative for \(1<x<3\), and positive for \(x>3\). Thus \(f'\) changes from positive to negative at \(x=1\), giving a local maximum, and from negative to positive at \(x=3\), giving a local minimum by the first derivative test. 4. Evaluate the function: \(f(1) = 6\) and \(f(3) = 2\). 5. The local maximum is \((1, 6)\), and the local minimum is \((3, 2)\).

Answer

Local maximum: \((1, 6)\) Local minimum: \((3, 2)\)
First derivative test 12
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\). Find every x-value where \(f\) has a local extremum. Classify each using the first derivative test.
Figure for problem 532369

Hints

- Local extrema occur where the derivative changes sign. - Read the derivative's sign on each interval separated by its zeros. - Negative-to-positive means a local minimum. - Positive-to-negative means a local maximum.

Solution

1. The derivative is \(0\) at \(x=-3\), \(x=1\), and \(x=4\). 2. At \(x=-3\), \(f'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum. 3. At \(x=1\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum. 4. At \(x=4\), \(f'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum.

Answer

Local minima occur at \(x=-3\) and \(x=4\). A local maximum occurs at \(x=1\).
First derivative test 13
The graph shows the first derivative \(f'\) of a function \(f\). Decide whether each statement is true or false. a) \(f\) is strictly decreasing on \((1,4)\). b) \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=-2\). c) \(f\) is strictly increasing on \((-1,1)\).
Figure for problem 532572

Hints

- Use the sign of the derivative to determine monotonicity. - Check the direction of each sign change at a zero of the derivative.

Solution

1. On \((1,4)\), the derivative is negative, so \(f\) is strictly decreasing there. Statement a) is true. 2. At \(x=-2\), the derivative changes from negative to positive. Therefore, \(f\) has a local minimum, not a local maximum. Statement b) is false. 3. On \((-1,1)\), the derivative is positive, so \(f\) is strictly increasing there. Statement c) is true.

Answer

a) True b) False c) True
First derivative test 14
Decide whether the statement is true or false, and justify your answer: “If the derivative \(f'\) of a polynomial function has a zero at \(x_0\), then \(f\) always has a local extremum at \(x_0\).”

Hints

- A zero derivative gives a critical number, not automatically an extremum. - Think of a function that flattens briefly but continues increasing. - Check whether the derivative changes sign at the critical number.

Solution

1. The statement is false. 2. The condition \(f'(x_0)=0\) identifies a critical number, but it does not guarantee a local extremum. 3. For example, let \(f(x)=x^3\). Then \(f'(x)=3x^2\), so \(f'(0)=0\). 4. However, \(f'(x)>0\) on both sides of \(x=0\). The function continues increasing through \(x=0\), so it has no local extremum there.

Answer

False. The function \(f(x)=x^3\) has \(f'(0)=0\), but \(f\) has no local extremum at \(x=0\) because \(f'\) does not change sign.
First derivative test 15
The graph of the derivative \(h^{\prime}\) is shown. Find every x-value where \(h\) has a local extremum. Classify each as a local maximum or local minimum, and justify your answer using the sign of \(h^{\prime}\).
Figure for problem 533930

Hints

- A local extremum can occur where the derivative is \(0\). - A change from positive to negative indicates a local maximum. - A change from negative to positive indicates a local minimum.

Solution

1. Local extrema of \(h\) can occur where \(h^{\prime}=0\) and changes sign. The graph has zeros at \(x=-2\) and \(x=2\). 2. At \(x=-2\), \(h^{\prime}\) changes from positive to negative, so \(h\) has a local maximum. 3. At \(x=2\), \(h^{\prime}\) changes from negative to positive, so \(h\) has a local minimum.

Answer

Local maximum at \(x=-2\); local minimum at \(x=2\)
First derivative test 16
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\) of a function \(f\) on \([-3.5,4.5]\). a) Find the maximal open intervals in the displayed domain on which \(f\) is strictly increasing and strictly decreasing. b) Give the x-coordinates of all interior local extrema of \(f\), and classify each as a local maximum or local minimum.
Figure for problem 533973

Hints

- Use the derivative graph's position above or below the x-axis. - Classify each interior zero by the direction of the derivative's sign change.

Solution

1. The derivative is zero at \(x=-2\), \(x=1\), and \(x=3\). 2. It is positive on \((-3.5,-2)\) and \((1,3)\), so \(f\) is strictly increasing on those intervals. 3. It is negative on \((-2,1)\) and \((3,4.5)\), so \(f\) is strictly decreasing on those intervals. 4. At \(x=-2\) and \(x=3\), the derivative changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has interior local maxima. At \(x=1\), it changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has an interior local minimum.

Answer

a) Strictly increasing on \((-3.5,-2)\) and \((1,3)\); strictly decreasing on \((-2,1)\) and \((3,4.5)\). b) Interior local maxima at \(x=-2\) and \(x=3\); interior local minimum at \(x=1\).
First derivative test 17
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\) of a function \(f\). a) Find every \(x\)-value where \(f\) has a local extremum. b) Classify each extremum as a local maximum or local minimum, and justify your answer using the sign changes of \(f'\).
Figure for problem 533974

Hints

- Find the zeros of \(f'\). - Check the sign of \(f'\) immediately before and after each zero. - Positive to negative gives a local maximum; negative to positive gives a local minimum.

Solution

1. The zeros of \(f'\) are \(x=-3\), \(x=1\), and \(x=4\). 2. At \(x=-3\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum. 3. At \(x=1\), \(f'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum. 4. At \(x=4\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum.

Answer

a) \(x=-3\), \(x=1\), and \(x=4\) b) Local maxima at \(x=-3\) and \(x=4\); local minimum at \(x=1\)
First derivative test 18
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\) of a polynomial function \(f\) on \([-3,6]\). Use the graph to find the maximal open monotonicity intervals of \(f\) and the x-coordinate and type of each local extremum.
Figure for problem 534009

Hints

- Read the derivative's sign from its position relative to the x-axis. - Use the direction of each sign change to classify the extremum.

Solution

1. The derivative is negative on \((-3,-1)\), positive on \((-1,3)\), and negative on \((3,6)\). 2. Therefore, \(f\) is strictly decreasing on \((-3,-1)\) and \((3,6)\), and strictly increasing on \((-1,3)\). 3. At \(x=-1\), the derivative changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum. At \(x=3\), it changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum.

Answer

Strictly increasing on \((-1,3)\); strictly decreasing on \((-3,-1)\) and \((3,6)\). Local minimum at \(x=-1\); local maximum at \(x=3\).
First derivative test 19
The graph of \(f'\) is shown on \([-2,6]\). Find the x-coordinates of all interior local extrema of \(f\) in the displayed interval, and classify each using the first derivative test.
Figure for problem 534434

Hints

- Locate the interior x-intercepts of the derivative graph. - Check the sign of \(f'\) immediately on both sides of each intercept. - Classify each point from the direction of the sign change.

Solution

1. The interior zeros of \(f'\) are \(x=0\) and \(x=4\). 2. At \(x=0\), \(f'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum. 3. At \(x=4\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum.

Answer

Interior local minimum at \(x=0\); interior local maximum at \(x=4\).
First derivative test 20
The graph of \(f\) has a stationary inflection point at \(x_0=-1\). Which statement about \(f'\) is correct? Briefly justify your choice. a) \(f'(-1)>0\) b) \(f'(-1)=0\), and \(f'\) changes sign there. c) \(f'(-1)=0\), and \(f'\) does not change sign there.
Figure for problem 534507

Hints

- A stationary inflection point has a horizontal tangent. - Compare the function's increasing or decreasing behavior on the two sides of the point. - A sign change in the first derivative would indicate a local extremum.

Solution

1. A stationary inflection point has a horizontal tangent, so \(f'(-1)=0\). 2. It is not a local extremum. The function continues increasing on both sides or continues decreasing on both sides, so \(f'\) keeps the same sign. 3. Therefore, statement c) is correct.

Answer

c) \(f'(-1)=0\), and \(f'\) does not change sign there.
First derivative test 21
The graph of \(f'\) is shown. How many interior local extrema does \(f\) have in the displayed interval? Classify them in order from left to right.
Figure for problem 534577

Hints

- Find every interior zero of the derivative graph. - Check whether the graph crosses or merely touches the x-axis at each zero. - Classify each crossing from the derivative signs on its two sides.

Solution

1. The interior zeros of the derivative are \(x=-2\), \(x=-0.5\), \(x=1\), and \(x=2.5\). 2. The graph crosses the x-axis at each zero, so \(f'\) changes sign at all four. 3. From left to right, the derivative signs are positive, negative, positive, negative, positive. Therefore, the sign changes are positive-to-negative, negative-to-positive, positive-to-negative, and negative-to-positive. 4. Thus, \(f\) has four interior local extrema: local maximum, local minimum, local maximum, local minimum, from left to right.

Answer

\(4\) interior local extrema: maximum, minimum, maximum, minimum from left to right.
First derivative test 22
The graph of \(H'\) is shown on \([-1,6]\). Find the x-coordinates of all interior local extrema of \(H\). Classify each and justify your answer from the derivative sign changes.
Figure for problem 534766

Hints

- Locate the interior zeros of \(H'\). - Inspect the sign of the derivative on both sides of each zero. - Positive-to-negative gives a local maximum; negative-to-positive gives a local minimum.

Solution

1. Interior local extrema of \(H\) can occur where \(H'\) changes sign. 2. At \(x=1\), \(H'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(H\) has a local maximum. 3. At \(x=5\), \(H'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(H\) has a local minimum.

Answer

Interior local maximum at \(x=1\); interior local minimum at \(x=5\).
First derivative test 23
The graph shows the derivatives \(f'\), \(g'\), and \(h'\). Which of the functions \(f\), \(g\), or \(h\) has no interior local extrema in the displayed interval?
Figure for problem 534996

Hints

- Compare each derivative's signs on the two sides of its zeros. - Distinguish a derivative graph that touches the x-axis from one that crosses it. - Consider only local extrema inside the displayed interval.

Solution

1. Check how each derivative behaves at its zeros inside the displayed interval. 2. The graph of \(f'\) touches the x-axis at \(x=1\) but remains nonnegative, so \(f'\) does not change sign. Therefore, \(f\) has no interior local extremum. 3. The graph of \(g'\) changes from negative to positive at \(x=1\), so \(g\) has a local minimum. 4. The graph of \(h'\) changes sign at \(x=-2\) and \(x=2\), so \(h\) has local extrema at both values. 5. Therefore, only \(f\) has no interior local extrema in the displayed interval.

Answer

Only \(f\) has no interior local extrema in the displayed interval.
First derivative test 24
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\) of a function \(f\). Find every \(x\)-value where \(f\) has a local minimum, and explain how the graph shows it.
Figure for problem 535000

Hints

- A local minimum occurs where the derivative changes from negative to positive. - Distinguish between crossing the x-axis and merely touching it. - Check the direction of each sign change.

Solution

1. The zeros of \(f'\) are \(x=-2\), \(x=1\), and \(x=3\). 2. At \(x=-2\), \(f'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) changes from decreasing to increasing. Therefore, \(f\) has a local minimum at \(x=-2\). 3. At \(x=1\), \(f'\) touches zero without changing sign, so there is no local extremum. 4. At \(x=3\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum, not a local minimum.

Answer

The only local minimum is at \(x=-2\).
First derivative test 25
The piecewise-linear graph of \(g'\) is shown on \([-4,5]\). Use the first derivative test to classify the critical numbers \(x=-1\), \(x=1\), and \(x=4\) as local maxima, local minima, or neither for \(g\).
Figure for problem 550331

Hints

- A zero of the derivative by itself is not enough to classify a critical number. - Compare the derivative's sign immediately to the left and right of each marked x-value. - Translate each sign pattern into the way the original function moves.

Solution

1. At \(x=-1\), \(g'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(g\) has a local maximum. 2. At \(x=1\), \(g'=0\) but \(g'\) is negative on both sides, so \(g\) has neither a local maximum nor a local minimum. 3. At \(x=4\), \(g'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(g\) has a local minimum.

Answer

\(x=-1\): local maximum. \(x=1\): neither. \(x=4\): local minimum.
First derivative test 26
A continuous function \(g\) has critical numbers \(x=-2,0,3\). Its derivative-sign information is shown. <table> <tr><th>Interval</th><th>Sign of \(g'\)</th></tr> <tr><td>\((-\infty,-2)\)</td><td>positive</td></tr> <tr><td>\((-2,0)\)</td><td>positive</td></tr> <tr><td>\((0,3)\)</td><td>negative</td></tr> <tr><td>\((3,\infty)\)</td><td>positive</td></tr> </table> Also, \(g'(-2)=0\), \(g'(0)\) does not exist, and \(g'(3)=0\). Use the first derivative test to classify all three critical numbers.

Hints

- A critical number can occur where the derivative is zero or where it does not exist. - The first derivative test depends on the signs on the two sides, not on the derivative's value at the critical number itself. - Translate each sign pattern into increasing or decreasing behavior of the original function.

Solution

1. At \(x=-2\), \(g'\) is positive on both sides, so \(g\) has neither a local maximum nor a local minimum there. 2. At \(x=0\), \(g'\) changes from positive to negative. Even though \(g'(0)\) does not exist, continuity of \(g\) and the sign change imply a local maximum at \(x=0\). 3. At \(x=3\), \(g'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(g\) has a local minimum.

Answer

\(x=-2\): neither. \(x=0\): local maximum. \(x=3\): local minimum.
First derivative test 27
The graph of \(f(x)=x(x-2)^2\) has critical numbers \(x=\frac23\) and \(x=2\). Use the graph to give the sign of \(f'\) on each of \((-1,\frac23)\), \((\frac23,2)\), and \((2,3)\).
Figure for problem 562334

Hints

- The graph shows the original function, so read its direction first. - A rising curve has a positive tangent slope. - Inspect each interval separately rather than guessing from the endpoint heights.

Solution

1. The graph rises on \((-1,\frac23)\), so \(f'>0\) there. 2. It falls on \((\frac23,2)\), so \(f'<0\) there. 3. It rises again on \((2,3)\), so \(f'>0\). This also agrees with \(f'(x)=(x-2)(3x-2)\).

Answer

\(f'>0\) on \((-1,\frac23)\), \(f'<0\) on \((\frac23,2)\), and \(f'>0\) on \((2,3)\).
First derivative test 28
The graph shows \(f'(x)=(x+1)(x-2)\) on \([-3,4]\). Use the first derivative test to classify the critical numbers \(x=-1\) and \(x=2\).
Figure for problem 562335

Hints

- Locate where the derivative graph crosses the x-axis. - Read the derivative sign on every interval between crossings. - Apply the sign-change rule to each critical number separately.

Solution

1. The derivative is positive on \((-3,-1)\), negative on \((-1,2)\), and positive on \((2,4)\). 2. At \(-1\), the derivative changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum. 3. At \(2\), it changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum.

Answer

Local maximum at \(x=-1\); local minimum at \(x=2\).
First derivative test 29
The graph is \(f'(x)=x^3-4x\). Luca says, “Since \(f'(0)=0\), \(f\) must have a local minimum at \(0\).” Use the derivative signs on either side of \(0\) to correct the claim.
Figure for problem 562336

Hints

- A zero derivative marks a candidate, not its classification. - Check whether the derivative graph lies above or below the x-axis on both sides of \(0\). - Which turning point occurs when a graph rises and then falls?

Solution

1. On \((-2,0)\), the derivative graph is above the x-axis, so \(f'>0\). 2. On \((0,2)\), it is below the x-axis, so \(f'<0\). 3. The function rises and then falls; hence \(0\) is a local maximum, not a minimum. A zero derivative alone gives no classification.

Answer

The claim is false. The signs change from positive to negative, giving a local maximum at \(x=0\).
First derivative test 30
Let \(f(x)=x^4\). At \(x=0\), both \(f'(0)=0\) and \(f''(0)=0\). The second derivative test is inconclusive there. Use the first derivative test to determine whether \(0\) is a local maximum, local minimum, or neither.

Hints

- An inconclusive second derivative test does not rule out an extremum. - Does the first derivative change sign when the input crosses zero? - Which kind of turning point matches a graph that falls and then rises?

Solution

1. The first derivative is \(f'(x)=4x^3\). 2. For \(x<0\), \(f'(x)<0\); for \(x>0\), \(f'(x)>0\). 3. The derivative changes from negative to positive at \(0\), so the first derivative test gives a local minimum, even though the second derivative test cannot decide.

Answer

Local minimum at \(x=0\), because \(f'\) changes from negative to positive.
First derivative test 31
Let \(f'(x)=(x-2)^2\) for all real \(x\). Use the first derivative test to classify \(x=2\) as a local maximum, local minimum, or neither.

Hints

- Use test inputs on either side of the critical number. - A zero derivative alone does not classify an extremum. - The first derivative test asks whether the sign changes.

Solution

1. The derivative is zero at \(2\) and positive on either side. 2. There is no sign change, so the function continues increasing through \(2\). 3. The point is neither a local maximum nor a local minimum.

Answer

Neither. The derivative has the same positive sign on both sides of \(x=2\).
First derivative test 32
Use the first derivative test on \(f(x)=|x+1|\) at \(x=-1\). Does the fact that \(f'(-1)\) does not exist prevent a local minimum?

Hints

- Find the slope on each straight-line part of the graph. - Decide whether the graph falls or rises on each side of its corner. - A corner can still be a turning point.

Solution

1. For \(x<-1\), the derivative equals \(-1\); for \(x>-1\), it equals \(1\). 2. The function decreases toward \(-1\) and increases afterward. 3. It therefore has a local minimum at \(-1\). A critical number may have an undefined derivative.

Answer

No. \(f\) has a local minimum at \(x=-1\) because the derivative changes from negative to positive.
First derivative test 33
A differentiable function has \(f'(x)=(x+1)(x-2)\) for every real \(x\). Use the first derivative test to classify each critical number. State the signs of \(f'\) that justify your answers.

Hints

- Which two numbers make the first derivative zero? - Test the sign of the product in each of the three resulting intervals. - A change from rising to falling differs from a change from falling to rising.

Solution

1. The first derivative is zero at \(x=-1\) and \(x=2\). 2. Its signs on the three intervals are positive, negative, and positive. 3. At \(x=-1\), the sign changes from positive to negative, so there is a local maximum. 4. At \(x=2\), the sign changes from negative to positive, so there is a local minimum.

