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Extreme value theorem and critical points

Learning goals

  • Checks continuity on a closed interval.
  • Identifies critical points and endpoints as candidates for absolute extrema.
  • Evaluates the function at all candidates.
  • Determines absolute maximum and minimum values.

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Extreme value theorem and critical points 1
The graph of \(f\) has marked points \(A\), \(B\), \(C\), and \(D\). At which points is \(f^{\prime}(x)=0\)? Briefly justify your answer.
Figure for problem 534979

Hints

- A derivative of zero means the tangent line is horizontal. - Identify which marked points are smooth local maxima or minima.

Solution

1. The derivative equals the slope of the tangent line. 2. A derivative value of zero corresponds to a horizontal tangent, which occurs at the smooth local extrema. 3. Points \(A\), \(B\), and \(D\) are local extrema with horizontal tangents. Point \(C\) lies on a decreasing portion of the graph.

Answer

At points \(A\), \(B\), and \(D\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 2
Four graphs are shown. In which graph is \(x_0\) a local-maximum location? Give the letter.
Figure for problem 534988

Hints

- A local maximum is at least as large as all nearby function values. - Check the actual filled point when a graph is discontinuous. - Compare the graph on both sides of \(x_0\).

Solution

1. In graph a), \(x_0\) is the vertex of an upward-opening parabola, so it is a local minimum. 2. In graph b), \(x_0\) is the vertex of a downward-opening parabola, so it is a local maximum. 3. In graph c), the function increases through \(x_0\), so there is no local extremum. 4. In graph d), the filled point lies below the nearby values on both sides, so \(x_0\) is a local minimum. The open circles at \(x_0\) are not function values.

Answer

b)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 3
Let \(f(x)=\sqrt{4-x}\) on \([0,4]\). Without finding the maximum or minimum values, decide whether the Extreme Value Theorem guarantees that \(f\) has both an absolute maximum and an absolute minimum on this interval. State why.

Hints

- The theorem is about existence, not about locating the extrema. - Check the function's continuity on the entire stated interval. - What two properties of the interval matter?

Solution

1. The square-root expression is defined for every \(x\in[0,4]\) and is continuous there. 2. The interval \([0,4]\) is closed and bounded. 3. Therefore, the Extreme Value Theorem guarantees that \(f\) attains both an absolute maximum and an absolute minimum on \([0,4]\).

Answer

Yes. The function is continuous on the closed, bounded interval \([0,4]\), so the Extreme Value Theorem guarantees both absolute extrema.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 4
On the interval \([0,4]\), let \(f(x)=|x-2|\). Identify every interior critical number of \(f\) and state why it must be considered when searching for absolute extrema on the interval.

Hints

- A critical number does not have to make the derivative equal to zero. - Compare the slopes immediately to the left and right of the corner. - Which interior inputs belong in an absolute-extrema candidate set?

Solution

1. For \(x<2\), \(f'(x)=-1\), and for \(x>2\), \(f'(x)=1\). 2. At \(x=2\), the one-sided derivatives are different, so \(f'(2)\) does not exist. 3. Since \(f\) is defined at \(x=2\), this derivative-undefined input is a critical number. It must be considered along with endpoints when checking candidates for absolute extrema on a closed interval.

Answer

The only interior critical number is \(x=2\), because \(f'(2)\) does not exist even though \(f(2)\) is defined.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 5
Find the absolute maximum value of \(f\) on its displayed domain. Give both the value and the \(x\)-coordinate where it occurs.
Figure for problem 562311

Hints

- An absolute maximum is the greatest height anywhere on the stated domain. - Compare the highest interior point with the endpoints. - Keep the function value separate from the \(x\)-coordinate.

Solution

1. The highest point on the displayed curve is its vertex at \((1,4)\). 2. The absolute maximum value is therefore \(4\), occurring at \(x=1\).

Answer

Absolute maximum value: \(4\), at \(x=1\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 6
A function \(f\) is continuous on the closed interval \([-2,5]\). A student says, “It must have a highest value, but it might have no lowest value.” Is that possible? Explain.

