52924612
The power output \(P\) of an experimental engine is modeled by \(P(x)=-2x^3+24x^2\) for \(0\le x\le12\), where \(x\) is measured in thousands of revolutions per minute. Analyze the monotonic behavior of \(P\) on the given interval and determine the engine speed at which the maximum power occurs.
Hints
- Find the critical numbers in the closed interval.
- Use the sign of the first derivative to determine where the model increases or decreases.
- Compare the function values at interior critical numbers and endpoints.
Solution
1. Differentiate: \(P'(x)=-6x^2+48x=-6x(x-8)\).
2. The candidates on \([0,12]\) are the endpoints \(x=0\), \(x=12\), and the interior critical number \(x=8\).
3. The derivative is positive on \((0,8)\) and negative on \((8,12)\). Therefore, \(P\) is strictly increasing on \([0,8]\) and strictly decreasing on \([8,12]\).
4. Compare the candidate values: \(P(0)=0\), \(P(8)=512\), and \(P(12)=0\). The absolute maximum occurs at \(x=8\), corresponding to \(8000\) revolutions per minute.
Answer
\(P\) is strictly increasing on \([0,8]\) and strictly decreasing on \([8,12]\). The maximum power occurs at \(8000\) revolutions per minute.