Answer

Local maximum at \(x=-1\); local minimum at \(x=2\). Derivative signs, from left to right: positive, negative, positive.
First derivative test 34
The first derivative of \(f\) is \(f'(x)=x^3-6x^2+9x\). Find every x-value where the graph of \(f\) has a horizontal tangent. Classify each as a local maximum, a local minimum, or a stationary inflection point, and justify your answer.

Hints

- Factor the first derivative to find its zeros and their multiplicities. - Check the sign of the first derivative on both sides of each critical number. - A horizontal tangent without a first-derivative sign change is not a local extremum. - After classifying extrema, check concavity to decide whether a remaining horizontal tangent is an inflection point.

Solution

1. Factor the first derivative: \(f'(x)=x(x-3)^2\). Thus \(f'(x)=0\) at \(x=0\) and \(x=3\). 2. Since \((x-3)^2>0\) away from \(x=3\), the sign of \(f'\) is negative for \(x<0\) and positive for \(x>0\), except that \(f'(3)=0\). Therefore, \(f'\) changes from negative to positive at \(x=0\), so the first derivative test gives a local minimum there. 3. At \(x=3\), \(f'\) is positive on both sides, so there is no local extremum. 4. Differentiate \(f'\): \(f''(x)=3x^2-12x+9=3(x-1)(x-3)\). The second derivative changes sign at \(x=3\), so the horizontal tangent there is a stationary inflection point.

Answer

Horizontal tangents occur at \(x=0\) and \(x=3\). There is a local minimum at \(x=0\) and a stationary inflection point at \(x=3\).
First derivative test 35
Let \(f\) be a nonconstant polynomial of degree \(n\ge 1\). a) Explain why \(f\) can have at most \(n-1\) local extrema. b) Suppose \(f'(x)=(x-3)^2(x+1)\). Find the degree of \(f\) and the number of its local extrema. Justify your answer.

Hints

- Local extrema require critical points. - Compare the degree of a polynomial with the degree of its derivative. - A polynomial of degree \(m\) has at most \(m\) real zeros. - Check the multiplicity of each derivative zero to determine whether its sign changes.

Solution

1. A local extremum of a differentiable polynomial can occur only at a zero of \(f'\). 2. Since \(f\) is nonconstant and has degree \(n\ge 1\), \(f'\) has degree \(n-1\) and therefore has at most \(n-1\) real zeros. Thus \(f\) has at most \(n-1\) local extrema. 3. In part b), \(f'(x)=(x-3)^2(x+1)\) has degree \(3\), so \(f\) has degree \(4\). 4. The derivative has a double zero at \(x=3\) and a simple zero at \(x=-1\). Its sign does not change at the double zero, but it does change at the simple zero. Therefore, \(f\) has exactly one local extremum, at \(x=-1\).

Answer

a) The derivative has degree \(n-1\), so it has at most \(n-1\) real zeros; therefore, \(f\) has at most \(n-1\) local extrema. b) \(f\) has degree \(4\) and exactly one local extremum, at \(x=-1\).
First derivative test 36
Let \(f\) be differentiable. For each transformation, determine whether the new function must have local extrema at exactly the same \(x\)-values as \(f\). Justify your answer using derivatives and what happens to nearby function values. a) \(g(x)=f(x)-12\) b) \(h(x)=5f(x)\) c) \(k(x)=f(x+4)\)

Hints

- Compare each new derivative with \(f'\). - Consider how each transformation affects derivative signs, zeros, and intervals where the derivative is zero. - Visualize whether each transformation moves the graph horizontally or only vertically. - For a horizontal shift, track how an extremum input \(x_E\) changes.

Solution

1. For part a), \(g'(x)=f'(x)\). The slope behavior, including any intervals where the derivative is zero, is unchanged. Also, subtracting the same constant from all nearby function values preserves every local comparison, so the local extrema occur at exactly the same \(x\)-values. 2. For part b), \(h'(x)=5f'(x)\). Because \(5>0\), the derivative has the same signs, zeros, and zero intervals as \(f'\). Multiplying all nearby function values by a positive constant also preserves local comparisons, so the local extrema occur at exactly the same \(x\)-values and retain their types. 3. For part c), \(k'(x)=f'(x+4)\). If \(x_E\) is an extremum input of \(f\), the corresponding extremum input of \(k\) is \(x_E-4\). Thus the extremum set is shifted left \(4\) units. It is generally different, although it can coincide with the original set for special functions whose extremum inputs are invariant under a shift of \(4\).

Answer

a) Yes. The local extrema occur at the same \(x\)-values because \(g'(x)=f'(x)\) and a vertical shift preserves local comparisons. b) Yes. The local extrema occur at the same \(x\)-values because \(h'(x)=5f'(x)\) with \(5>0\), so slope behavior and local comparisons are preserved. c) Not necessarily. The extremum inputs shift from \(x_E\) to \(x_E-4\), so they are generally different but may coincide for special functions.
First derivative test 37
Determine the number of real solutions of \(x^3-12x+10=k\) as the parameter \(k\in\mathbb{R}\) varies. State the values or intervals of \(k\) that produce one, two, or three real solutions.

Hints

- Find the critical numbers of the cubic from its first derivative. - Use the sign changes of the first derivative to classify the turning points. - Compare a horizontal line \(y=k\) with the local maximum and local minimum values.

Solution

1. Define \(g(x)=x^3-12x+10\). Its derivative is \(g'(x)=3x^2-12=3(x-2)(x+2)\), so the critical numbers are \(x=-2\) and \(x=2\). 2. The derivative is positive on \(( -\infty,-2)\), negative on \((-2,2)\), and positive on \((2,\infty)\). Thus \(g'\) changes from positive to negative at \(x=-2\), giving a local maximum, and from negative to positive at \(x=2\), giving a local minimum by the first derivative test. The values are \(g(-2)=26\) and \(g(2)=-6\). 3. Because \(g\) is a cubic with positive leading coefficient, \(g(x)\to-\infty\) as \(x\to-\infty\) and \(g(x)\to\infty\) as \(x\to\infty\). Therefore a horizontal line \(y=k\) intersects the graph once when \(k<-6\) or \(k>26\), twice when \(k=-6\) or \(k=26\), and three times when \(-6<k<26\).

Answer

One real solution: \(k<-6\) or \(k>26\) Two real solutions: \(k=-6\) or \(k=26\) Three real solutions: \(-6<k<26\)
First derivative test 38
Consider the family of functions \(g_k(x)=(x^2-k)e^x\), where \(k\in\mathbb{R}\). a) Find \(k\) so that the graph has y-intercept \((0, -5)\). b) Find all values of \(k\) for which the graph has no local extrema.

Hints

- A point on the y-axis has \(x=0\). - Use the product rule to find the derivative. - The exponential factor is always positive. - Determine when the quadratic factor has no sign-changing zeros.

Solution

1. The y-intercept is \(g_k(0)=-k\). Setting \(-k=-5\) gives \(k=5\). 2. Use the product rule: \(g_k'(x)=(x^2+2x-k)e^x\). 3. Since \(e^x>0\), critical numbers come from \(x^2+2x-k=0\). 4. The quadratic has no two distinct real zeros when its discriminant is nonpositive: \(4+4k\leq0\), so \(k\leq-1\). 5. For \(k<-1\), the derivative is always positive. For \(k=-1\), the derivative is \((x+1)^2e^x\), which is nonnegative and does not change sign at \(x=-1\). Thus, there are no local extrema exactly when \(k\leq-1\).

Answer

a) \(k=5\) b) \(k\leq-1\)
First derivative test 39
Let \(f(x)=(x^2-2)\sin(x)+2x\cos(x)\). Find and classify all interior local extrema of \(f\) on \([-\pi,\pi]\), and give their coordinates.

Hints

- Differentiate each product separately, then simplify. - Find every factor of the first derivative that can be zero in the interval. - A horizontal tangent does not always indicate a local extremum. - Use the sign of the first derivative on both sides of each critical number.

Solution

1. Differentiate using the product and sum rules: \(f'(x)=2x\sin(x)+(x^2-2)\cos(x)+2\cos(x)-2x\sin(x)=x^2\cos(x)\). 2. Solve \(f'(x)=0\). This gives \(x=0\) or \(\cos(x)=0\), so the critical numbers in the interval are \(x=0\) and \(x=\pm\frac{\pi}{2}\). 3. Since \(f'(x)=x^2\cos(x)\), the derivative changes from positive to negative at \(x=\frac{\pi}{2}\), so there is a local maximum. It changes from negative to positive at \(x=-\frac{\pi}{2}\), so there is a local minimum. At \(x=0\), the derivative is positive on both sides, so there is no extremum. 4. Evaluate the function: \(f\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=\frac{\pi^2}{4}-2\), and \(f\left(-\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=2-\frac{\pi^2}{4}\). The critical point at \(x=0\) is a stationary inflection point.

Answer

Local maximum: \(\left(\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi^2}{4}-2\right)\). Local minimum: \(\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},2-\frac{\pi^2}{4}\right)\). The point \((0,0)\) is a stationary inflection point, not a local extremum.
First derivative test 40
Let \(f(x)=-\frac{1}{3}x^3+x^2+3x-1\). Determine the intervals where \(f\) is strictly increasing and strictly decreasing, and find the coordinates of its local extrema.

Hints

- The first derivative gives the sign of the slope. - Find where the derivative is zero. - Make a sign chart for the derivative. - Substitute each critical number into the original function.

Solution

1. The derivative is \(f'(x)=-x^2+2x+3=-(x+1)(x-3)\). The critical numbers are \(x=-1\) and \(x=3\). 2. The derivative is negative for \(x<-1\), positive for \(-1<x<3\), and negative for \(x>3\). Therefore, \(f\) is strictly decreasing on \((-\infty,-1)\) and \((3,\infty)\), and strictly increasing on \((-1,3)\). 3. The derivative changes from negative to positive at \(x=-1\), so \((-1,-\frac{8}{3})\) is a local minimum. It changes from positive to negative at \(x=3\), so \((3,8)\) is a local maximum.

Answer

Strictly increasing: \((-1,3)\) Strictly decreasing: \((-\infty,-1)\) and \((3,\infty)\) Local minimum: \((-1,-\frac{8}{3})\) Local maximum: \((3,8)\)
First derivative test 41
Determine algebraically whether \(g(x)=\frac{1}{3}x^3+x^2+x+5\) has any local extrema. Justify your conclusion.

Hints

- A zero of the derivative is necessary but not sufficient for an extremum. - Factor the derivative and examine its sign on both sides of its zero. - A squared factor cannot make the derivative negative.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(g'(x)=x^2+2x+1=(x+1)^2\). 2. The only critical number is \(x=-1\). 3. Since \(g'(x)\geq0\) for all \(x\) and is positive on both sides of \(-1\), the derivative does not change sign there. Therefore, \(g\) has no local extremum.

Answer

The function has no local extrema.
First derivative test 42
Analyze \(f(x) = \frac{1}{4}x^4 - x^3 + 2\) for local extrema. Determine whether every horizontal tangent corresponds to an extremum, and give the coordinates of all local extrema.

Hints

- Find all points where the first derivative is zero. - Use the sign of the first derivative on both sides of each critical number to classify extrema. - A horizontal tangent does not always indicate a local maximum or minimum. - After the first-derivative classification, check concavity if you need to identify a stationary inflection point.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=x^3-3x^2=x^2(x-3)\). 2. The critical numbers are \(x=0\) and \(x=3\). 3. The first derivative is negative on both sides of \(x=0\), so it does not change sign there. Thus, \(x=0\) is not a local extremum. 4. At \(x=3\), \(f'\) changes from negative to positive, so the first derivative test gives a local minimum. Since \(f(3)=-\frac{19}{4}\), the local minimum is \(\left(3,-\frac{19}{4}\right)\). 5. The second derivative is \(f''(x)=3x(x-2)\), which changes sign at \(x=0\). Therefore, \((0,2)\) is a stationary inflection point.

Answer

The only local extremum is the local minimum \(\left(3,-\frac{19}{4}\right)\). The horizontal tangent at \((0,2)\) is a stationary inflection point, not an extremum.
First derivative test 43
Let \(g(x)=2\sin(x)+\cos(2x)\) on \([0,\pi]\). Find and classify all interior local extrema, give their coordinates, and state the intervals on which \(g\) is strictly increasing and strictly decreasing.

Hints

- Use a double-angle identity to factor the derivative. - Set each factor of the derivative equal to zero. - Use a sign chart for the first derivative. - Keep only critical numbers in the stated interval.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(g'(x)=2\cos(x)-2\sin(2x)\). 2. Use \(\sin(2x)=2\sin(x)\cos(x)\): \(g'(x)=2\cos(x)(1-2\sin(x))\). 3. The interior critical numbers are \(x=\frac{\pi}{6}\), \(x=\frac{\pi}{2}\), and \(x=\frac{5\pi}{6}\). 4. The derivative is positive on \(\left(0,\frac{\pi}{6}\right)\), negative on \(\left(\frac{\pi}{6},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\), positive on \(\left(\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{5\pi}{6}\right)\), and negative on \(\left(\frac{5\pi}{6},\pi\right)\). 5. Therefore, the derivative changes from positive to negative at \(x=\frac{\pi}{6}\) and \(x=\frac{5\pi}{6}\), producing local maxima. It changes from negative to positive at \(x=\frac{\pi}{2}\), producing a local minimum. 6. The function values are \(g\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right)=\frac{3}{2}\), \(g\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=1\), and \(g\left(\frac{5\pi}{6}\right)=\frac{3}{2}\).

Answer

Local maxima: \(\left(\frac{\pi}{6},\frac{3}{2}\right)\) and \(\left(\frac{5\pi}{6},\frac{3}{2}\right)\). Local minimum: \(\left(\frac{\pi}{2},1\right)\). Strictly increasing on \(\left(0,\frac{\pi}{6}\right)\) and \(\left(\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{5\pi}{6}\right)\). Strictly decreasing on \(\left(\frac{\pi}{6},\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\) and \(\left(\frac{5\pi}{6},\pi\right)\).
First derivative test 44
Consider the family \(f_a(x)=\frac{ax}{x^2+x+1}\), where \(a\ne0\). Show algebraically that the x-coordinates of the local extrema are the same for every value of \(a\). Check the derivative signs on both sides of each critical number.

Hints

- Apply the quotient rule. - Determine which factors can equal zero. - Check the derivative's sign in each interval for both positive and negative \(a\).

Solution

1. By the quotient rule, \(f_a'(x)=\frac{a(1-x^2)}{(x^2+x+1)^2}\). The denominator is positive for every real \(x\), so the only critical numbers are \(x=-1\) and \(x=1\). 2. If \(a>0\), the derivative is negative on \(( -\infty,-1)\), positive on \((-1,1)\), and negative on \((1,\infty)\). By the first derivative test, \(x=-1\) is a local minimum and \(x=1\) is a local maximum. 3. If \(a<0\), the signs reverse: the derivative is positive on \(( -\infty,-1)\), negative on \((-1,1)\), and positive on \((1,\infty)\). By the first derivative test, \(x=-1\) is a local maximum and \(x=1\) is a local minimum. 4. Both cases have local extrema at exactly the same x-coordinates: \(x=-1\) and \(x=1\).

Answer

\(x=-1\) and \(x=1\).
First derivative test 45
Consider the family \(f_t(x)=\frac{tx}{x^2+t}\), where \(t\in\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}\), with domain \(D_t\). a) For which values of \(t\) is \(D_t=\mathbb{R}\)? b) Show that every graph in the family is symmetric about the origin. c) Show algebraically that when \(t>0\), the graph has exactly two local extrema. Use the first derivative test. d) Find the value of \(t>0\) for which the local maximum in Quadrant I has y-coordinate \(1\).

Hints

- First determine how the parameter affects the domain. - For \(t>0\), use the sign of the first derivative on the intervals separated by its zeros. - Classify each critical number from the direction of the derivative sign change before using the extremum value in part d).

Solution

1. The denominator \(x^2+t\) has no real zero exactly when \(t>0\). Therefore, \(D_t=\mathbb{R}\) for \(t>0\). 2. Since \(f_t(-x)=\frac{-tx}{x^2+t}=-f_t(x)\), every graph is symmetric about the origin. 3. Differentiate: \(f_t'(x)=\frac{t(x^2+t)-tx(2x)}{(x^2+t)^2}=\frac{t(t-x^2)}{(x^2+t)^2}\). 4. For \(t>0\), the derivative is zero at \(x=\pm\sqrt{t}\). It is negative when \(|x|>\sqrt{t}\) and positive when \(|x|<\sqrt{t}\). Thus \(f_t'\) changes from negative to positive at \(x=-\sqrt{t}\), giving a local minimum, and from positive to negative at \(x=\sqrt{t}\), giving a local maximum by the first derivative test. There are no other critical points. 5. The local maximum has y-coordinate \(f_t(\sqrt{t})=\frac{t\sqrt{t}}{2t}=\frac{\sqrt{t}}{2}\). 6. Set \(\frac{\sqrt{t}}{2}=1\). Then \(\sqrt{t}=2\), so \(t=4\).

Answer

a) \(t>0\) b) \(f_t(-x)=-f_t(x)\), so every graph is symmetric about the origin. c) For \(t>0\), exactly two local extrema occur: a local minimum at \(x=-\sqrt{t}\) and a local maximum at \(x=\sqrt{t}\). d) \(t=4\)
First derivative test 46
Consider the family \(g_{k,m}(x)=\frac{k}{x^2+m}\), where \(k,m\in\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}\). a) Show that every graph is symmetric about the y-axis. b) When \(m>0\), the graph has exactly one local extremum. Give its coordinates in terms of \(k\) and \(m\), and classify it according to the sign of \(k\) using the first derivative test. c) Let \(k=1\). Find \(m\) if the graph passes through \(P=(1, 0.25)\). d) When \(m<0\), give the equations of the vertical asymptotes in terms of \(m\).

Hints

- What evidence would establish the number and type of local extrema? - How does the parameter affect where the function is defined? - How could the sign of a derivative help distinguish the two types of turning point?