Hints

- What does the Extreme Value Theorem say about both ends of the range of function values? - Which two conditions are given about the interval and the function? - Does the theorem guarantee only a maximum, or also a minimum?

Solution

1. The Extreme Value Theorem applies because \(f\) is continuous on a closed, bounded interval. 2. The theorem guarantees both an absolute maximum and an absolute minimum. 3. Therefore the student's claim is false.

Answer

No. The Extreme Value Theorem guarantees both a highest and a lowest value on \([-2,5]\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 7
For \(f(x)=x^3\), the derivative is \(f'(x)=3x^2\). Is \(x=0\) a critical number? Does it have to be a local maximum or minimum? Explain.

Hints

- What does a zero derivative tell you about critical numbers? - Compare function values just to the left and right of \(0\). - Is a horizontal tangent always a turning point?

Solution

1. Since \(f'(0)=0\), \(0\) is a critical number. 2. The function increases through \(0\): values to its left are negative and values to its right are positive. 3. Therefore \(x=0\) is neither a local maximum nor a local minimum.

Answer

\(x=0\) is a critical number, but it is neither a local maximum nor a local minimum.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 8
Let \(f(x)=x+1\) on \([0,3]\). Its derivative is \(f'(x)=1\). a) Are there any interior critical numbers? b) Where are the absolute minimum and maximum?

Hints

- Check the derivative only at interior points when looking for critical numbers. - Does a positive constant derivative make the graph rise or fall? - May an absolute extremum occur at an endpoint?

Solution

1. The derivative exists and is never zero in \((0,3)\), so there are no interior critical numbers. 2. The function increases across the interval. 3. Its minimum is \(f(0)=1\) and its maximum is \(f(3)=4\), both at endpoints.

Answer

a) No interior critical numbers. b) Minimum \(1\) at \(x=0\); maximum \(4\) at \(x=3\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 9
The function \(f\) is constant on the displayed interval. At \(x=0\), is it a local maximum, a local minimum, both, or neither? Use the definition in which nearby values are allowed to be equal.
Figure for problem 562315

Hints

- The definition compares the value at \(0\) with nearby values. - Do equal values break either a maximum or minimum comparison? - Apply both definitions separately.

Solution

1. All nearby function values are equal to \(f(0)\). 2. Therefore \(f(0)\) is at least as large as every nearby value and at most as large as every nearby value. 3. Both local-extremum conditions hold.

Answer

Both a local maximum and a local minimum.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 10
The graph represents \(f(x)=\sqrt{|x|}\) on \([-2,2]\). At \(x=0\), the function is defined but has no finite tangent slope. Is \(x=0\) a critical number? Explain.
Figure for problem 562316

Hints

- Must a critical number always have derivative equal to zero? - Check whether the function itself exists at the point. - Recall the other way an interior point can be critical.

Solution

1. The function is defined at \(0\), with \(f(0)=0\). 2. Its derivative does not exist there because the graph becomes vertical on either side of its sharp bottom. 3. An interior domain point where the derivative does not exist is a critical number, so \(0\) is critical.

Answer

Yes. \(x=0\) is an interior point where \(f\) is defined and \(f'(0)\) does not exist.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 11
A function \(g\) is continuous on \([1,7]\). Which statement is guaranteed by the Extreme Value Theorem? a) \(g\) has at least one absolute maximum and one absolute minimum. b) \(g\) has exactly one critical number. c) \(g'(x)=0\) somewhere inside the interval. Explain your choice.

Hints

- Recall which hypotheses the theorem needs. - Separate an existence guarantee from a claim about where an extremum occurs. - Does the theorem require the function to be differentiable?

Solution

1. The interval is closed and bounded, and \(g\) is continuous on it. 2. The Extreme Value Theorem therefore guarantees an absolute maximum and an absolute minimum, possibly at endpoints. 3. It does not require a derivative to exist and does not specify the number of critical numbers. Only a) is guaranteed.

Answer

a) The function has an absolute maximum and an absolute minimum on \([1,7]\) because it is continuous on a closed, bounded interval. Neither a particular critical-number count nor an interior zero derivative is guaranteed.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 12
Let \(f(x) = 2x^3 + 3x^2 - 12x + 4\). Find the coordinates of every point on the graph of \(f\) where the tangent line is horizontal.

Hints

- What must the slope be when a tangent line is horizontal? - Which function gives the slope of the tangent line? - After finding the \(x\)-coordinates, how will you find the corresponding \(y\)-coordinates?

Solution

1. A horizontal tangent has slope \(0\), so solve \(f'(x) = 0\). 2. Differentiate: \(f'(x) = 6x^2 + 6x - 12\). 3. Solve \(6x^2 + 6x - 12 = 0\), or \(x^2 + x - 2 = 0\). Factoring gives \((x + 2)(x - 1) = 0\), so \(x = -2\) or \(x = 1\). 4. Evaluate the function: \(f(-2) = 24\) and \(f(1) = -3\). 5. The points are \((-2, 24)\) and \((1, -3)\).

Answer

\((-2, 24)\) and \((1, -3)\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 13
Let \(g(x)=\frac{1}{4}x^4-x^3+x^2\). Find every \(x\)-value where the graph of \(g\) has a horizontal tangent.

Hints

- What slope does a horizontal tangent have? - How could you rewrite the derivative equation as a product? - What must be true about one of the factors if their product is zero?

Solution

1. A horizontal tangent occurs where \(g'(x)=0\). 2. Differentiate: \(g'(x)=x^3-3x^2+2x\). 3. Factor: \(g'(x)=x(x^2-3x+2)=x(x-1)(x-2)\). 4. Set each factor equal to zero. The solutions are \(x=0\), \(x=1\), and \(x=2\).

Answer

\(x=0\), \(x=1\), and \(x=2\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 14
Consider the family of functions \(f_k(x)=4\sin x-kx\), where \(k\in\mathbb{R}\). Find the value of \(k\) for which the graph has a horizontal tangent at \(x=\frac{\pi}{3}\).

Hints

- A horizontal tangent has slope zero. - Differentiate while treating \(k\) as a constant. - Substitute the given input into the derivative. - Use the exact cosine value at \(\frac{\pi}{3}\).

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f_k'(x)=4\cos x-k\). 2. A horizontal tangent requires \(f_k'\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right)=0\). Therefore, \(4\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right)-k=0\). Since \(\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right)=\frac{1}{2}\), \(2-k=0\), so \(k=2\).

Answer

\(k=2\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 15
Let \(f(x)=x\sin x+\cos x\). Find \(f'(x)\), and find every input in \([0, 2\pi]\) where the graph has a horizontal tangent.

Hints

- Use the product rule on \(x\sin x\). - Combine like trigonometric terms after differentiating. - A horizontal tangent has derivative zero. - Use the zero-product property.

Solution

1. Differentiate the product and the cosine term: \(f'(x)=\sin x+x\cos x-\sin x=x\cos x\). 2. A horizontal tangent requires \(x\cos x=0\). Thus, either \(x=0\) or \(\cos x=0\). In \([0, 2\pi]\), the solutions are \(x=0\), \(x=\frac{\pi}{2}\), and \(x=\frac{3\pi}{2}\).

Answer

\(f'(x)=x\cos x\); horizontal tangents at \(x=0, \frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{3\pi}{2}\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 16
Let \(f(x)=\frac{1}{3}x^3-2x^2+3x+5\). Find the coordinates of every point on the graph of \(f\) where the tangent line is horizontal.