Solution

1. Since \(g_{k,m}(-x)=\frac{k}{(-x)^2+m}=g_{k,m}(x)\), every graph is symmetric about the y-axis. 2. Differentiate: \(g_{k,m}'(x)=\frac{-2kx}{(x^2+m)^2}\). For \(m>0\), the denominator is always positive, and the only critical point is \(x=0\). 3. The critical point is \(\left(0, \frac{k}{m}\right)\). If \(k>0\), the derivative changes from positive to negative, so it is a local maximum. If \(k<0\), the derivative changes from negative to positive, so it is a local minimum. 4. With \(k=1\), the point condition gives \(\frac{1}{1+m}=0.25=\frac{1}{4}\). Therefore, \(1+m=4\), so \(m=3\). 5. For \(m<0\), vertical asymptotes occur where \(x^2+m=0\). Thus, \(x=\pm\sqrt{-m}\).

Answer

a) \(g_{k,m}(-x)=g_{k,m}(x)\), so every graph is symmetric about the y-axis. b) The extremum is \(\left(0, \frac{k}{m}\right)\): a local maximum if \(k>0\), and a local minimum if \(k<0\). c) \(m=3\) d) \(x=-\sqrt{-m}\) and \(x=\sqrt{-m}\)
First derivative test 47
Let \(g(x)=\frac{x^2-3x+1}{e^x}\). a) Find the zeros of \(g\). b) Determine the end behavior as \(x\to\infty\), and give the equation of the horizontal asymptote. c) Find \(\lim_{x\to-\infty}g(x)\). d) Find and classify all local extrema, and give their coordinates. Use derivative signs on both sides of each critical number.

Hints

- The denominator is never zero, so zeros come from the numerator. - Compare polynomial growth with exponential growth. - Rewrite the quotient as a product with \(e^{-x}\) before differentiating. - Use a sign chart for the first derivative.

Solution

1. Since the denominator is positive, the zeros come from \(x^2-3x+1=0\). The quadratic formula gives \(x=\frac{3\pm\sqrt{5}}{2}\). 2. As \(x\to\infty\), the exponential denominator grows faster than the quadratic numerator, so \(g(x)\to0\). The horizontal asymptote is \(y=0\). 3. As \(x\to-\infty\), the numerator approaches \(\infty\) and \(e^x\to0^+\), so \(g(x)\to\infty\). 4. Rewrite \(g(x)=(x^2-3x+1)e^{-x}\). Then \(g'(x)=(-x^2+5x-4)e^{-x}=-(x-1)(x-4)e^{-x}\). The critical numbers are \(x=1\) and \(x=4\). 5. Because \(e^{-x}>0\), \(g'<0\) on \(( -\infty,1)\), \(g'>0\) on \((1,4)\), and \(g'<0\) on \((4,\infty)\). By the first derivative test, \(x=1\) is a local minimum and \(x=4\) is a local maximum. 6. The coordinates are \(\left(1,-\frac{1}{e}\right)\) and \(\left(4,\frac{5}{e^4}\right)\), respectively.

Answer

a) \(x=\frac{3\pm\sqrt{5}}{2}\). b) \(\lim_{x\to\infty}g(x)=0\); horizontal asymptote \(y=0\). c) \(\lim_{x\to-\infty}g(x)=\infty\). d) Local minimum: \(\left(1,-\frac{1}{e}\right)\). Local maximum: \(\left(4,\frac{5}{e^4}\right)\).
First derivative test 48
Let \(f(x)=\frac{x^2-2}{x^2-1}\) on its maximal domain. a) Find the domain and the zeros of \(f\). b) Determine whether \(f\) is even, odd, or neither, and find all horizontal and vertical asymptotes. c) Use the quotient rule to determine the intervals on which \(f\) is strictly increasing and strictly decreasing. d) Use the sign change of \(f'\) to show that \((0,2)\) is a local minimum.

Hints

- Exclude zeros of the denominator from the domain. - Compare \(f(-x)\) with \(f(x)\). - Use the quotient rule and simplify the derivative completely. - The squared denominator of the derivative is positive. - A change from negative to positive derivative indicates a local minimum.

Solution

1. The denominator is zero at \(x=\pm1\), so the domain is \(\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-1,1\}\). The numerator is zero at \(x=\pm\sqrt{2}\), so these are the zeros. 2. Since \(f(-x)=f(x)\), the function is even. The vertical asymptotes are \(x=-1\) and \(x=1\). The numerator and denominator have the same degree and leading coefficient, so the horizontal asymptote is \(y=1\). 3. The quotient rule gives \(f'(x)=\frac{2x(x^2-1)-2x(x^2-2)}{(x^2-1)^2}=\frac{2x}{(x^2-1)^2}\). 4. The denominator of \(f'\) is positive throughout the domain, so the derivative is negative when \(x<0\) and positive when \(x>0\). Accounting for the vertical asymptotes, \(f\) is strictly decreasing on \((-\infty,-1)\) and \((-1,0)\), and strictly increasing on \((0,1)\) and \((1,\infty)\). 5. At \(x=0\), the derivative changes from negative to positive, so \((0,f(0))=(0,2)\) is a local minimum.

Answer

a) Domain: \(\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-1,1\}\). Zeros: \(x=\pm\sqrt{2}\). b) \(f\) is even. Vertical asymptotes: \(x=-1\) and \(x=1\). Horizontal asymptote: \(y=1\). c) Strictly decreasing on \((-\infty,-1)\) and \((-1,0)\); strictly increasing on \((0,1)\) and \((1,\infty)\). d) Local minimum: \((0,2)\).
First derivative test 49
Let \(h(x)=\frac{x^2+3}{x^2-9}\) on its maximal domain. a) Find the domain and the y-intercept. Does the function have any real zeros? Justify your answer. b) Determine the end behavior as \(x\to\pm\infty\) and the one-sided behavior near each excluded domain value. Give equations of all asymptotes. c) Find \(h'(x)\) and determine the coordinates of the local extremum.

Hints

- Treat domain and asymptotic behavior before differentiating. - Since the denominator of \(h'\) is positive on the domain, its numerator determines the derivative sign. - Classify the critical number from the sign change of the first derivative.

Solution

1. The denominator is zero at \(x=\pm3\), so the domain is \(\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-3,3\}\). Since \(h(0)=-\frac{1}{3}\), the y-intercept is \(\left(0,-\frac{1}{3}\right)\). The numerator \(x^2+3\) is always positive, so there are no real zeros. 2. As \(x\to\pm\infty\), the ratio of leading coefficients is \(1\), so \(h(x)\to1\) and the horizontal asymptote is \(y=1\). 3. Near the excluded values, \(\lim_{x\to-3^-}h(x)=\infty\), \(\lim_{x\to-3^+}h(x)=-\infty\), \(\lim_{x\to3^-}h(x)=-\infty\), and \(\lim_{x\to3^+}h(x)=\infty\). Thus \(x=-3\) and \(x=3\) are vertical asymptotes. 4. The quotient rule gives \(h'(x)=\frac{2x(x^2-9)-2x(x^2+3)}{(x^2-9)^2}=\frac{-24x}{(x^2-9)^2}\). 5. The derivative is positive immediately to the left of \(0\) and negative immediately to the right. Thus \(h'\) changes from positive to negative at \(x=0\), so the first derivative test gives a local maximum there. Its coordinates are \(\left(0,-\frac{1}{3}\right)\).

Answer

a) Domain: \(\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-3,3\}\). Y-intercept: \(\left(0,-\frac{1}{3}\right)\). No real zeros. b) Horizontal asymptote: \(y=1\). Vertical asymptotes: \(x=-3\) and \(x=3\), with \(\lim_{x\to-3^-}h(x)=\infty\), \(\lim_{x\to-3^+}h(x)=-\infty\), \(\lim_{x\to3^-}h(x)=-\infty\), and \(\lim_{x\to3^+}h(x)=\infty\). c) \(h'(x)=\frac{-24x}{(x^2-9)^2}\). Local maximum: \(\left(0,-\frac{1}{3}\right)\).
First derivative test 50
Let \(g(x)=\frac{x^2-3}{e^x}\). a) Find all x- and y-intercepts. b) Determine the end behavior as \(x\to\infty\) and as \(x\to-\infty\). c) Find and classify all local extrema, and give their coordinates. Check the derivative sign on each side of each critical number.

Hints

- Set \(x=0\) for the y-intercept and set the numerator equal to zero for x-intercepts. - Compare polynomial and exponential growth. - Rewrite the quotient as a product with \(e^{-x}\). - Use the sign of the first derivative to classify critical points.

Solution

1. The y-intercept is \((0,-3)\). The x-intercepts satisfy \(x^2-3=0\), so they are \((-\sqrt{3},0)\) and \((\sqrt{3},0)\). 2. As \(x\to\infty\), the exponential denominator dominates the quadratic numerator, so \(g(x)\to0\). As \(x\to-\infty\), the numerator tends to \(\infty\) and \(e^x\to0^+\), so \(g(x)\to\infty\). 3. Rewrite \(g(x)=(x^2-3)e^{-x}\). Then \(g'(x)=(-x^2+2x+3)e^{-x}=-(x-3)(x+1)e^{-x}\). Its critical numbers are \(x=-1\) and \(x=3\). 4. The exponential factor is positive, so \(g'<0\) on \(( -\infty,-1)\), \(g'>0\) on \((-1,3)\), and \(g'<0\) on \((3,\infty)\). By the first derivative test, there is a local minimum at \(x=-1\) and a local maximum at \(x=3\). 5. Their coordinates are \((-1,-2e)\) and \(\left(3,\frac{6}{e^3}\right)\), respectively.

Answer

a) X-intercepts: \((-\sqrt{3},0)\) and \((\sqrt{3},0)\). Y-intercept: \((0,-3)\). b) \(\lim_{x\to\infty}g(x)=0\), and \(\lim_{x\to-\infty}g(x)=\infty\). c) Local minimum: \((-1,-2e)\). Local maximum: \(\left(3,\frac{6}{e^3}\right)\).
First derivative test 51
Let \(f(x)=\ln(6x-x^2-8)\). a) Find the maximal domain and all zeros. b) Find and classify the local extremum using the first derivative test. c) Determine the behavior at the endpoints of the domain and give equations of all vertical asymptotes.

Hints

- The argument of a logarithm must be positive. - A logarithm equals zero when its argument equals \(1\). - Use the direction of the first-derivative sign change to classify the critical point. - Relate the logarithm's endpoint behavior to vertical asymptotes.

Solution

1. The logarithm requires \(-x^2+6x-8>0\). Factoring gives \(-(x-2)(x-4)>0\), so the domain is \((2,4)\). 2. A zero satisfies \(6x-x^2-8=1\), so \((x-3)^2=0\). Thus the only zero is \(x=3\). 3. The derivative is \(f'(x)=\frac{-2x+6}{-x^2+6x-8}\). It is positive for \(2<x<3\) and negative for \(3<x<4\). Thus \(f'\) changes from positive to negative at \(x=3\), so the first derivative test gives a local maximum at \((3,0)\). 4. As \(x\to2^+\) or \(x\to4^-\), the logarithm argument approaches \(0^+\), so \(f(x)\to-\infty\). Therefore, the vertical asymptotes are \(x=2\) and \(x=4\).

Answer

a) Domain: \((2,4)\). Zero: \(x=3\). b) Local maximum: \((3,0)\). c) \(\lim_{x\to2^+}f(x)=-\infty\) and \(\lim_{x\to4^-}f(x)=-\infty\). Vertical asymptotes: \(x=2\) and \(x=4\).
First derivative test 52
Let \(f(x)=\ln(x)+\frac{2}{x}\) for \(x>0\). Find the global extremum using the first derivative test, and use it to explain why the graph does not cross the x-axis.

Hints

- Analyze the sign of the first derivative. - A global minimum gives the smallest y-value on the graph. - Compare that minimum value with \(0\).

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=\frac{1}{x}-\frac{2}{x^2}=\frac{x-2}{x^2}\). 2. Since the denominator is positive, the derivative is negative on \((0,2)\) and positive on \((2,\infty)\). Therefore, \(x=2\) gives a global minimum. 3. The minimum value is \(f(2)=\ln(2)+1>0\). 4. Since the smallest function value is positive, every point on the graph lies above the x-axis, so the graph has no x-intercepts.

Answer

Global minimum: \((2,1+\ln(2))\). Since \(1+\ln(2)>0\), the graph has no x-intercepts.
First derivative test 53
Let \(f(x) = 2x^4 - 4x^3 - 9x^2 + 15\). Show mathematically that the graph of \(f\) has exactly three local extrema. Use the first derivative test and show the sign of \(f'\) on both sides of each critical number.

Hints

- Factor the derivative to find every critical number. - Put those numbers in order, then test one point in each interval. - Which derivative-sign changes give a minimum and which give a maximum?

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=8x^3-12x^2-18x=2x(4x^2-6x-9)\). 2. The critical numbers are \(a=\frac{3-3\sqrt{5}}{4}\), \(0\), and \(b=\frac{3+3\sqrt{5}}{4}\), since the quadratic factor has discriminant \(180>0\). 3. The derivative signs from left to right are negative on \(( -\infty,a)\), positive on \((a,0)\), negative on \((0,b)\), and positive on \((b,\infty)\). 4. By the first derivative test, \(f'\) changes from negative to positive at \(a\) (local minimum), from positive to negative at \(0\) (local maximum), and from negative to positive at \(b\) (local minimum). These are the only critical numbers, so there are exactly three local extrema.

Answer

Three local extrema: minima at \(x=\frac{3-3\sqrt{5}}{4}\) and \(x=\frac{3+3\sqrt{5}}{4}\), and a maximum at \(x=0\). The signs of \(f'\) on the four successive intervals are \(-,+,-,+\).
First derivative test 54
Let \(f(x) = x^4 + \frac{4}{3}x^3 + 2x^2 + 7\). Show that the graph has exactly one local extremum using the first derivative test, and find its coordinates.

Hints

- What derivative information would every differentiable interior extremum have to satisfy? - Could any of the resulting factors create additional critical numbers? - How can the behavior on each side of a critical number establish the type of turning point?

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x) = 4x^3 + 4x^2 + 4x = 4x(x^2 + x + 1)\). 2. The quadratic factor \(x^2 + x + 1\) has discriminant \(1 - 4 = -3\), so it is always positive and has no real zeros. 3. Therefore, the only critical number is \(x = 0\). Because the quadratic factor is positive, the sign of \(f'(x)\) is the sign of \(x\). Thus, \(f'\) changes from negative to positive at \(x = 0\). 4. By the first derivative test, \(f\) has a local minimum at \(x = 0\). Since \(f(0) = 7\), the point is \((0, 7)\).

Answer

The graph has exactly one local extremum, a local minimum at \((0, 7)\).
First derivative test 55
Show that \(g(x)=\frac{1}{3}x^3+2x^2+4x-5\) has a horizontal tangent but no local extrema.

Hints

- A horizontal tangent occurs where the derivative is \(0\). - Factor the derivative. - Use the first derivative test to check for an extremum. - A double zero of the derivative often produces no sign change.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(g'(x)=x^2+4x+4=(x+2)^2\). 2. The derivative is \(0\) only at \(x=-2\), so the graph has a horizontal tangent there. 3. Since \(g'(x)\geq0\) and is positive on both sides of \(-2\), the derivative does not change sign. Therefore, \(g\) has no local extremum at \(x=-2\).

Answer

The graph has a horizontal tangent at \(x=-2\), but no local extremum because \(g'(x)=(x+2)^2\) does not change sign.
First derivative test 56
Let \(f(x) = \frac{1}{2}x^4 - 4x^2 + 6\). 1. Find all critical numbers. 2. Find the corresponding function values. 3. Use the first derivative test and end behavior to classify all local and absolute extrema.

Hints

- Find where the first derivative is zero. - Factor the cubic derivative. - Use sign changes of the derivative to classify the critical points. - Use the leading term to determine the end behavior.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x) = 2x^3 - 8x = 2x(x - 2)(x + 2)\). The critical numbers are \(x = -2\), \(x = 0\), and \(x = 2\). 2. Evaluate the function: \(f(-2) = -2\), \(f(0) = 6\), and \(f(2) = -2\). 3. The sign of \(f'\) changes from negative to positive at \(x = -2\), from positive to negative at \(x = 0\), and from negative to positive at \(x = 2\). Therefore, \((-2, -2)\) and \((2, -2)\) are local minima, and \((0, 6)\) is a local maximum. 4. Since \(f(x) \to \infty\) as \(x \to \pm\infty\), the two local minima are also absolute minima. There is no absolute maximum.

Answer

1. \(x = -2\), \(x = 0\), and \(x = 2\) 2. \(f(-2) = -2\), \(f(0) = 6\), and \(f(2) = -2\) 3. Local maximum: \((0, 6)\); local and absolute minima: \((-2, -2)\) and \((2, -2)\); there is no absolute maximum.
First derivative test 57
Let \(f(x)=x^5+2x^3\). a) Show that the necessary condition for an interior local extremum is satisfied at \(x=0\). b) Use the first derivative test to determine whether a local extremum occurs there.

Hints

- Evaluate the first derivative at \(x=0\). - Factor the derivative into expressions whose signs are easy to identify. - How do even powers affect the sign of the derivative on either side of zero? - Does the first derivative change from positive to negative or negative to positive at the critical number?

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=5x^4+6x^2=x^2(5x^2+6)\). 2. Since \(f'(0)=0\), the necessary critical-point condition is satisfied. 3. For every \(x\ne0\), both factors are positive, so \(f'(x)>0\) on both \(( -\infty,0)\) and \((0,\infty)\). 4. By the first derivative test, the derivative does not change sign at \(0\), so there is no local extremum there.

Answer

a) \(f'(0)=0\). b) No local extremum; \(f'\) is positive immediately to the left and right of \(0\).
First derivative test 58
Let \(f(x)=\frac{1}{3}x^3-x^2-3x+5\). Use the first derivative to find the intervals on which \(f\) is strictly increasing or strictly decreasing, and find the coordinates of all local extrema.

Hints

- Factor the first derivative and find its zeros. - Use a sign chart to determine where the function increases or decreases. - Evaluate the original function at each critical number.