Hints

- What is the slope of a line parallel to the x-axis? - Use the derivative to represent the tangent slope. - Set the derivative equal to \(0\). - After finding each x-coordinate, substitute it into \(f\) to find the corresponding y-coordinate.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=x^2-4x+3\). 2. A horizontal tangent has slope \(0\), so solve \(f'(x)=0\): \(x^2-4x+3=(x-1)(x-3)=0\). Thus \(x=1\) or \(x=3\). 3. Evaluate the function: \(f(1)=\frac{19}{3}\) and \(f(3)=5\). 4. The points are \(\left(1,\frac{19}{3}\right)\) and \((3,5)\).

Answer

\(\left(1,\frac{19}{3}\right)\) and \((3,5)\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 17
Find all x-values where the necessary condition for a local extremum is satisfied. a) \(f(x)=\frac{1}{3}x^3-x^2-3x+5\) b) \(g(x)=x+\frac{4}{x}\), for \(x\neq0\)

Hints

- The necessary condition at an interior local extremum is a zero derivative. - Differentiate using the power rule. - Rewrite a reciprocal as a negative power if helpful. - Check all solutions against the domain.

Solution

1. For part a), \(f'(x)=x^2-2x-3=(x-3)(x+1)\). Setting \(f'(x)=0\) gives \(x=-1\) and \(x=3\). 2. For part b), \(g'(x)=1-\frac{4}{x^2}\). Setting \(g'(x)=0\) gives \(x^2=4\), so \(x=-2\) and \(x=2\). Both are in the domain.

Answer

a) \(x=-1\) and \(x=3\) b) \(x=-2\) and \(x=2\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 18
Find all interior critical numbers that satisfy the necessary condition \(g'(x)=0\) for \(g(x)=3\sin(2x-\pi)\) on \([0, \pi]\).

Hints

- Differentiate using the chain rule. - Set the first derivative equal to zero. - Use the zeros of cosine in the relevant angle interval. - Solve each resulting equation for \(x\).

Solution

1. Differentiate using the chain rule: \(g'(x)=6\cos(2x-\pi)\). 2. Set the derivative equal to zero: \(\cos(2x-\pi)=0\). 3. Since \(x\in[0, \pi]\), the angle \(2x-\pi\) ranges from \(-\pi\) to \(\pi\). In this interval, cosine is zero at \(2x-\pi=-\frac{\pi}{2}\) and \(2x-\pi=\frac{\pi}{2}\). 4. Solving gives \(x=\frac{\pi}{4}\) and \(x=\frac{3\pi}{4}\). Both values lie in the interior of the stated interval.

Answer

\(x=\frac{\pi}{4}\) and \(x=\frac{3\pi}{4}\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 19
Show algebraically that \(f(x)=4x-\frac{3}{x}\), for \(x\neq0\), has no local extrema.

Hints

- Local extrema in the interior of the domain require a critical number. - Differentiate \(x^{-1}\) using the power rule. - Determine the sign of every term in the derivative. - Remember that \(x=0\) is not in the domain.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=4+\frac{3}{x^2}\). 2. For every \(x\neq0\), \(\frac{3}{x^2}>0\). Therefore, \(f'(x)>4>0\) throughout the domain. 3. The derivative is never \(0\), so the function has no critical numbers in its domain and no local extrema.

Answer

Since \(f'(x)=4+\frac{3}{x^2}>0\) for every \(x\neq0\), the function has no local extrema.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 20
The function \(f\) is defined by \(f(x)=\begin{cases}x^2+1&\text{if }x\geq0\\x&\text{if }x<0\end{cases}\). Use the definition of a local extremum to explain why \(f\) has no local extremum at \(x=0\).

Hints

- Compare \(f(0)\) with values immediately to the left and right. - A local maximum must be at least as large as all nearby values. - A local minimum must be at most as large as all nearby values. - Analyze the two formulas separately.

Solution

1. The function value is \(f(0)=1\). 2. For every \(x>0\), \(f(x)=x^2+1>1=f(0)\). 3. For every \(x<0\), \(f(x)=x<0<1=f(0)\). 4. Every neighborhood of \(0\) therefore contains function values both greater than and less than \(f(0)\). Thus \(f(0)\) is neither a local maximum nor a local minimum.

Answer

There is no local extremum at \(x=0\) because every neighborhood of \(0\) contains values above and below \(f(0)=1\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 21
Decide whether each statement is true or false. Justify your answer. (1) If \(f\) is continuous and strictly decreasing on \([a,b]\), then \(x=a\) is where its absolute maximum occurs. (2) A local maximum of a function can have a smaller function value than a different local minimum of the same function. (3) Every continuous function on a closed interval \([a,b]\) has both an absolute maximum and an absolute minimum.

Hints

- Use the definition of strict decrease at the left endpoint. - Local extrema compare only nearby values. - Recall the hypotheses of the extreme value theorem.

Solution

1. Statement (1) is true. Strict decrease gives \(f(a)>f(x)\) for every \(x>a\) in the interval. 2. Statement (2) is true. “Local” compares values only in a neighborhood, so a local maximum in one region can lie below a distant local minimum. 3. Statement (3) is true by the extreme value theorem.

Answer

(1) True (2) True (3) True
Extreme value theorem and critical points 22
Let \(f(x)=\sin x\), so \(f'(x)=\cos x\). Explain why every interior local extremum of \(f\) must occur at a zero of cosine. Then verify that each zero of cosine in \([0, 2\pi]\) is a local extremum of sine, and find those inputs.

Hints

- State the necessary derivative condition for an interior local extremum. - Use \(f'(x)=\cos x\). - Solve \(\cos x=0\) on the given interval. - Check how the sign of cosine changes at each zero.

Solution

1. If a differentiable function has an interior local extremum at \(x_0\), then the necessary condition is \(f'(x_0)=0\). Since \(f'(x)=\cos x\), every interior local extremum of sine must occur at a zero of cosine. 2. Solve \(\cos x=0\) on \([0, 2\pi]\). The solutions are \(x=\frac{\pi}{2}\) and \(x=\frac{3\pi}{2}\). 3. Cosine changes from positive to negative at \(\frac{\pi}{2}\), so sine has a local maximum there. Cosine changes from negative to positive at \(\frac{3\pi}{2}\), so sine has a local minimum there.

Answer

The necessary condition shows that an interior local extremum of sine must be a zero of cosine. In \([0, 2\pi]\), the zeros are \(x=\frac{\pi}{2}\) and \(x=\frac{3\pi}{2}\). The first is a local maximum of sine, and the second is a local minimum.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 23
Let \(f(x)=-x^2+4x\). a) Find \(f'\). b) Find the x-value where the graph of \(f\) has slope \(0\). c) Check your result using the graph.
Figure for problem 533690

Hints

- The derivative gives the slope of the graph. - Set the derivative equal to \(0\) and solve for \(x\). - Look for the point on the parabola where the graph changes from increasing to decreasing.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=-2x+4\). 2. Set the slope equal to \(0\): \(-2x+4=0\), so \(x=2\). 3. The graph has a maximum at \(x=2\), where the tangent line is horizontal. This confirms that the slope is \(0\) there.

Answer

a) \(f'(x)=-2x+4\) b) \(x=2\) c) The graph has a horizontal tangent at its maximum when \(x=2\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 24
The graph of \(f\) is shown. It has a pointed local maximum at \(x_e=2\). 1. Explain from the graph why \(f\) is not differentiable at \(x_e=2\). 2. Explain why the necessary condition that the derivative equal \(0\) cannot be used to locate this maximum.
Figure for problem 533943

Hints

- What does differentiability look like on a graph? - Compare the slope immediately before and after \(x_e=2\). - Recall the derivative as a limit of difference quotients. - What assumption is required before setting a derivative equal to \(0\)?

Solution

1. At \(x_e=2\), the graph has a corner. The slope from the left is \(1\), while the slope from the right is \(-1\). Since the one-sided slopes are different, the derivative does not exist at \(x_e=2\). 2. The condition that the derivative equal \(0\) applies only at points where the derivative exists. Because \(f\) is not differentiable at \(x_e=2\), this local maximum cannot be found by solving an equation that sets the derivative equal to \(0\).