Solution

1. Differentiate and factor: \(f'(x)=x^2-2x-3=(x+1)(x-3)\). The critical numbers are \(x=-1\) and \(x=3\). 2. The derivative is positive on \((-\infty,-1)\), negative on \((-1,3)\), and positive on \((3,\infty)\). 3. Thus, \(f\) is strictly increasing on \((-\infty,-1)\) and \((3,\infty)\), and strictly decreasing on \((-1,3)\). 4. At \(x=-1\), the derivative changes from positive to negative, so there is a local maximum. At \(x=3\), it changes from negative to positive, so there is a local minimum. 5. Evaluate the function: \(f(-1)=\frac{20}{3}\) and \(f(3)=-4\). The local maximum is \(\left(-1,\frac{20}{3}\right)\), and the local minimum is \((3,-4)\).

Answer

Strictly increasing on \((-\infty,-1)\) and \((3,\infty)\); strictly decreasing on \((-1,3)\). Local maximum: \(\left(-1,\frac{20}{3}\right)\). Local minimum: \((3,-4)\).
First derivative test 59
Let \(f(x)=-x^4+8x^2\). Find the intervals on which the function is strictly increasing or strictly decreasing. Then find and classify all local extrema.

Hints

- Factor the first derivative completely. - Use a sign chart to determine the monotonic intervals. - A positive-to-negative sign change gives a local maximum; a negative-to-positive change gives a local minimum.

Solution

1. Differentiate and factor: \(f'(x)=-4x^3+16x=-4x(x-2)(x+2)\). The critical numbers are \(x=-2\), \(x=0\), and \(x=2\). 2. The derivative is positive on \((-\infty,-2)\), negative on \((-2,0)\), positive on \((0,2)\), and negative on \((2,\infty)\). 3. Therefore, \(f\) is strictly increasing on \((-\infty,-2)\) and \((0,2)\), and strictly decreasing on \((-2,0)\) and \((2,\infty)\). 4. The derivative changes from positive to negative at \(x=-2\) and \(x=2\), giving local maxima. It changes from negative to positive at \(x=0\), giving a local minimum. 5. Since \(f(-2)=16\), \(f(0)=0\), and \(f(2)=16\), the local maxima are \((-2,16)\) and \((2,16)\), and the local minimum is \((0,0)\).

Answer

Strictly increasing on \((-\infty,-2)\) and \((0,2)\); strictly decreasing on \((-2,0)\) and \((2,\infty)\). Local maxima: \((-2,16)\) and \((2,16)\). Local minimum: \((0,0)\).
First derivative test 60
Decide whether each statement about local extrema of a differentiable function \(f\) is true or false. Justify your answer. 1. The condition \(f'(x_0)=0\) is sufficient for a local extremum at \(x_0\). 2. If \(f\) has a local extremum at \(x_0\), then \(f''(x_0)\neq0\). 3. A sign change in \(f'\) at \(x_0\) is sufficient for a local extremum.

Hints

- Distinguish necessary and sufficient conditions. - Test the first two claims with \(x^3\) and \(x^4\). - Interpret a derivative sign change as a change in monotonicity.

Solution

1. Statement 1 is false. For \(f(x)=x^3\), \(f'(0)=0\), but no local extremum occurs. 2. Statement 2 is false. For \(f(x)=x^4\), there is a local minimum at \(0\), but \(f''(0)=0\). 3. Statement 3 is true. A change from positive to negative derivative gives a local maximum; a change from negative to positive gives a local minimum.

Answer

1. False 2. False 3. True
First derivative test 61
Determine the number of real solutions of \(\frac{1}{4}x^4-\frac{1}{3}x^3-x^2+2=0\). Use the local extrema of the associated function to justify your answer.

Hints

- Find all critical numbers of the quartic. - Make a complete sign chart for the first derivative. - Evaluate the function at every critical number. - Combine the extrema and end behavior to count x-axis crossings.

Solution

1. Let \(f(x)=\frac{1}{4}x^4-\frac{1}{3}x^3-x^2+2\). Its derivative is \(f'(x)=x(x+1)(x-2)\), so the critical numbers are \(x=-1,0,2\). 2. The derivative is negative on \((-\infty,-1)\), positive on \((-1,0)\), negative on \((0,2)\), and positive on \((2,\infty)\). Thus, the first derivative test gives local minima at \(x=-1\) and \(x=2\), and a local maximum at \(x=0\). 3. The corresponding values are \(f(-1)=\frac{19}{12}>0\), \(f(0)=2>0\), and \(f(2)=-\frac{2}{3}<0\). 4. Since \(f(x)\to\infty\) as \(x\to\pm\infty\), the graph remains positive through the two left monotonic pieces, crosses once while decreasing from \(2\) to \(-\frac{2}{3}\), and crosses once while increasing from \(-\frac{2}{3}\) to \(\infty\). Therefore, there are exactly two real zeros.

Answer

The equation has exactly \(2\) real solutions.
First derivative test 62
The derivatives of three functions are \(f'(x)=x^2-4x+3\), \(g'(x)=-2(x-1)(x-3)\), and \(h'(x)=(x-2)(x-1)(x-3)\). 1. Show that \(f\) and \(g\) have local extrema at the same x-values. 2. Show that \(h\) also has local extrema at those x-values. 3. Find and classify the additional local extremum of \(h\). Use the first derivative test to justify each extremum.

Hints

- Factor each derivative and find its zeros. - Check the derivative sign in the intervals between consecutive zeros. - Compare each sign on the left and right of a critical number. - Use the direction of the sign change to classify the extremum.

Solution

1. Factor \(f'(x)=(x-1)(x-3)\). It is positive for \(x<1\), negative for \(1<x<3\), and positive for \(x>3\). By the first derivative test, \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=1\) and a local minimum at \(x=3\). 2. Since \(g'(x)=-2f'(x)\), it is negative for \(x<1\), positive for \(1<x<3\), and negative for \(x>3\). The first derivative test gives a local minimum at \(x=1\) and a local maximum at \(x=3\). Thus the extrema of \(f\) and \(g\) occur at the same x-values. 3. The signs of \(h'(x)\) on \(( -\infty,1)\), \((1,2)\), \((2,3)\), and \((3,\infty)\) are negative, positive, negative, and positive, respectively. By the first derivative test, \(h\) has local minima at \(x=1\) and \(x=3\), and its additional local extremum is a local maximum at \(x=2\).

Answer

1. \(f\) and \(g\) have local extrema at \(x=1\) and \(x=3\). 2. \(h\) also has local extrema at \(x=1\) and \(x=3\). 3. The additional extremum is a local maximum at \(x=2\).
First derivative test 63
A function \(k\) has derivative \(k'(x)=(x-4)(x+1)^2\). 1. Find every x-value where the tangent to the graph of \(k\) is horizontal. 2. Use the first derivative test to identify and classify any local extremum. 3. Explain why the other value is not an extremum, and classify that point.

Hints

- Horizontal tangents occur at zeros of the derivative. - Multiplicity affects whether a factor changes sign. - Apply the first derivative test at each zero. - Check concavity to classify a non-extremum horizontal tangent.

Solution

1. The derivative is \(0\) at \(x=4\) and \(x=-1\). 2. At \(x=4\), \(k'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(k\) has a local minimum. 3. At \(x=-1\), the squared factor does not change sign, so \(k'\) is negative on both sides and there is no extremum. Since \(k''(x)=(3x-7)(x+1)\) changes sign at \(-1\), the point is a stationary inflection point.

Answer

1. Horizontal tangents occur at \(x=-1\) and \(x=4\). 2. There is a local minimum at \(x=4\). 3. At \(x=-1\), there is a stationary inflection point, not an extremum.
First derivative test 64
A function \(f\) has a horizontal tangent at \(x=3\). On an interval containing \(3\), the derivative \(f'\) is strictly decreasing. Classify the stationary point at \(x=3\) and describe the graph's concavity on that interval.

Hints

- What does a horizontal tangent tell you about the first derivative? - What signs must a strictly decreasing function have immediately before and after a zero? - Which local extremum occurs when the derivative changes from positive to negative? - How does the monotonic behavior of \(f'\) determine concavity?

Solution

1. A horizontal tangent gives \(f'(3)=0\). 2. Because \(f'\) is strictly decreasing, \(f'(x)>0\) for \(x<3\) near \(3\) and \(f'(x)<0\) for \(x>3\) near \(3\). 3. The derivative changes from positive to negative, so by the first derivative test, \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=3\). 4. A decreasing first derivative means the tangent slopes decrease as \(x\) increases, so the graph is concave down on the interval.

Answer

The point at \(x=3\) is a local maximum, and the graph is concave down on the interval.
First derivative test 65
Suppose \(f'(x)=(x+3)^5\). a) Find the zero of \(f'\) and determine its sign on each side. b) Classify the corresponding point on the graph of \(f\). c) More generally, if \(g'(x)=(x+3)^k\) for a positive integer \(k\), explain how the point at \(x=-3\) depends on whether \(k\) is even or odd.

Hints

- Determine how an odd power changes sign. - Use the first derivative test. - Compare even and odd exponents. - For even \(k\), examine the second derivative to classify the point.

Solution

1. The derivative is \(0\) at \(x=-3\). Because the exponent \(5\) is odd, \(f'(x)<0\) for \(x<-3\) and \(f'(x)>0\) for \(x>-3\). 2. The derivative changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum at \(x=-3\). 3. If \(k\) is odd, the derivative changes from negative to positive, so \(g\) has a local minimum. If \(k\) is even, the derivative is nonnegative on both sides and no extremum occurs. In that case \(g''(x)=k(x+3)^{k-1}\) changes sign, so the point is a stationary inflection point.

Answer

a) The zero is \(x=-3\); the derivative is negative to the left and positive to the right. b) There is a local minimum at \(x=-3\). c) Odd \(k\): local minimum. Even \(k\): stationary inflection point.
First derivative test 66
Show algebraically that \(f(x)=\frac{1}{5}x^5-\frac{1}{2}x^4+\frac{1}{2}x^3+10\) has no local extrema.

Hints

- Local extrema require zeros of the derivative. - Factor out the greatest power of \(x\). - Complete the square in the remaining quadratic. - Check whether the derivative changes sign at its zero.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=x^4-2x^3+\frac{3}{2}x^2=x^2\left(x^2-2x+\frac{3}{2}\right)\). 2. Rewrite the quadratic factor as \((x-1)^2+\frac{1}{2}\), which is always positive. 3. Thus \(f'(x)\geq0\) for all \(x\), and the only zero is the double zero \(x=0\). 4. The derivative is positive on both sides of \(0\), so it does not change sign. Therefore, \(f\) has no local extrema.

Answer

The function has no local extrema because \(f'(x)=x^2\left((x-1)^2+\frac{1}{2}\right)\geq0\) and does not change sign at its only zero, \(x=0\).
First derivative test 67
Find all local extrema of \(f(x)=\frac{1}{6}x^6-\frac{2}{5}x^5+\frac{1}{4}x^4+1\).

Hints

- How does the multiplicity of a zero of the derivative affect sign changes? - Check the sign of the derivative on both sides of each critical number. - A critical number is not automatically a local extremum.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=x^5-2x^4+x^3=x^3(x-1)^2\). 2. The critical numbers are \(x=0\) and \(x=1\). 3. At \(x=0\), the factor \(x^3\) has odd multiplicity, while \((x-1)^2\) is nonnegative. Thus, \(f'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum at \(x=0\). Since \(f(0)=1\), the point is \((0,1)\). 4. At \(x=1\), the factor \((x-1)^2\) has even multiplicity, so \(f'\) does not change sign. Therefore, \(x=1\) is not a local extremum.

Answer

The only local extremum is the local minimum \((0,1)\).
First derivative test 68
Consider the family \(g_k(x)=\frac{x}{x^2+k}\), where \(k>0\) and \(x\in\mathbb{R}\). 1. Use the quotient rule to find \(g_k'(x)\). 2. Find the local maximum in terms of \(k\), using the first derivative test. 3. Find the equation of the locus containing all local maxima.

Hints

- Identify the numerator and denominator before applying the quotient rule. - The denominator of the derivative is always positive. - Use a sign change to determine which critical point is the local maximum. - Eliminate \(k\) from the maximum coordinates.

Solution

1. The quotient rule gives \(g_k'(x)=\frac{(x^2+k)-x(2x)}{(x^2+k)^2}=\frac{k-x^2}{(x^2+k)^2}\). 2. The denominator is positive, so the derivative is negative when \(x<-\sqrt{k}\), positive when \(-\sqrt{k}<x<\sqrt{k}\), and negative when \(x>\sqrt{k}\). By the first derivative test, the sign changes from positive to negative at \(x=\sqrt{k}\). The local maximum is \(\left(\sqrt{k},\frac{1}{2\sqrt{k}}\right)\). 3. At the maximum, \(x=\sqrt{k}>0\), so \(k=x^2\). Substituting into the y-coordinate gives \(y=\frac{1}{2x}\). Thus the locus is \(y=\frac{1}{2x}\) for \(x>0\).

Answer

1. \(g_k'(x)=\frac{k-x^2}{(x^2+k)^2}\) 2. \(\left(\sqrt{k},\frac{1}{2\sqrt{k}}\right)\) 3. \(y=\frac{1}{2x}\) for \(x>0\)
First derivative test 69
Consider the family \(f_t(x)=xe^{1-x/t}\), where \(t>0\) and \(x\in\mathbb{R}\). a) Show that all graphs have a common point, and give its coordinates. b) Use the first derivative test to show that each graph has exactly one local maximum. Find its coordinates in terms of \(t\). c) Find the equation of the locus containing all local maxima, including the attainable x-values.

Hints

- What would it mean for an output to be independent of the parameter? - Which differentiation rules might help analyze this product of two functions? - What determines the sign of a derivative built from several factors? - How can you describe the collection of maxima without the parameter?

Solution

1. For every \(t>0\), \(f_t(0)=0\), so all graphs pass through \((0, 0)\). If \(x\neq0\) were common to graphs with distinct parameters \(t\) and \(s\), then \(e^{1-x/t}=e^{1-x/s}\), which would imply \(t=s\). Thus the origin is the only common point. 2. By the product and chain rules, \(f_t'(x)=e^{1-x/t}\left(1-\frac{x}{t}\right)\). Since the exponential factor is positive, the only critical point is \(x=t\). 3. The derivative is positive for \(x<t\) and negative for \(x>t\), so this point is the unique local maximum. Its y-coordinate is \(f_t(t)=t\), giving the local maximum \((t, t)\). 4. Because \(x=t\) and \(y=t\), the locus is \(y=x\). The condition \(t>0\) gives \(x>0\).

Answer

a) \((0, 0)\) b) \((t, t)\) c) \(y=x\) for \(x>0\)
First derivative test 70
Let \(f(x)=4^x-8\cdot 2^x\). a) Find \(f'(x)\). b) Use the first derivative test to find the coordinates of the local minimum.

Hints

- Use the derivative rule for \(b^x\). - Rewrite \(4\) as \(2^2\) and use \(\ln 4=2\ln 2\). - Exponential factors are always positive. - Check the derivative sign before and after its zero.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=(\ln 4)4^x-8(\ln 2)2^x\). Since \(\ln 4=2\ln 2\) and \(4^x=(2^x)^2\), this is \(f'(x)=2(\ln 2)2^x(2^x-4)\). 2. The factors \(2\ln 2\) and \(2^x\) are positive. The remaining factor is zero when \(2^x=4\), so the only critical number is \(x=2\). 3. For \(x<2\), \(2^x<4\), so \(f'(x)<0\). For \(x>2\), \(2^x>4\), so \(f'(x)>0\). By the first derivative test, \(f\) has a local minimum at \(x=2\). 4. Evaluate \(f(2)=4^2-8\cdot 2^2=16-32=-16\). The minimum is \((2,-16)\).

Answer

a) \(f'(x)=(\ln 4)4^x-8(\ln 2)2^x=2(\ln 2)2^x(2^x-4)\) b) Local minimum: \((2,-16)\)
First derivative test 71
Consider the family \(f_k(x)=\frac{x^2}{x-k}\), where \(x\neq k\) and \(k\in\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}\). a) Find and classify the local extrema in terms of \(k\). Use the first derivative test. b) Show that all of these extrema lie on the line \(y=2x\).

Hints

- Apply the quotient rule and factor the numerator. - Check that each critical point belongs to the domain. - Compare the derivative signs immediately around each critical number for positive and negative \(k\). - Substitute each extremum into the line equation.

Solution

1. By the quotient rule, \(f_k'(x)=\frac{2x(x-k)-x^2}{(x-k)^2}=\frac{x(x-2k)}{(x-k)^2}\). 2. The critical numbers are \(x=0\) and \(x=2k\), both in the domain since \(k\neq0\). Their coordinates are \((0,0)\) and \((2k,4k)\). 3. If \(k>0\), \(f_k'\) is positive just left of \(0\) and negative just right, so \((0,0)\) is a local maximum. It is negative just left of \(2k\) and positive just right, so \((2k,4k)\) is a local minimum. 4. If \(k<0\), \(f_k'\) is positive just left of \(2k\) and negative just right, so \((2k,4k)\) is a local maximum. It is negative just left of \(0\) and positive just right, so \((0,0)\) is a local minimum. These conclusions follow from the first derivative test. The excluded point \(x=k\) is not a candidate. 5. Both points satisfy \(y=2x\), since \(0=2(0)\) and \(4k=2(2k)\).

Answer

a) \((0,0)\) and \((2k,4k)\). For \(k>0\), they are a local maximum and local minimum, respectively; for \(k<0\), the classifications are reversed. b) \(y=2x\)
First derivative test 72
Consider the family \(f_t(x)=\frac{tx^2}{x-t}\), where \(t\in\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}\). Show algebraically that every local extremum lies on the parabola \(y=x^2\). Use the first derivative test to identify the extrema.

Hints

- Apply the quotient rule and factor the derivative. - Check that the critical points are in the domain. - Evaluate the derivative's sign just before and just after each critical point. - Substitute the extrema into \(y=x^2\).

Solution

1. By the quotient rule, \(f_t'(x)=\frac{2tx(x-t)-tx^2}{(x-t)^2}=\frac{tx(x-2t)}{(x-t)^2}\). 2. The critical numbers are \(x=0\) and \(x=2t\); both belong to the domain since \(t\neq0\). 3. If \(t>0\), \(f_t'\) is positive just left of \(0\) and negative just right. It is negative just left of \(2t\) and positive just right. If \(t<0\), these same local sign patterns hold: \(f_t'\) is positive to the left and negative to the right of \(0\), and negative to the left and positive to the right of \(2t\). The first derivative test therefore gives a local maximum at \(x=0\) and a local minimum at \(x=2t\) for every \(t\neq0\). 4. The corresponding points are \((0,0)\) and \((2t,4t^2)\). Both satisfy \(y=x^2\), since \(0=0^2\) and \(4t^2=(2t)^2\).