Answer

1. The function is not differentiable at \(x_e=2\) because the left-hand slope is \(1\) and the right-hand slope is \(-1\). 2. The derivative does not exist at the maximum, so the condition that the derivative equal \(0\) does not apply.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 25
Four graphs are shown. In which graph is \(x_0\) a local-minimum location? Give the letter.
Figure for problem 534989

Hints

- A local minimum is no greater than nearby function values. - At a discontinuity, the filled point gives the function value. - Compare values just to the left and right of \(x_0\).

Solution

1. In graph a), the function decreases through \(x_0\), so there is no local extremum. 2. In graph b), \(x_0\) is the vertex of a downward-opening parabola, so it is a local maximum. 3. In graph c), the filled point at \(x_0\) is above the nearby curve values. It is a local maximum, not a local minimum. 4. In graph d), the filled point at \(x_0\) is below nearby values on both sides. It is a local minimum. The open circle shows the value the branches approach, not the actual function value.

Answer

d)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 26
The graph shows a function \(f\). Find every interior local-extremum location and classify each as a local maximum or local minimum.
Figure for problem 534997

Hints

- Look for peaks and valleys strictly between the graph's endpoints. - A local maximum occurs where the graph changes from increasing to decreasing. - A local minimum occurs where the graph changes from decreasing to increasing.

Solution

1. In the interior of the displayed domain, the graph changes from increasing to decreasing at \(x=-4\) and \(x=3\). These are local maxima. 2. The graph changes from decreasing to increasing at \(x=-1\) and \(x=5\). These are local minima.

Answer

Local maxima at \(x=-4\) and \(x=3\); local minima at \(x=-1\) and \(x=5\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 27
Consider \(f(x)=x\) on the open interval \((0,1)\). a) Which hypothesis of the Extreme Value Theorem fails? b) Does \(f\) attain an absolute maximum or an absolute minimum on \((0,1)\)? Explain.

Hints

- Separate continuity of the function from the shape of its domain interval. - Ask whether the endpoint values that would be extreme are actually in the domain. - A supremum or infimum need not be attained.

Solution

1. The function is continuous on \((0,1)\), but the interval is not closed, so the Extreme Value Theorem does not apply. 2. Values of \(f(x)\) can be made arbitrarily close to \(0\), but \(0\) is not attained because \(x=0\) is excluded. Thus, there is no absolute minimum. 3. Values can likewise be made arbitrarily close to \(1\), but \(1\) is not attained because \(x=1\) is excluded. Thus, there is no absolute maximum.

Answer

a) The domain interval is not closed. b) Neither an absolute maximum nor an absolute minimum is attained.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 28
Let \(f(x)=x^3-3x\) on \([-2,2]\). a) What does the Extreme Value Theorem guarantee before any derivative is computed? b) Find the absolute maximum and absolute minimum values and every x-value where each is attained.

Hints

- Separate what the theorem guarantees from the later calculation that locates the extrema. - Which interior inputs must be added to the endpoints when forming the candidate set? - Compare function values, not only classifications of critical numbers.

Solution

1. Because \(f\) is a polynomial, it is continuous on the closed, bounded interval \([-2,2]\). The Extreme Value Theorem therefore guarantees that both absolute extrema are attained. 2. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=3x^2-3=3(x-1)(x+1)\). The interior critical numbers are \(x=-1\) and \(x=1\). 3. Evaluate the endpoints and critical numbers: \(f(-2)=-2\), \(f(-1)=2\), \(f(1)=-2\), and \(f(2)=2\). 4. The absolute maximum value is \(2\), attained at \(x=-1\) and \(x=2\). The absolute minimum value is \(-2\), attained at \(x=-2\) and \(x=1\).