Answer

Local maximum: \((0,0)\); local minimum: \((2t,4t^2)\). Both lie on \(y=x^2\).
First derivative test 73
Let \(f(x)=\frac{x^2+a}{x+b}\). a) Find \(a\) and \(b\) so that the graph has a vertical asymptote at \(x=1\) and a local extremum at \(x=3\). b) For those parameter values, find any other local extremum and give the equations of all asymptotes. Use the first derivative test to classify the extrema.

Hints

- Use the denominator to impose the vertical-asymptote condition. - Set the first derivative equal to zero at the given extremum x-value. - Check the derivative's sign on either side of each critical number. - Use polynomial division to identify the slant asymptote.

Solution

1. A vertical asymptote at \(x=1\) requires \(1+b=0\), so \(b=-1\). Then \(f(x)=\frac{x^2+a}{x-1}\). 2. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=\frac{2x(x-1)-(x^2+a)}{(x-1)^2}=\frac{x^2-2x-a}{(x-1)^2}\). The condition \(f'(3)=0\) gives \(9-6-a=0\), so \(a=3\). The numerator of \(f\) is \(4\) at \(x=1\), confirming a vertical asymptote rather than a hole. 3. Now \(f'(x)=\frac{(x-3)(x+1)}{(x-1)^2}\). The derivative is positive just left of \(x=-1\) and negative just right, so the first derivative test gives a local maximum at \((-1,-2)\). 4. The derivative is negative just left of \(x=3\) and positive just right, so the first derivative test gives a local minimum at \((3,6)\). The excluded value \(x=1\) is not a critical number. 5. The vertical asymptote is \(x=1\). Polynomial division gives \(f(x)=x+1+\frac{4}{x-1}\), so the slant asymptote is \(y=x+1\).

Answer

a) \(a=3\), \(b=-1\); local minimum at \((3,6)\) b) Local maximum at \((-1,-2)\); asymptotes: \(x=1\) and \(y=x+1\)
First derivative test 74
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\) of a function \(f\) on \([-3, 4]\). Determine whether each statement about \(f\) is true or false. Justify your answer. a) The graph of \(f\) has exactly three local extrema in \((-3, 4)\). b) The function \(f\) is strictly decreasing on \((1,3)\). c) The function \(f\) has a local minimum at \(x = 1\). d) \(f(2) < f(3)\).
Figure for problem 532371

Hints

- Use the sign of \(f'\) to determine where \(f\) increases or decreases. - A zero of \(f'\) gives a local extremum only when the derivative changes sign. - The direction of the sign change distinguishes a local maximum from a local minimum. - Use monotonicity to compare \(f(2)\) and \(f(3)\).

Solution

1. The derivative is zero and changes sign at \(x=-2\), \(x=1\), and \(x=3\), so \(f\) has exactly three local extrema in \((-3,4)\). Statement a) is true. 2. On \((1,3)\), \(f'(x)<0\), so \(f\) is strictly decreasing there. Statement b) is true. 3. At \(x=1\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum, not a local minimum. Statement c) is false. 4. Because \(f\) is decreasing from \(x=2\) to \(x=3\), \(f(2)>f(3)\). Statement d) is false.

Answer

a) True b) True c) False; \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x = 1\). d) False; \(f(2) > f(3)\).
First derivative test 75
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\) of a differentiable function \(f\). a) Find all x-values satisfying the necessary condition for a local extremum. b) Use the first derivative test to classify the extrema.
Figure for problem 532427

Hints

- Find the zeros of the derivative graph. - Negative derivative means decreasing; positive derivative means increasing. - Negative-to-positive gives a local minimum. - Positive-to-negative gives a local maximum.

Solution

1. The derivative graph crosses the x-axis at \(x=2\) and \(x=6\), so these are the critical-value candidates. 2. At \(x=2\), \(f'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum. 3. At \(x=6\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum.

Answer

a) \(x=2\) and \(x=6\) b) Local minimum at \(x=2\); local maximum at \(x=6\)
First derivative test 76
The graph shows the first derivative \(f'\). a) Find every x-value where the graph of \(f\) has a horizontal tangent. b) Explain why the second derivative test is inconclusive at one of these values. c) Use the first derivative test to determine whether each point is an extremum. Then classify any non-extremum horizontal tangent using concavity.
Figure for problem 532437

Hints

- Horizontal tangents occur at zeros of the first derivative. - The second derivative is the slope of the first derivative graph. - Use sign changes in \(f'\) to identify extrema. - For a non-extremum horizontal tangent, check whether the slope of \(f'\) changes sign.

Solution

1. The derivative is \(0\) at \(x=-2\) and \(x=2\). 2. At \(x=2\), the graph of \(f'\) has a local maximum with horizontal tangent, so \(f''(2)=0\). Therefore, the second derivative test is inconclusive there. 3. At \(x=-2\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum. At \(x=2\), \(f'\) is negative on both sides, so there is no local extremum. 4. Near \(x=2\), the graph of \(f'\) changes from increasing to decreasing. Thus \(f''\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) changes concavity at \(x=2\). Because \(f'(2)=0\), the point is a stationary inflection point.

Answer

a) \(x=-2\) and \(x=2\) b) \(f''(2)=0\), so the second derivative test is inconclusive at \(x=2\). c) Local maximum at \(x=-2\); stationary inflection point at \(x=2\)
First derivative test 77
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\) of a polynomial function \(f\). Decide whether each statement is true, false, or cannot be determined from the graph. 1. \(f\) is strictly decreasing on \((1,4)\). 2. \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=-3\). 3. \(f\) is strictly increasing on \((-3,1)\). 4. \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=1\). 5. \(f\) has exactly three inflection points on \([-4,5]\). 6. \(f(x)<0\) for every \(x\in(1,4)\).
Figure for problem 532544

Hints

- Use the sign of the derivative for monotonicity. - Use sign changes of the derivative to classify local extrema. - Turning points of the derivative can show inflection points of the original function. - The derivative does not determine the original function's vertical shift.

Solution

1. On \((1,4)\), \(f'(x)<0\), so \(f\) is strictly decreasing. Statement 1 is true. 2. At \(x=-3\), the derivative changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum, not a local maximum. Statement 2 is false. 3. On \((-3,1)\), \(f'(x)>0\), so \(f\) is strictly increasing. Statement 3 is true. 4. At \(x=1\), the derivative changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum. Statement 4 is true. 5. Inflection points of \(f\) occur where \(f'\) changes from increasing to decreasing or vice versa. The displayed derivative has two such turning points, so statement 5 is false. 6. The graph of \(f'\) gives the changes in \(f\), but not its vertical position. Adding a constant to \(f\) would leave \(f'\) unchanged and could make statement 6 true or false. Its truth cannot be determined from the graph.

Answer

1. True 2. False 3. True 4. True 5. False 6. Cannot be determined from \(f'\).
First derivative test 78
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\) of a polynomial function \(f\). a) Find all local extrema of \(f\). Classify each as a local maximum or local minimum, and justify your answer from the graph of \(f'\). b) Find the \(x\)-coordinate where the graph of \(f\) has a stationary inflection point, and justify your answer.
Figure for problem 532549

Hints

- Find the zeros of \(f'\). - Use sign changes in \(f'\) to classify local extrema of \(f\). - A zero of \(f'\) without a sign change does not produce a local extremum of \(f\). - For a stationary inflection point, also check whether \(f'\) has a local extremum at that zero.

Solution

1. The zeros of \(f'\) are \(x=-3\), \(x=2\), and \(x=5\). 2. At \(x=-3\), \(f'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum. 3. At \(x=5\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum. 4. At \(x=2\), \(f'(2)=0\), but \(f'\) remains positive on both sides. Therefore, \(f\) has no local extremum there. The graph of \(f'\) has a local minimum at \(x=2\), so \(f''\) changes sign there. Thus, \(f\) has a stationary inflection point at \(x=2\).

Answer

a) Local minimum at \(x=-3\); local maximum at \(x=5\) b) Stationary inflection point at \(x=2\)
First derivative test 79
The graph shows a differentiable function \(f\). a) Read the coordinates of the local minimum and the stationary inflection point from the graph. b) State the value of \(f'(x)\) at each of these points. c) Describe the sign of \(f'(x)\) immediately to the left and right of each point.
Figure for problem 532559

Hints

- Identify the points where the graph has a horizontal tangent. - A horizontal tangent has slope zero. - Use whether the graph rises or falls on each side to determine the sign of the derivative. - A stationary inflection point has slope zero and a change in concavity, but the derivative does not change sign.

Solution

1. From the graph, the local minimum is \((-2, -3)\), and the stationary inflection point is \((0, -1)\). 2. Both points have horizontal tangents, so \(f'(-2)=0\) and \(f'(0)=0\). 3. Near \(x=-2\), the graph decreases to the left and increases to the right. Thus, \(f'(x)\) changes from negative to positive. 4. Near \(x=0\), the graph increases on both sides. Thus, \(f'(x)\) is positive on both sides and does not change sign. The graph also changes concavity at \(x=0\), which confirms that the point is a stationary inflection point.

Answer

a) Local minimum: \((-2, -3)\); stationary inflection point: \((0, -1)\) b) \(f'(-2)=0\) and \(f'(0)=0\) c) At \(x=-2\), \(f'\) changes from negative to positive. At \(x=0\), \(f'\) is positive on both sides and does not change sign.
First derivative test 80
The figure shows the graph of \(g'\) for a differentiable function \(g\) on the displayed domain \([-3,4]\). Define \(f(x)=e^{g(x)}\). a) Explain why the interior local extrema of \(f\) occur exactly at the zeros of \(g'\) where the sign changes. b) Find all interior local extrema of \(f\) and classify each one. c) Give the intervals in the displayed domain on which \(f\) is strictly increasing.
Figure for problem 532620

Hints

- Apply the chain rule. - The exponential factor is always positive. - Use sign changes of the derivative to classify interior extrema. - The function increases where its derivative is positive.

Solution

1. By the chain rule, \(f'(x)=g'(x)e^{g(x)}\). Since \(e^{g(x)}>0\), \(f'(x)\) has the same zeros and signs as \(g'(x)\). 2. The graph of \(g'\) has zeros at \(x=-2\), \(x=1\), and \(x=3\). At \(x=-2\), the sign changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has an interior local minimum. At \(x=1\), the sign changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has an interior local maximum. At \(x=3\), the sign changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has an interior local minimum. 3. In the displayed domain \([-3,4]\), the graph of \(g'\) is positive on \((-2,1)\) and \((3,4)\). Therefore, \(f\) is strictly increasing on those maximal open intervals.

Answer

a) \(f'(x)=g'(x)e^{g(x)}\), and the exponential factor is always positive. b) Interior local minima at \(x=-2\) and \(x=3\); interior local maximum at \(x=1\). c) \((-2,1)\) and \((3,4)\)
First derivative test 81
Let \(f(x)=\frac{4x-4}{x^2+3}\). The graph of \(f\) is shown, with the point \(P\) at \(x=1\). a) Use the quotient rule to find \(f'(x)\), and simplify to show that \(f'(x)=\frac{-4x^2+8x+12}{(x^2+3)^2}\). b) Find the slope of the graph at \(P\). c) Find the points where the graph has horizontal tangent lines. Identify the local minimum as \(T\) and the local maximum as \(H\) using the first derivative test.
Figure for problem 532638

Hints

- Apply the quotient rule and simplify the numerator carefully. - Evaluate the derivative at the x-coordinate of \(P\) to find the tangent slope. - Horizontal tangents occur where the derivative is zero. - Classify each critical number from the direction of the first-derivative sign change.

Solution

1. Let \(u(x)=4x-4\) and \(v(x)=x^2+3\). Then \(u'(x)=4\) and \(v'(x)=2x\). By the quotient rule, \(f'(x)=\frac{4(x^2+3)-(4x-4)(2x)}{(x^2+3)^2}\) \(=\frac{4x^2+12-8x^2+8x}{(x^2+3)^2}\) \(=\frac{-4x^2+8x+12}{(x^2+3)^2}\). 2. At \(x=1\), \(f'(1)=\frac{-4+8+12}{(1+3)^2}=1\). Thus, the slope at \(P\) is \(1\). 3. The denominator of \(f'\) is always positive, so horizontal tangents occur where \(-4x^2+8x+12=0\). Dividing by \(-4\) gives \(x^2-2x-3=0\), so \(x=-1\) or \(x=3\). The derivative is negative on \((-\infty, -1)\), positive on \((-1, 3)\), and negative on \((3, \infty)\). Therefore, \(x=-1\) gives a local minimum and \(x=3\) gives a local maximum. \(f(-1)=-2\) and \(f(3)=\frac{2}{3}\). Hence, \(T=(-1, -2)\) and \(H=\left(3, \frac{2}{3}\right)\).

Answer

a) \(f'(x)=\frac{-4x^2+8x+12}{(x^2+3)^2}\) b) The slope at \(P\) is \(1\). c) \(T=(-1, -2)\) and \(H=\left(3, \frac{2}{3}\right)\)
First derivative test 82
Let \(f(x)=(x+1)e^{-0.5x}\). a) Find the equation of the tangent line to the graph at \(P=(0,1)\). b) Find the acute angle of inclination \(\alpha\) of that tangent line with the positive x-axis. Round to the nearest tenth of a degree. c) Find the exact critical number of \(f\). Show a sign chart for \(f'\), use the first derivative test to classify the critical point, and state the maximal intervals on which \(f\) is increasing and decreasing.

Hints

- Differentiate the product before using the point \(P\) to write the tangent line. - The acute inclination angle comes from the positive tangent slope. - The exponential factor in \(f'\) is always positive, so a simpler factor determines the derivative sign chart. - Decide whether the turning point belongs to either maximal interval.

Solution

1. Differentiate using the product and chain rules: \(f'(x)=(0.5-0.5x)e^{-0.5x}\). 2. At \(x=0\), \(f'(0)=0.5\). Since the tangent passes through \((0,1)\), its equation is \(y=0.5x+1\). 3. The angle of inclination satisfies \(\tan\alpha=0.5\). Therefore, \(\alpha=\arctan(0.5)\approx26.6^\circ\). 4. Because \(e^{-0.5x}>0\), the sign of \(f'(x)\) is the sign of \(1-x\). Hence \(f'(x)>0\) for \(x<1\), \(f'(1)=0\), and \(f'(x)<0\) for \(x>1\). 5. By the first derivative test, \(x=1\) is a local maximum. The maximal increasing interval is \(( -\infty,1]\), and the maximal decreasing interval is \([1,\infty)\). The turning point belongs to both intervals.

Answer

a) \(y=0.5x+1\) b) \(\alpha\approx26.6^\circ\) c) Critical number: \(x=1\), a local maximum by the first derivative test. Maximal increasing interval: \(( -\infty,1]\). Maximal decreasing interval: \([1,\infty)\).
First derivative test 83
Consider the family \(f_k(x)=x^2e^{-kx}\), where \(x\ge0\) and \(k>0\). The figure shows graphs p and q for two parameter values from \(\{0.5,1.0,2.0\}\). a) A graph has a local maximum with x-coordinate \(1\). Find \(k\) and the coordinates of the maximum. b) Find the equation of the locus containing all local maxima. c) Match p and q to their parameter values. Use the first derivative test to classify maxima.
Figure for problem 532772

Hints

- What does the derivative tell you about where a family member turns? - A local maximum is confirmed by a positive-to-negative sign change of the first derivative. - How could you describe the whole set of maxima by a relation between their coordinates? - Use the maximum's x-coordinate to distinguish the displayed family members.

Solution

1. By the product and chain rules, \(f_k'(x)=x(2-kx)e^{-kx}\). 2. For \(x>0\), both \(x\) and \(e^{-kx}\) are positive. Therefore, \(f_k'(x)>0\) when \(x<\frac{2}{k}\) and \(f_k'(x)<0\) when \(x>\frac{2}{k}\). The nonzero critical point \(x=\frac{2}{k}\) is therefore a local maximum. 3. If the maximum has x-coordinate \(1\), then \(\frac{2}{k}=1\), so \(k=2\). Its y-coordinate is \(f_2(1)=e^{-2}\). 4. At any local maximum, \(k=\frac{2}{x}\). Substitution into \(y=x^2e^{-kx}\) gives \(y=e^{-2}x^2\), with \(x>0\). 5. For \(k=0.5\), the maximum occurs at \(x=4\), matching p. For \(k=1.0\), it occurs at \(x=2\), matching q.

Answer

a) \(k=2\); maximum \((1,e^{-2})\) b) \(y=e^{-2}x^2\) for \(x>0\) c) p: \(k=0.5\); q: \(k=1.0\)
First derivative test 84
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\) of a function \(f\). a) Find the \(x\)-coordinates of the local extrema of \(f\), and classify each as a local maximum or local minimum. b) Give the interval on which \(f\) is strictly increasing. c) At which \(x\)-value in the displayed interval does \(f\) have its greatest slope? What is that slope?
Figure for problem 533771

Hints

- Use zeros and sign changes of \(f'\) to classify local extrema. - The function increases where its derivative is positive. - The maximum value of the derivative is the greatest slope of the function.

Solution

1. The derivative is zero at \(x=-2\) and \(x=4\). At \(x=-2\), it changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum. At \(x=4\), it changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum. 2. The derivative is positive for \(-2<x<4\), so \(f\) is strictly increasing on \((-2,4)\). 3. The greatest slope of \(f\) is the maximum value of \(f'\). The vertex of the derivative graph is \((1,4)\), so the greatest slope is \(4\) at \(x=1\).

Answer

a) Local minimum at \(x=-2\); local maximum at \(x=4\). b) \((-2,4)\). c) Greatest slope \(4\) at \(x=1\).
First derivative test 85
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\) of a function \(f\). Determine whether each statement about \(f\) is true or false. Justify your answer. a) The function \(f\) is strictly decreasing on \((-2,0)\). b) The graph of \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x = 0\). c) The graph of \(f\) has a stationary inflection point at \(x = 3\). d) Because \(f'(3) = 0\), the graph of \(f\) has a horizontal tangent at \(x = 3\).
Figure for problem 533845

Hints

- Use the sign of \(f'\) to determine increasing and decreasing behavior. - At each zero, check whether \(f'\) changes sign. - A derivative value of \(0\) means the original function has a horizontal tangent.

Solution

1. On \((-2,0)\), \(f'(x)>0\), so \(f\) is strictly increasing. Statement a) is false. 2. At \(x=0\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum. Statement b) is true. 3. At \(x=3\), \(f'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum, not a stationary inflection point. Statement c) is false. 4. Since \(f'(3)=0\), the slope of \(f\) at \(x=3\) is zero. Therefore, the tangent is horizontal. Statement d) is true.

Answer

a) False b) True c) False d) True
First derivative test 86
Consider the family of functions \(f_k(x)=\frac{1}{3}x^3-kx^2+3x\), where \(k\in\mathbb{R}\). The figure shows one graph from the family. a) Find \(k\) and justify your answer using information from the graph. b) Determine the values of \(k\) for which \(f_k\) has exactly two local extrema.
Figure for problem 533947

Hints

- Use a clearly visible intercept or extremum from the graph. - Set the first derivative equal to zero. - Use the discriminant to determine when the derivative has two distinct real roots.

Solution

1. The graph shows a zero at \(x=3\) that is also a local minimum. Using the zero, \(f_k(3)=18-9k=0\), so \(k=2\). 2. The first derivative is \(f_k'(x)=x^2-2kx+3\). It has two distinct real roots exactly when its discriminant is positive: \(4k^2-12>0\). 3. Therefore, \(k^2>3\), so \(k<-\sqrt{3}\) or \(k>\sqrt{3}\). At the two simple critical points, the derivative changes sign, giving two local extrema.

Answer

a) \(k=2\) b) \(k<-\sqrt{3}\) or \(k>\sqrt{3}\)
First derivative test 87
The graph shows the first derivative \(f'\) of a function \(f\). At the marked value \(x_e=2\), the graph of \(f'\) has both a zero and a local minimum. a) Explain why the second derivative test does not determine whether \(f\) has a local extremum at \(x_e=2\). b) Use the graph of \(f'\) to determine whether \(f\) has a local extremum at \(x_e=2\). Classify the point completely.
Figure for problem 533968

Hints

- The value of \(f''(2)\) is the slope of the graph of \(f'\) at \(x=2\). - Check whether \(f'\) changes sign at its zero. - To classify a stationary inflection point, also check whether \(f'\) has a local extremum there.

Solution

1. Because \(f'\) has a local minimum at \(x=2\), its slope there is zero. Therefore, \(f''(2)=0\), so the second derivative test is inconclusive. 2. The graph of \(f'\) touches the x-axis at \(x=2\) but remains nonnegative on both sides. Thus, \(f'\) does not change sign, and \(f\) has no local extremum at \(x=2\). 3. Since \(f'(2)=0\) and \(f'\) has a local minimum there, \(f''\) changes from negative to positive. Therefore, the graph of \(f\) changes from concave down to concave up and has a stationary inflection point at \(x=2\).

Answer

a) The second derivative test is inconclusive because \(f''(2)=0\). b) There is no local extremum because \(f'\) does not change sign. The point is a stationary inflection point at \(x=2\).
First derivative test 88
The graph shows the first derivative \(f'\) of a function \(f\). The derivative has a zero at \(x_e=2\). a) Explain why the second derivative test cannot be used at \(x_e=2\). b) Use the graph to decide whether \(f\) has a local maximum, a local minimum, or no local extremum at \(x_e=2\).
Figure for problem 533969

Hints

- A corner in the graph of \(f'\) means its derivative is undefined there. - Determine the sign of \(f'\) on each side of \(x=2\). - A change from positive to negative indicates a local maximum of \(f\).

Solution

1. The graph of \(f'\) has a corner at \(x=2\), so \(f'\) is not differentiable there. Therefore, \(f''(2)\) does not exist, and the second derivative test cannot be applied. 2. To the left of \(x=2\), \(f'(x)>0\), so \(f\) is increasing. To the right, \(f'(x)<0\), so \(f\) is decreasing. 3. Because \(f'\) changes from positive to negative, the first derivative test shows that \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=2\).

Answer

a) \(f''(2)\) does not exist because the graph of \(f'\) has a corner at \(x=2\). b) Local maximum at \(x=2\)
First derivative test 89
The graph of the derivative \(f^{\prime}\) is shown on \([-4, 4]\). Decide whether each statement about \(f\) is true or false. Justify each answer. a) The function \(f\) is strictly increasing on \((-2,2)\). b) The function \(f\) has a local minimum at \(x=2\). c) The graph of \(f\) is concave down for \(0<x<4\). d) If \(f(-2)=0\), then \(f(0)<0\).
Figure for problem 534266

Hints

- Use the sign of \(f^{\prime}(x)\) to determine where \(f\) increases or decreases. - At a zero of \(f^{\prime}\), check the direction of the sign change to classify a local extremum. - The slope of the graph of \(f^{\prime}\) gives the sign of \(f^{\prime\prime}\). - If a function is increasing, compare its values at the two x-values in their left-to-right order.

Solution

1. On \((-2,2)\), \(f'(x)>0\). Therefore, \(f\) is strictly increasing on \((-2,2)\), so a) is true. 2. At \(x=2\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative. Therefore, \(f\) has a local maximum, not a local minimum, so b) is false. 3. For \(0<x<4\), the graph of \(f'\) is decreasing, so \(f''(x)<0\). Therefore, \(f\) is concave down, so c) is true. 4. Since \(f\) is strictly increasing from \(x=-2\) to \(x=0\), \(f(0)>f(-2)=0\). Therefore, d) is false.

Answer

a) True b) False; \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=2\). c) True d) False; \(f(0)>0\).
First derivative test 90
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\) of a function \(f\). Decide whether each statement is true or false. a) \(f\) is strictly decreasing on \((-2,2)\). b) \(f\) has a local minimum at \(x=-2\). c) The graph of \(f\) has an inflection point at \(x=0\). d) If \(f(0)=4\), then \(f(1)>4\).
Figure for problem 534267

Hints

- Use the derivative's sign for monotonicity and local extrema. - A local extremum of the derivative can indicate a concavity change in the original function. - Use monotonicity to compare \(f(0)\) and \(f(1)\).

Solution

1. On \((-2,2)\), the derivative is negative, so \(f\) is strictly decreasing there. Statement a) is true. 2. At \(x=-2\), the derivative changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum. Statement b) is false. 3. The derivative graph has a local minimum at \(x=0\), so its slope changes from negative to positive. Thus, the concavity of \(f\) changes and statement c) is true. 4. Since \(f\) is strictly decreasing from \(x=0\) to \(x=1\), \(f(1)<f(0)=4\). Statement d) is false.

Answer

a) True b) False c) True d) False
First derivative test 91
The graph of the derivative \(f^{\prime}\) is shown on \([-4, 4]\). a) Find the open intervals in the displayed domain on which \(f\) is strictly decreasing. b) At which interior x-values does \(f\) have a local maximum or local minimum? Justify your answer using the graph of \(f^{\prime}\).
Figure for problem 534272

Hints

- The function decreases where its derivative is negative. - Find the interior x-intercepts of the derivative graph. - At each intercept, determine whether the derivative changes from negative to positive or from positive to negative.

Solution

1. The function \(f\) is decreasing where \(f^{\prime}(x)<0\). The derivative is negative on \((-4, -2)\) and \((1, 3)\). 2. The interior zeros of \(f^{\prime}\) are \(x=-2\), \(x=1\), and \(x=3\). 3. At \(x=-2\), \(f^{\prime}\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum. 4. At \(x=1\), \(f^{\prime}\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum. 5. At \(x=3\), \(f^{\prime}\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum.

Answer

a) \((-4, -2)\) and \((1, 3)\) b) Interior local minima at \(x=-2\) and \(x=3\); interior local maximum at \(x=1\).
First derivative test 92
The graph of the derivative \(f^{\prime}\) of a polynomial function \(f\) is shown on \([-4, 3]\). Decide whether each statement is true or false. Justify each answer. a) The function \(f\) is strictly decreasing on \((-2,1)\). b) The graph of \(f\) has a local minimum at \(x=-2\). c) The graph of \(f\) is concave up for \(0<x<3\). d) The slope of the tangent line to the graph of \(f\) at \(x=-1\) is \(-1\).
Figure for problem 534300

Hints

- The y-values of the derivative graph give the slope of the original function. - Use zeros and sign changes of \(f^{\prime}\) to classify local extrema. - The slope of the derivative graph gives the sign of \(f^{\prime\prime}\). - Read \(f^{\prime}(-1)\) directly from the derivative graph.

Solution

1. For \(-2<x<1\), \(f'(x)<0\). Therefore, \(f\) is strictly decreasing on \((-2,1)\), so a) is true. 2. At \(x=-2\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative. Therefore, \(f\) has a local maximum, not a local minimum, so b) is false. 3. For \(0<x<3\), the graph of \(f'\) is increasing, so \(f''(x)>0\). Therefore, \(f\) is concave up, so c) is true. 4. The tangent slope at \(x=-1\) is \(f'(-1)\). From the graph, \(f'(-1)=-1\), so d) is true.

Answer

a) True b) False; \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=-2\). c) True d) True
First derivative test 93
The graph shows the derivative \(f'\) of a function \(f\) on \([-4,6]\). a) On which maximal open intervals in the displayed domain is \(f\) strictly increasing? b) At which interior x-values does \(f\) have local extrema, and what type is each?
Figure for problem 534352

Hints

- Read where the derivative graph lies above the x-axis. - Use maximal open intervals within the displayed domain. - For each interior zero, compare the sign of the derivative on its two sides.

Solution

1. The derivative is positive on \((-3,1)\) and \((4,6)\). Therefore, \(f\) is strictly increasing on those maximal open intervals. 2. At \(x=-3\), \(f'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum. 3. At \(x=1\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum. 4. At \(x=4\), \(f'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum.

Answer

a) \((-3,1)\) and \((4,6)\) b) Interior local minima at \(x=-3\) and \(x=4\); interior local maximum at \(x=1\).
First derivative test 94
The graph shown is the graph of \(g'\), the derivative of a function \(g\). 1. Find the maximal open interval on which \(g\) is strictly decreasing. 2. Find the x-coordinates of the local extrema of \(g\), and classify each as a local maximum or local minimum. Justify your answer using the sign of \(g'\). 3. For \(-2<x<2\), where does the graph of \(g\) have its greatest downward slope? What is that slope?
Figure for problem 534390

Hints

- Use the position of the derivative graph relative to the x-axis to determine monotonicity. - Classify a critical point from the direction of the derivative's sign change. - The greatest downward slope corresponds to the lowest value of the derivative.

Solution

1. The derivative is negative on \((-2,2)\), so \(g\) is strictly decreasing on \((-2,2)\). 2. At \(x=-2\), \(g'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(g\) has a local maximum. At \(x=2\), \(g'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(g\) has a local minimum. 3. The greatest downward slope is the minimum value of \(g'\). The vertex of the derivative graph is \((0,-4)\), so it occurs at \(x=0\) and the slope is \(-4\).

Answer

1. \((-2,2)\) 2. Local maximum at \(x=-2\); local minimum at \(x=2\). 3. At \(x=0\), the slope is \(-4\).
First derivative test 95
The graph of the derivative \(h'\) is shown. Define \(f(x)=e^{h(x)}\). 1) Use the graph to find the x-coordinate of the local extremum of \(f\). 2) Determine whether the extremum is a local maximum or a local minimum. Justify your answer using the sign of \(h'\).
Figure for problem 534472

Hints

- Critical points occur where the first derivative is zero or undefined. - Use the chain rule to find \(f'(x)\). - The exponential factor is always positive. - Use the sign change of the derivative to classify the critical point.

Solution

1. By the chain rule, \(f'(x)=h'(x)e^{h(x)}\). Since \(e^{h(x)}>0\) for every \(x\), \(f'(x)\) and \(h'(x)\) have the same zeros and the same sign. 2. The graph shows that \(h'(x)=0\) at \(x=1\). Therefore, \(f'(1)=0\). For \(x<1\), \(h'(x)<0\), so \(f'(x)<0\). For \(x>1\), \(h'(x)>0\), so \(f'(x)>0\). Because \(f'\) changes from negative to positive at \(x=1\), \(f\) has a local minimum there.

Answer

1) \(x=1\) 2) The point is a local minimum because \(f'\) changes from negative to positive at \(x=1\).
First derivative test 96
Consider the family of functions \(g_a(x)=x^2e^{ax}\), where \(a\in\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}\). Find \(a\) so that \(x=2\) is a local extremum, and classify the extremum. Use the signs of the first derivative on both sides of \(x=2\) to justify your answer.

Hints

- Use the necessary first-derivative condition at the given x-value. - Factor the derivative to see which factors can change sign. - Compare its sign just to the left and right of the critical point.

Solution

1. The derivative is \(g_a'(x)=xe^{ax}(2+ax)\). 2. Requiring \(g_a'(2)=0\) gives \(2+2a=0\), so \(a=-1\). 3. For \(a=-1\), \(g_{-1}'(x)=xe^{-x}(2-x)\). Immediately left of \(x=2\), the factors are positive, so \(g_{-1}'(x)>0\). Immediately right, \(2-x<0\) while the other factors remain positive, so \(g_{-1}'(x)<0\). 4. By the first derivative test, \(x=2\) is a local maximum.

Answer

\(a=-1\); local maximum at \(x=2\), since the first derivative changes from positive to negative.
First derivative test 97
The graph of the derivative \(f^{\prime}\) of a polynomial function \(f\) is shown. a) Find the x-coordinates of the local extrema of \(f\). Classify each as a local maximum or local minimum and briefly justify your answer. b) At which x-values does the tangent line to the graph of \(f\) make a \(45^\circ\) angle with the positive x-axis? c) The derivative is a quadratic function of the form \(f^{\prime}(x)=ax^2+bx+c\). Find \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) using its zeros and point P.
Figure for problem 534494

Hints

- Zeros of the derivative are candidates for local extrema of the original function. - Relate the tangent angle to slope using the tangent function. - Use the sign change of the derivative to distinguish a local maximum from a local minimum. - Write a quadratic in factored form when its zeros are known.

Solution

1. The zeros of \(f^{\prime}\) are \(x=1\) and \(x=5\). 2. At \(x=1\), \(f^{\prime}\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum. At \(x=5\), \(f^{\prime}\) changes from positive to negative, so \(f\) has a local maximum. 3. A tangent angle of \(45^\circ\) corresponds to slope \(\tan(45^\circ)=1\). The graph shows \(f^{\prime}(x)=1\) at \(x=2\) and \(x=4\). 4. Using the zeros, write \(f^{\prime}(x)=a(x-1)(x-5)\). Since P has coordinates \((2,1)\), \(1=a(2-1)(2-5)=-3a\), so \(a=-\frac{1}{3}\). 5. Expanding gives \(f^{\prime}(x)=-\frac{1}{3}x^2+2x-\frac{5}{3}\). Therefore, \(a=-\frac{1}{3}\), \(b=2\), and \(c=-\frac{5}{3}\).

Answer

a) Local minimum at \(x=1\); local maximum at \(x=5\). b) \(x=2\) and \(x=4\) c) \(a=-\frac{1}{3}\), \(b=2\), and \(c=-\frac{5}{3}\)
First derivative test 98
Let \(f(x)=\frac{4x}{x^2+4}\). Analyze its monotonic behavior using the first derivative test, and find the coordinates of all local extrema.

Hints

- Determine which factor of the derivative controls its sign. - Use maximal open intervals separated by the critical numbers. - Classify each critical point from the direction of the derivative's sign change.

Solution

1. The quotient rule gives \(f'(x)=\frac{16-4x^2}{(x^2+4)^2}\). 2. The denominator is always positive. The numerator is zero at \(x=-2\) and \(x=2\), negative for \(x<-2\) and \(x>2\), and positive for \(-2<x<2\). 3. Therefore, \(f\) is strictly decreasing on \((-\infty,-2)\) and \((2,\infty)\), and strictly increasing on \((-2,2)\). 4. The derivative changes from negative to positive at \(x=-2\), so \((-2,-1)\) is a local minimum. It changes from positive to negative at \(x=2\), so \((2,1)\) is a local maximum.

Answer

Strictly increasing on \((-2,2)\); strictly decreasing on \((-\infty,-2)\) and \((2,\infty)\). Local minimum: \((-2,-1)\) Local maximum: \((2,1)\)
First derivative test 99
The graph shown is the derivative \(f'\) of a rational function \(f\), where \(f'(x)=1-\frac{4}{x^2}\). Determine whether each statement about \(f\) is true or false. Justify each answer. (1) The function \(f\) is strictly decreasing on \((0,2)\). (2) The function \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=2\). (3) The graph of \(f\) has no inflection points. (4) The function \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=-2\).
Figure for problem 534552

Hints

- Use the sign of the displayed derivative for monotonicity. - Classify each derivative zero from the direction of its sign change. - Differentiate once more only for the concavity statement. - Remember that a concavity change at a point outside the domain is not an inflection point.

Solution

1. On \((0,2)\), \(f'(x)<0\), so \(f\) is strictly decreasing. Statement (1) is true. 2. At \(x=2\), \(f'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(f\) has a local minimum, not a local maximum. Statement (2) is false. 3. Differentiate the given derivative: \(f''(x)=\frac{8}{x^3}\). It is negative on \((-\infty,0)\) and positive on \((0,\infty)\), but \(x=0\) is not in the domain. There is no point in the domain where concavity changes, so statement (3) is true. 4. At \(x=-2\), \(f'\) changes from positive to negative, so the first derivative test gives a local maximum. Statement (4) is true.

Answer

(1) True. (2) False. (3) True. (4) True.
First derivative test 100
The graph shown represents \(f(x)=\frac{(\ln x)^2}{x}\), where \(x>0\). a) Explain without differentiation why \(x=1\) is a local minimum. b) Use the first derivative test to find the exact coordinates of every local extremum. c) State the intervals on which \(f\) is increasing and decreasing.
Figure for problem 534590

Hints

- Use the nonnegative square in the numerator to understand the point \(x=1\) before differentiating. - Factor the derivative into pieces whose signs can be read on intervals. - Classify each critical number from the direction of the first-derivative sign change.

Solution

1. For \(x>0\), \((\ln x)^2\ge0\) and \(x>0\), so \(f(x)\ge0\). Since \(f(1)=0\), \(x=1\) is a local minimum. 2. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=\frac{\ln x(2-\ln x)}{x^2}\). The critical numbers are \(x=1\) and \(x=e^2\). 3. Because \(x^2>0\), the derivative is negative on \((0,1)\), positive on \((1,e^2)\), and negative on \((e^2,\infty)\). Thus \(f'\) changes from negative to positive at \(x=1\), confirming a local minimum, and from positive to negative at \(x=e^2\), giving a local maximum by the first derivative test. 4. The local maximum value is \(f(e^2)=\frac{4}{e^2}\). Therefore the local extrema are \((1,0)\) and \(\left(e^2,\frac{4}{e^2}\right)\).

Answer

a) \(x=1\) is a local minimum because \(f(x)\ge0\) and \(f(1)=0\). b) Local minimum: \((1,0)\). Local maximum: \(\left(e^2,\frac{4}{e^2}\right)\). c) Decreasing on \((0,1)\) and \((e^2,\infty)\); increasing on \((1,e^2)\).
First derivative test 101
Let \(f(x)=(x-2)^2e^x\). Its graph is shown. a) Explain without differentiation why \(x=2\) is a local minimum. b) Use the first derivative test to find the exact coordinates of every local extremum. c) State the increasing and decreasing intervals.
Figure for problem 534591

Hints

- First use the sign of the factors in the original function to understand the zero at \(x=2\). - Factor the first derivative completely. - Use the derivative sign on each interval to classify both critical numbers.

Solution

1. Since \((x-2)^2\ge0\) and \(e^x>0\), \(f(x)\ge0\) for all \(x\). Because \(f(2)=0\), \(x=2\) is a local minimum. 2. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=2(x-2)e^x+(x-2)^2e^x=xe^x(x-2)\). The critical numbers are \(x=0\) and \(x=2\). 3. Since \(e^x>0\), \(f'\) is positive on \(( -\infty,0)\), negative on \((0,2)\), and positive on \((2,\infty)\). Thus \(f'\) changes from positive to negative at \(0\), giving a local maximum, and from negative to positive at \(2\), giving a local minimum. 4. \(f(0)=4\) and \(f(2)=0\), so the extrema are \((0,4)\) and \((2,0)\).

Answer

a) \(x=2\) is a local minimum because \(f(x)\ge0\) and \(f(2)=0\). b) Local maximum: \((0,4)\). Local minimum: \((2,0)\). c) Increasing on \(( -\infty,0)\) and \((2,\infty)\); decreasing on \((0,2)\).
First derivative test 102
Consider the family \(f_a(x)=\frac{a\ln x}{x}\), where \(x>0\) and \(a\ne0\). The figure shows graphs p and q for \(a=2\) and \(a=4\), respectively. Use the figure to conjecture whether their extrema share an x-coordinate. a) Find \(a\) so that the graph passes through \(P(e^2,2)\). b) Prove that every family member has its only critical point at \(x=e\). Classify that point as a local maximum or local minimum according to the sign of \(a\), and give the equation of the line containing all such extrema. Show the sign of \(f_a'\) on both sides of the critical point. c) Find the tangent slope at the zero \(x=1\) in terms of \(a\).
Figure for problem 534592

Hints

- Use the two displayed graphs to form a conjecture about the x-coordinate of the extremum, then prove it from the derivative. - Factor the derivative so its sign can be determined without a second derivative. - Compare the sign of \(1-\ln x\) on the two sides of \(e\), then account for the sign of \(a\).

Solution

1. The two displayed positive-\(a\) graphs suggest that their extrema occur at the same x-coordinate. 2. Substituting \(P(e^2,2)\) gives \(\frac{2a}{e^2}=2\), so \(a=e^2\). 3. The quotient rule gives \(f_a'(x)=a\frac{1-\ln x}{x^2}\). Since \(a\ne0\) and \(x^2>0\), the only critical point occurs when \(\ln x=1\), so \(x=e\). 4. The factor \(1-\ln x\) is positive for \(0<x<e\) and negative for \(x>e\). Therefore, if \(a>0\), \(f_a'\) changes from positive to negative and \(x=e\) is a local maximum by the first derivative test. If \(a<0\), the signs reverse and \(x=e\) is a local minimum. 5. Every extremum has x-coordinate \(e\), so all extrema lie on the vertical line \(x=e\). 6. At the zero \(x=1\), \(f_a'(1)=a\).

Answer

a) \(a=e^2\) b) The only critical point is at \(x=e\); it is a local maximum for \(a>0\) and a local minimum for \(a<0\). All extrema lie on \(x=e\). c) \(m=a\)
First derivative test 103
Consider the family of functions \(f_k(x)=(x-k)e^{1-0.5x}\). The figure shows the graphs for \(k=0\) and \(k=2\). a) Find the zero in terms of \(k\). b) Find the x-coordinate of the local extremum and show that it is always \(2\) units to the right of the zero. Use the signs of \(f_k'\) on both sides of the critical point. c) Find \(k\) so that the slope at the zero is \(1\).
Figure for problem 534593

Hints

- The exponential factor is never zero. - Use the product rule and chain rule, then find what controls the derivative's sign. - Compare the x-coordinates of the zero and the critical point. - When does an exponential equal \(1\)?

Solution

1. Since the exponential factor is positive, the zero is \(x=k\). 2. The derivative is \(f_k'(x)=(1-0.5x+0.5k)e^{1-0.5x}\). The exponential factor is positive, so \(f_k'(x)>0\) when \(x<k+2\), \(f_k'(k+2)=0\), and \(f_k'(x)<0\) when \(x>k+2\). By the first derivative test, \(x=k+2\) gives a local maximum. 3. The distance between the zero and the local maximum is \((k+2)-k=2\). 4. The slope at the zero is \(f_k'(k)=e^{1-0.5k}\). Setting this equal to \(1\) gives \(1-0.5k=0\), so \(k=2\).

Answer

a) \(x=k\) b) Local maximum x-coordinate: \(x=k+2\); the distance from the zero is \(2\). The derivative changes from positive to negative there. c) \(k=2\)
First derivative test 104
Let \(f(x)=2x(2-\ln x)\), where \(x>0\). The graph is shown. a) Find the exact coordinates of the local maximum and state the intervals on which \(f\) is strictly increasing and strictly decreasing. b) Find the tangent line at \(x_0=1\). Where does this tangent line intersect the x-axis? c) Determine the behavior of \(f(x)\) as \(x\to\infty\). Use this result and part a to find the range of \(f\).
Figure for problem 534612

Hints

- Use the first derivative to locate the critical number. - Determine the derivative sign on each side of that value and classify it from the sign change. - Use the tangent slope at \(x=1\) for part b). - Combine end behavior with the maximum when determining the range.

Solution

1. Differentiate using the product rule: \(f'(x)=2-2\ln x\). Set the derivative equal to zero: \(2-2\ln x=0\), so \(x=e\). The derivative is positive on \((0,e)\) and negative on \((e,\infty)\). Thus \(f'\) changes from positive to negative at \(x=e\), so the first derivative test gives a local maximum there. The function is strictly increasing on \((0,e)\) and strictly decreasing on \((e,\infty)\). The y-coordinate is \(f(e)=2e\). 2. At \(x=1\), \(f(1)=4\) and \(f'(1)=2\). Thus, the tangent line is \(y=2(x-1)+4=2x+2\). Setting \(y=0\) gives \(x=-1\), so the x-intercept is \((-1, 0)\). 3. Rewrite \(f(x)=4x-2x\ln x\). The negative term dominates as \(x\to\infty\), so \(f(x)\to-\infty\). Since the function increases to its global maximum \(2e\) and then decreases without bound, its range is \((-\infty, 2e]\).

Answer

a) Local maximum: \((e, 2e)\); increasing on \((0,e)\); decreasing on \((e,\infty)\) b) Tangent line: \(y=2x+2\); x-intercept: \((-1, 0)\) c) \(\lim_{x\to\infty}f(x)=-\infty\); range: \((-\infty, 2e]\)
First derivative test 105
The function \(g(x)=(x+1)e^{-0.5x}\) models the rate of change of water volume in a reservoir, in \(\text{m}^3/\text{day}\). Here \(x\) is time in days relative to a reference date; negative values mean days before that date. Assume the formula applies for \(x\ge-2\). The graph shows part of the model. a) Find the zero of \(g\), and determine what happens to the rate as \(x\to\infty\). b) Find the coordinates of the local extremum. c) Use the graph to find the rate at \(x=0\). Is the reservoir's water volume increasing or decreasing at that time? Explain.
Figure for problem 534613

Hints

- The exponential factor is always positive, so the zero comes from the remaining factor. - Compare linear growth with exponential decay for the long-run behavior. - Use the sign of \(g'(x)\) on either side of its critical point to classify the extremum. - A positive volume-change rate means the reservoir's volume is increasing.

Solution

1. Since \(e^{-0.5x}>0\), \(g(x)=0\) only when \(x+1=0\). Thus, the zero is \(x=-1\). As \(x\to\infty\), exponential decay dominates linear growth, so \(g(x)\to0\). 2. Differentiate: \(g'(x)=e^{-0.5x}(0.5-0.5x)\). It is positive for \(x<1\), zero at \(x=1\), and negative for \(x>1\). Thus, \(g\) has a local maximum at \(\left(1,2e^{-0.5}\right)\approx(1,1.21)\). 3. The graph gives \(g(0)=1\,\text{m}^3/\text{day}\). Because this rate is positive, the reservoir's water volume is increasing on the reference date.

Answer

a) Zero at \(x=-1\); \(\lim_{x\to\infty}g(x)=0\) b) Local maximum at \(\left(1,2e^{-0.5}\right)\approx(1,1.21)\) c) \(1\,\text{m}^3/\text{day}\); the water volume is increasing.
First derivative test 106
Let \(f(x)=5xe^{-0.5x}\). Its graph is shown. a) Find \(f'(x)\) and \(f''(x)\) using the product and chain rules. b) State the x- and y-intercepts of \(f'\) and describe its behavior as \(x\to\infty\). c) Use the sign of \(f'\) to explain why \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=2\).
Figure for problem 534615

Hints

- Use the product rule and chain rule together. - Find the intercepts of the derivative algebraically. - Remember that an exponential factor is always positive. - Use the sign of the first derivative to classify the critical point.

Solution

1. Differentiate using the product and chain rules: \(f'(x)=5e^{-0.5x}+5x\cdot(-0.5)e^{-0.5x}\) \(=(5-2.5x)e^{-0.5x}\). 2. Differentiate again: \(f''(x)=-2.5e^{-0.5x}-0.5(5-2.5x)e^{-0.5x}\) \(=(1.25x-5)e^{-0.5x}\). 3. Since the exponential factor is always positive, \(f'(x)=0\) when \(5-2.5x=0\), so the x-intercept is \((2, 0)\). Also, \(f'(0)=5\), so the y-intercept is \((0, 5)\). For large positive \(x\), \(f'(x)\) approaches \(0\) from below. 4. Since the exponential factor is positive, \(f'(x)>0\) for \(x<2\) and \(f'(x)<0\) for \(x>2\). Therefore, \(f\) changes from increasing to decreasing at \(x=2\), so it has a local maximum there.

Answer

a) \(f'(x)=(5-2.5x)e^{-0.5x}\); \(f''(x)=(1.25x-5)e^{-0.5x}\) b) The derivative graph has intercepts \((0, 5)\) and \((2, 0)\), and approaches the x-axis from below as \(x\to\infty\). c) Since \(f'(x)>0\) for \(x<2\) and \(f'(x)<0\) for \(x>2\), \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=2\).
First derivative test 107
The graph shows the derivative \(g'\) of a function \(g\) on \([-4,4]\). At each zero of \(g'\), use the first derivative test to classify the corresponding point of \(g\) as a local maximum, a local minimum, or neither.
Figure for problem 534998

Hints

- Locate every x-intercept of the derivative graph. - Compare the sign of the derivative immediately to the left and right of each zero. - A zero of the derivative alone does not guarantee an extremum.

Solution

1. The zeros of \(g'\) are \(x=-3\), \(x=0\), and \(x=3\). 2. At \(x=-3\), \(g'\) changes from positive to negative, so \(g\) has a local maximum. 3. At \(x=0\), \(g'\) is negative on both sides, so \(g\) has neither a local maximum nor a local minimum there. 4. At \(x=3\), \(g'\) changes from negative to positive, so \(g\) has a local minimum.

Answer

\(x=-3\): local maximum \(x=0\): neither \(x=3\): local minimum
First derivative test 108
Keiko claims, “Every fourth-degree polynomial has either exactly one or exactly three local extrema. Exactly two local extrema are impossible.” Decide whether the claim is true. Justify your answer by analyzing the possible real zeros and multiplicities of the derivative.

Hints

- Find the degree of the derivative. - An extremum requires a sign change in the derivative. - Consider simple, double, and triple zeros of a cubic. - Compare the derivative's signs for very large positive and negative x-values.

Solution

1. The derivative of a fourth-degree polynomial is a cubic polynomial. 2. A local extremum occurs at a derivative zero where the derivative changes sign. 3. A cubic can have three simple real zeros, producing three sign changes and three local extrema. It can also have one simple real zero and two nonreal zeros, one simple and one double real zero, or one triple real zero. Each of those cases produces exactly one sign change and one local extremum. 4. Because a cubic has opposite end behavior as \(x\to-\infty\) and \(x\to\infty\), the total number of sign-changing real zeros is odd. Therefore, a fourth-degree polynomial has exactly one or exactly three local extrema, never exactly two.

Answer

The claim is true. The cubic derivative changes sign at either one or three real zeros, so the fourth-degree polynomial has either one or three local extrema.
First derivative test 109
Let \(g\) be differentiable and suppose \(g'(x)<0\) for every real \(x\). a) Let \(f(x)=g(x^2-4)\). Find \(f'(x)\). b) Show that \(f\) has a local extremum at \(x=0\), and determine whether it is a local maximum or local minimum. c) Let \(h(x)=g(x^3+x)\). Explain why \(h\) cannot have any local extrema.

Hints

- Use the chain rule for each composition. - Use the given sign of \(g'\). - A horizontal tangent occurs where the first derivative equals zero. - Use the sign change of the first derivative to classify the critical point. - Can a product be zero if neither factor is ever zero?

Solution

1. By the chain rule, \(f'(x)=2x\,g'(x^2-4)\). 2. Since \(g'(x^2-4)<0\) for every \(x\), the derivative \(f'(x)\) can equal zero only when \(2x=0\). Thus \(x=0\) is the only critical point. 3. For \(x<0\), both \(2x\) and \(g'(x^2-4)\) are negative, so \(f'(x)>0\). For \(x>0\), \(2x>0\) while \(g'(x^2-4)<0\), so \(f'(x)<0\). The derivative changes from positive to negative at \(x=0\), so \(f\) has a local maximum there. 4. For \(h\), the chain rule gives \(h'(x)=g'(x^3+x)(3x^2+1)\). The first factor is always negative and \(3x^2+1>0\) for every real \(x\). Therefore \(h'(x)<0\) everywhere. Since a differentiable function can have a local extremum only at a point where its derivative is zero, \(h\) has no local extrema.

Answer

a) \(f'(x)=2x\,g'(x^2-4)\) b) \(f'(x)>0\) for \(x<0\) and \(f'(x)<0\) for \(x>0\), so \(f\) has a local maximum at \(x=0\). c) \(h'(x)=g'(x^3+x)(3x^2+1)<0\) for every real \(x\), so \(h\) has no local extrema.
First derivative test 110
Consider the family of functions \(g_a(x)=\frac{a}{\sqrt{1-ax^2}}\), where \(a\in\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}\). a) Find the maximal domain for \(a>0\) and for \(a<0\). b) Show that every graph is symmetric about the y-axis. c) For \(a>0\), describe the behavior near the endpoints of the domain. d) Show that \(g_a'(x)=\frac{a^2x}{(1-ax^2)^{3/2}}\), and use the first derivative test to explain why each function has a local minimum at \(x=0\).

Hints

- Determine the domain before reasoning about extrema. - Once the derivative is factored into sign-known pieces, identify its sign on each side of \(0\). - Use the direction of the derivative sign change to classify the critical point.

Solution

1. The denominator requires \(1-ax^2>0\). 2. If \(a<0\), then \(1-ax^2\geq1\), so the domain is \(\mathbb{R}\). If \(a>0\), then \(|x|<\frac{1}{\sqrt{a}}\), so the domain is \(\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt{a}},\frac{1}{\sqrt{a}}\right)\). 3. Since \(g_a(-x)=g_a(x)\), every graph is symmetric about the y-axis. 4. For \(a>0\), as \(x\) approaches either endpoint from inside the domain, the positive denominator approaches \(0\), so \(g_a(x)\to\infty\). 5. Write \(g_a(x)=a(1-ax^2)^{-1/2}\). The chain rule gives \(g_a'(x)=\frac{a^2x}{(1-ax^2)^{3/2}}\). 6. On the domain, the denominator and \(a^2\) are positive. Thus, the derivative is negative for \(x<0\) and positive for \(x>0\). The derivative changes from negative to positive at \(x=0\), so the first derivative test gives a local minimum there.

Answer

a) If \(a<0\), the domain is \(\mathbb{R}\). If \(a>0\), the domain is \(\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt{a}},\frac{1}{\sqrt{a}}\right)\). b) \(g_a(-x)=g_a(x)\). c) From within the domain, \(g_a(x)\to\infty\) at both endpoints. d) \(g_a'(x)=\frac{a^2x}{(1-ax^2)^{3/2}}\); the derivative changes from negative to positive at \(x=0\), so there is a local minimum there.
First derivative test 111
Let \(f(x)=x^{1/x}\), where \(x>0\). a) Find \(f'(x)\). b) Find the exact coordinates of the local extremum of the graph. Use the first derivative test.

Hints

- Rewrite the variable exponent in a form that can be differentiated. - Determine the sign of the derivative from the factor that can change sign. - Classify the critical number from the derivative sign change.

Solution

1. Rewrite the function: \(f(x)=e^{\frac{\ln x}{x}}\). Let \(h(x)=\frac{\ln x}{x}\). Then \(h'(x)=\frac{1-\ln x}{x^2}\). 2. Apply the chain rule: \(f'(x)=x^{1/x}\frac{1-\ln x}{x^2}\). 3. Since \(x^{1/x}>0\) and \(x^2>0\), critical numbers satisfy \(1-\ln x=0\), so \(x=e\). 4. The derivative is positive for \(0<x<e\) and negative for \(x>e\). Thus \(f'\) changes from positive to negative at \(x=e\), so the first derivative test gives a local maximum there. 5. The corresponding y-value is \(f(e)=e^{1/e}\).

Answer

a) \(f'(x)=x^{1/x}\frac{1-\ln x}{x^2}\) b) Local maximum at \(\left(e, e^{1/e}\right)\)
First derivative test 112
Consider the family \(h_t(x)=\frac{\ln(x)+t}{x}\), where \(x>0\) and \(t\in\mathbb{R}\). a) Determine the end behavior as \(x\to0^+\) and \(x\to\infty\), and give the equations of the asymptotes. b) Find the coordinates of the local maximum in terms of \(t\). Use the first derivative test, checking both sides of the critical number. c) Find the equation and domain of the locus containing all local maxima.

Hints

- Compare the growth rates of logarithmic and linear functions. - Apply the quotient rule. - Check the derivative's sign on both sides of its zero before classifying the maximum. - Eliminate the parameter from the maximum-point coordinates and identify the attainable x-values.

Solution

1. As \(x\to0^+\), the numerator \(\ln(x)+t\to-\infty\) and the denominator \(x\to0^+\), so \(h_t(x)\to-\infty\). Thus \(x=0\) is a vertical asymptote. As \(x\to\infty\), \(\frac{\ln(x)+t}{x}\to0\), so \(y=0\) is a horizontal asymptote. 2. By the quotient rule, \(h_t'(x)=\frac{1-\ln(x)-t}{x^2}\). Its only critical number is \(c=e^{1-t}\). 3. Since \(x^2>0\), the derivative is positive on \((0,c)\), where \(\ln(x)<1-t\), and negative on \((c,\infty)\), where \(\ln(x)>1-t\). By the first derivative test, \(c\) is a local maximum. 4. Its y-coordinate is \(h_t(c)=e^{t-1}\). Thus the maximum point is \((e^{1-t},e^{t-1})\). 5. The coordinates satisfy \(xy=1\), so the locus is \(y=\frac{1}{x}\). Because \(x=e^{1-t}>0\) for every real \(t\), its domain is \(x>0\).

Answer

a) Vertical asymptote: \(x=0\); horizontal asymptote: \(y=0\). b) \((e^{1-t},e^{t-1})\). c) \(y=\frac{1}{x}\) for \(x>0\).
First derivative test 113
Let \(g(x) = -\frac{1}{20}x^5 + \frac{1}{3}x^3\). a) Find \(g'(x)\) and all critical numbers. b) Classify each critical point as a local maximum, local minimum, or stationary inflection point. Give the coordinates of the local extrema.

Hints

- Factor the first derivative and use its zeros to divide the real line into sign intervals. - Classify the local extrema from the direction of each first-derivative sign change. - A critical number where the first derivative keeps the same sign is not a local extremum. - Use concavity only for the separate stationary-inflection classification.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(g'(x)=-\frac14x^4+x^2=x^2\left(1-\frac14x^2\right)\). 2. The critical numbers are \(x=-2,0,2\). The sign of \(g'\) is negative on \(( -\infty,-2)\), positive on \((-2,0)\), positive on \((0,2)\), and negative on \((2,\infty)\). 3. At \(x=-2\), \(g'\) changes from negative to positive, so the first derivative test gives a local minimum. Since \(g(-2)=-\frac{16}{15}\), the point is \((-2,-\frac{16}{15})\). 4. At \(x=2\), \(g'\) changes from positive to negative, so the first derivative test gives a local maximum. Since \(g(2)=\frac{16}{15}\), the point is \((2,\frac{16}{15})\). 5. At \(x=0\), \(g'\) is positive on both sides, so there is no local extremum. Also \(g''(x)=-x^3+2x\) changes from negative to positive at \(0\), so \((0,0)\) is a stationary inflection point.

Answer

a) \(g'(x) = -\frac{1}{4}x^4 + x^2\); critical numbers: \(x = -2\), \(x = 0\), and \(x = 2\) b) Local minimum: \((-2, -\frac{16}{15})\); stationary inflection point: \((0, 0)\); local maximum: \((2, \frac{16}{15})\)
First derivative test 114
A polynomial function \(h\) has exactly two points with horizontal tangents: \(P=(0, 2)\) and \(Q=(2, 5)\). It is known that \(h(x)\to-\infty\) as \(x\to-\infty\). a) Explain why \(P\) must be a stationary inflection point. b) What type of point can \(Q\) be: a local maximum, local minimum, or stationary inflection point? For each possible type, determine the end behavior as \(x\to\infty\). c) Find the minimum and maximum possible numbers of real zeros of \(h\).

Hints

- Use the absence of any other horizontal tangents to control whether the first derivative can change sign. - Classify a horizontal tangent by what the derivative does immediately on its two sides. - Track the monotonic behavior from the left end behavior through \(P\) and \(Q\). - Count x-axis crossings only after the possible sign patterns are settled.

Solution

1. Because there are no horizontal tangents for \(x<0\), the polynomial \(h'\) has a constant sign on \((-\infty,0)\). Since \(h(x)\to-\infty\) as \(x\to-\infty\) while \(h(0)=2\), \(h\) must be increasing there, so \(h'>0\) for \(x<0\). 2. If \(h'\) changed from positive to negative at \(P\), then \(P\) would be a local maximum. To reach the higher point \(Q=(2,5)\), the derivative would later have to change back to positive, creating another zero of \(h'\) between \(P\) and \(Q\), contrary to the hypothesis. Thus \(h'\) stays positive on both sides of \(0\). Because \(h'\) is a polynomial and \(h'(0)=0\), this zero has even multiplicity. Therefore \(h''\) has an odd-multiplicity zero at \(0\) and changes sign there, so \(P\) is a stationary inflection point. 3. The function is increasing from \(P\) to \(Q\), so \(h'>0\) immediately to the left of \(Q\). At \(Q\), either \(h'\) changes from positive to negative, giving a local maximum; then \(h'<0\) for all \(x>2\), so \(h(x)\to-\infty\) as \(x\to\infty\). Or \(h'\) remains positive on both sides of \(2\). In that case the zero of the polynomial \(h'\) at \(2\) has even multiplicity, so \(h''\) changes sign there; \(Q\) is a stationary inflection point, and \(h(x)\to\infty\) as \(x\to\infty\). 4. The function rises from \(-\infty\) to \(P=(0,2)\), so it has exactly one zero to the left of \(P\). If \(Q\) is a stationary inflection point there are no more zeros; if \(Q\) is a local maximum, the later decrease to \(-\infty\) creates exactly one additional zero. Thus the possible totals are one or two.

Answer

a) \(P\) must be a stationary inflection point. b) \(Q\) can be a local maximum, giving \(h(x)\to-\infty\), or a stationary inflection point, giving \(h(x)\to\infty\), as \(x\to\infty\). c) Minimum: \(1\) real zero; maximum: \(2\) real zeros.
First derivative test 115
Determine the number of real solutions of \(3x^5-25x^3+60x-20=0\). Use the local extrema of the associated function to justify your answer.

Hints

- Find all critical numbers of the fifth-degree polynomial. - Make a complete sign chart for the first derivative. - Evaluate the function at each critical number. - Combine the monotonicity with the end behavior to count sign changes of the function.

Solution

1. Let \(f(x)=3x^5-25x^3+60x-20\). Then \(f'(x)=15(x^4-5x^2+4)=15(x^2-1)(x^2-4)\), so the critical numbers are \(x=-2,-1,1,2\). 2. The derivative is positive on \((-\infty,-2)\), negative on \((-2,-1)\), positive on \((-1,1)\), negative on \((1,2)\), and positive on \((2,\infty)\). Thus the first derivative test gives local maxima at \(x=-2\) and \(x=1\), and local minima at \(x=-1\) and \(x=2\). 3. The corresponding values are \(f(-2)=-36\), \(f(-1)=-58\), \(f(1)=18\), and \(f(2)=-4\). 4. Since the polynomial has odd degree and positive leading coefficient, \(f(x)\to-\infty\) as \(x\to-\infty\), and \(f(x)\to\infty\) as \(x\to\infty\). 5. The function remains negative through the first two monotonic pieces, crosses once while rising from \(-58\) to \(18\), crosses once while falling from \(18\) to \(-4\), and crosses once while rising from \(-4\) to \(\infty\). Therefore, there are exactly three real zeros.

Answer

The equation has exactly \(3\) real solutions.
First derivative test 116
Consider the family \(f_k(x)=x^2e^{-kx^2}\), where \(k>0\). a) Analyze the graph for symmetry and find its intercepts. b) Find the local extrema in terms of \(k\) using the first derivative test. c) Find the equation of the locus containing the local maxima. d) The two local maxima and the origin form a triangle. Find its area in terms of \(k\). For which value of \(k\) is the area \(\frac{1}{e}\)?

Hints

- Compare \(f_k(-x)\) with \(f_k(x)\). - How can the derivative's signs tell you which stationary points are maxima? - What equation could capture the locations of all maxima, rather than just one maximum? - Which distances in the triangle correspond to its base and altitude?

Solution

1. Since \(f_k(-x)=f_k(x)\), the graph is symmetric about the y-axis. The exponential factor never equals zero, so the only x- and y-intercept is the origin. 2. By the product and chain rules, \(f_k'(x)=2x(1-kx^2)e^{-kx^2}\). The critical numbers are \(x=0\) and \(x=\pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{k}}\). 3. Because the exponential factor is positive, a sign chart for \(2x(1-kx^2)\) gives \(f_k'>0\) on \((-\infty,-1/\sqrt{k})\), \(f_k'<0\) on \((-1/\sqrt{k},0)\), \(f_k'>0\) on \((0,1/\sqrt{k})\), and \(f_k'<0\) on \((1/\sqrt{k},\infty)\). Thus, the first derivative test gives a local minimum at \(x=0\) and local maxima at \(x=\pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{k}}\). 4. The extremum values are \(f_k(0)=0\) and \(f_k\left(\pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{k}}\right)=\frac{1}{ek}\), so the local maxima are \(\left(\pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{k}},\frac{1}{ek}\right)\). 5. At a maximum, \(k=\frac{1}{x^2}\). Substitution into \(y=\frac{1}{ek}\) gives \(y=\frac{x^2}{e}\), with \(x\ne0\). 6. The triangle has base \(\frac{2}{\sqrt{k}}\) and height \(\frac{1}{ek}\). Therefore, \(A(k)=\frac{1}{ek^{3/2}}\). Setting \(A(k)=\frac{1}{e}\) gives \(k=1\).

Answer

a) The graph is symmetric about the y-axis; the only intercept is \((0, 0)\). b) Local minimum: \((0, 0)\); local maxima: \(\left(\pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{k}}, \frac{1}{ek}\right)\) c) \(y=\frac{x^2}{e}\) for \(x\neq0\) d) \(A(k)=\frac{1}{ek^{3/2}}\); the area is \(\frac{1}{e}\) when \(k=1\).
First derivative test 117
Consider the family \(f_k(x)=\frac{kx}{x^2+4}\), where \(k\in\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}\). 1) Determine the graph's symmetry. 2) Find the local extrema in terms of \(k\). 3) Find the end behavior as \(x\to\pm\infty\). 4) Find the range in terms of \(k\).

Hints

- Compare \(f_k(-x)\) with \(f_k(x)\). - Find and classify the critical points using the first derivative. - Compare numerator and denominator degrees for end behavior. - Use the absolute extrema to determine the range.

Solution

1. Since \(f_k(-x)=-f_k(x)\), every graph is symmetric about the origin. 2. The first derivative is \(f_k'(x)=\frac{k(4-x^2)}{(x^2+4)^2}\), so the critical points are \(x=-2\) and \(x=2\). 3. Their function values are \(f_k(-2)=-\frac{k}{4}\) and \(f_k(2)=\frac{k}{4}\). If \(k>0\), \(\left(-2, -\frac{k}{4}\right)\) is a local minimum and \(\left(2, \frac{k}{4}\right)\) is a local maximum. If \(k<0\), the classifications reverse. 4. Since the denominator has greater degree than the numerator, \(\lim_{x\to\pm\infty}f_k(x)=0\). 5. The function is continuous on \(\mathbb{R}\), and the two critical values are its absolute minimum and maximum. Therefore, the range is \(\left[-\frac{|k|}{4}, \frac{|k|}{4}\right]\).

Answer

1) Symmetric about the origin 2) Critical points: \(\left(-2, -\frac{k}{4}\right)\) and \(\left(2, \frac{k}{4}\right)\); their minimum/maximum roles depend on the sign of \(k\). 3) \(\lim_{x\to\pm\infty}f_k(x)=0\) 4) Range: \(\left[-\frac{|k|}{4}, \frac{|k|}{4}\right]\)
First derivative test 118
Consider the family of functions \(g_{a,b}(x)=\frac{x^2+ax+b}{x^2+1}\), where \(a,b\in\mathbb R\). a) Determine whether the parameters can be chosen so that \(g_{a,b}\) has exactly one local extremum. b) Show that when \(a\ne0\), the function always has exactly two local extrema, regardless of \(b\).

Hints

- Focus on the numerator of the first derivative. - Determine when that numerator is linear rather than quadratic. - Check the constant-function case separately. - For \(a\ne0\), use the discriminant to count the derivative's real zeros.

Solution

1. Apply the quotient rule: \(g_{a,b}'(x)=\frac{-ax^2+2(1-b)x+a}{(x^2+1)^2}\). 2. If \(a=0\), the derivative numerator is \(2(1-b)x\). For \(b\ne1\), it has one simple zero at \(x=0\), so the derivative changes sign and the function has exactly one local extremum. 3. If \(a=0\) and \(b=1\), then \(g_{0,1}(x)=1\) for every real \(x\). Under the non-strict local-extremum definition, every point is both a local maximum and a local minimum, so the function has infinitely many local extrema, not exactly one. 4. If \(a\ne0\), the derivative numerator is quadratic with discriminant \(D=4(1-b)^2+4a^2>0\). Thus, it has two distinct real zeros. Because the denominator is always positive and the quadratic numerator changes sign at each simple zero, the function has exactly two local extrema.

Answer

a) Yes. For \(a=0\) and \(b\ne1\), the function has exactly one local extremum at \(x=0\). For \(a=0\), \(b=1\), the function is constant and has infinitely many non-strict local extrema. b) For \(a\ne0\), \(D=4(1-b)^2+4a^2>0\), so the function has exactly two local extrema.
First derivative test 119
Consider \(f(x)=x^3+x\) and \(g(x)=x^3-3x\). a) Determine the number of local extrema of each function. b) Explain why a cubic polynomial can never have exactly one local extremum.

Hints

- Differentiate both functions. - Determine whether each derivative has real zeros and whether its sign changes. - A cubic's derivative is quadratic. - A repeated zero of the derivative does not produce a sign change.

Solution

1. Since \(f'(x)=3x^2+1>0\) for every real \(x\), \(f\) has no local extrema. 2. Since \(g'(x)=3x^2-3=3(x-1)(x+1)\), its derivative changes sign at \(x=-1\) and \(x=1\). Thus, \(g\) has two local extrema. 3. The derivative of any cubic polynomial is quadratic. If it has no real zeros, the cubic has no local extrema. If it has two distinct real zeros, its sign changes at both and the cubic has two local extrema. If it has one repeated real zero, the derivative does not change sign there, so the cubic has a stationary inflection point rather than a local extremum. Therefore, exactly one local extremum is impossible.

Answer

a) \(f\) has \(0\) local extrema; \(g\) has \(2\) local extrema. b) A quadratic derivative has either no real zeros, two distinct real zeros, or one repeated zero. These cases produce \(0\), \(2\), or \(0\) local extrema, respectively.
First derivative test 120
Consider the family of functions \(f_k(x)=\frac{4x}{x^2+k}\), where \(x\ge0\) and \(k>0\). a) Find \(f_k'(x)\) using the quotient rule. b) Find the coordinates of the local maximum in terms of \(k\). Use the signs of \(f_k'\) on both sides of the critical number to explain why it is a maximum. c) The figure shows graphs p, q, and r for \(k\in\{1, 4, 9\}\). Match each graph to a value of \(k\) using part b. d) Find \(\lim_{x\to\infty}f_k(x)\) and explain whether it depends on \(k\).
Figure for problem 534418

Hints

- Apply the quotient rule to the numerator and denominator. - The denominator of the derivative is positive. Which expression determines the derivative's sign? - Compare the location and height of the maximum as \(k\) changes. - For the limit, compare the degrees of the numerator and denominator.

Solution

1. The quotient rule gives \(f_k'(x)=\frac{4(x^2+k)-8x^2}{(x^2+k)^2}=\frac{4(k-x^2)}{(x^2+k)^2}\). 2. Because \(k>0\), the denominator is positive. Thus \(f_k'(x)>0\) for \(0<x<\sqrt{k}\), \(f_k'(\sqrt{k})=0\), and \(f_k'(x)<0\) for \(x>\sqrt{k}\). By the first derivative test, the local maximum occurs at \(x=\sqrt{k}\), with value \(f_k(\sqrt{k})=\frac{2}{\sqrt{k}}\). 3. The local maximum is \(\left(\sqrt{k},\frac{2}{\sqrt{k}}\right)\). As \(k\) increases, it moves right and down: p has \(k=1\), q has \(k=4\), and r has \(k=9\). 4. The denominator has higher degree than the numerator, so \(\lim_{x\to\infty}f_k(x)=0\), independent of \(k\).

Answer

a) \(f_k'(x)=\frac{4(k-x^2)}{(x^2+k)^2}\) b) \(\left(\sqrt{k},\frac{2}{\sqrt{k}}\right)\); \(f_k'\) changes from positive to negative there. c) p: \(k=1\); q: \(k=4\); r: \(k=9\) d) \(0\), independent of \(k\)

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