Answer

a) Both an absolute maximum and an absolute minimum are guaranteed to be attained. b) Absolute maximum: \(2\) at \(x=-1\) and \(x=2\); absolute minimum: \(-2\) at \(x=-2\) and \(x=1\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 29
On \([0,1]\), define \(f(x)=x\) for \(0\le x<1\), but let \(f(1)=0\). a) Does the Extreme Value Theorem guarantee both an absolute maximum and minimum? b) Does \(f\) actually have an absolute maximum? Explain.

Hints

- Check the function's value at the right endpoint against nearby values. - A maximum must be an attained function value, not just an upper bound. - Can a value below \(1\) always be exceeded by another value of the function?

Solution

1. As \(x\) approaches \(1\) from the left, \(f(x)\) approaches \(1\), but \(f(1)=0\). Therefore \(f\) is not continuous at the endpoint, so the theorem does not apply. 2. Every function value is less than \(1\). For any value \(f(x)=x\) with \(x<1\), a value at a larger input still below \(1\) is greater. 3. Thus no greatest value is attained; there is no absolute maximum.

Answer

a) No. \(f\) is not continuous at \(x=1\). b) No. The values approach \(1\) but never equal \(1\), so none is largest.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 30
Let \(f(x)=\sqrt[3]{x-2}\), defined for all real \(x\). The derivative does not exist at \(x=2\). a) Is \(2\) a critical number? b) Is it a local maximum or minimum? Explain using the values on either side.

Hints

- A critical number can arise from a missing derivative. - Compare the sign of a cube root before and after its input becomes zero. - Which comparisons would be needed for a maximum or a minimum?

Solution

1. The point \(x=2\) is in the domain, and \(f'(2)\) does not exist, so it is a critical number. 2. For \(x<2\), \(f(x)<0=f(2)\). For \(x>2\), \(f(x)>0=f(2)\). 3. There are nearby values below and above \(f(2)\), so it is neither a local maximum nor a local minimum.

Answer

a) Yes, \(2\) is critical because the derivative does not exist there. b) Neither. The function passes from negative to positive values through \(f(2)=0\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 31
Two continuous functions \(f(x)=1\) and \(g(x)=1+x(1-x)\) have the same values at \(x=0\) and \(x=1\). Are their absolute maximum values on \([0,1]\) the same? Use the curves or calculations to justify your answer.
Figure for problem 562319

Hints

- Compare the heights between the common endpoints. - What is the largest value of a constant function? - Where does the quadratic reach its vertex?

Solution

1. The constant function \(f\) has absolute maximum \(1\). 2. Write \(g(x)=\frac54-\left(x-\frac12\right)^2\). Its greatest value is \(\frac54\) at \(x=\frac12\). 3. The maxima differ even though both functions have endpoint values \(1\).

Answer

No. The absolute maxima are \(1\) for \(f\) and \(\frac54\) for \(g\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 32
Let \(f(x)=|x-2|\) on \([0,5]\). a) Find the critical number, including places where the derivative does not exist. b) Compare it with the endpoints to find the absolute maximum and minimum.

Hints

- Where might a graph fail to have a well-defined tangent slope? - Which inputs could matter when comparing absolute extrema on a closed interval? - How can you check that a proposed maximum or minimum is attained?

Solution

1. The function is defined at \(x=2\) but has a corner there, so \(f'\) does not exist at \(2\). This makes \(2\) a critical number. 2. The candidates are \(0\), \(2\), and \(5\). Their values are \(2\), \(0\), and \(3\). 3. The absolute minimum is \(0\) at \(x=2\); the absolute maximum is \(3\) at \(x=5\).

Answer

a) Critical number: \(x=2\). b) Absolute minimum \(0\) at \(x=2\); absolute maximum \(3\) at \(x=5\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 33
Consider \(h(x)=\frac{1}{x}\) on \((0,2]\). Does \(h\) have an absolute maximum? Explain why the Extreme Value Theorem cannot be used here.

Hints

- Check the left endpoint carefully. - What happens to the function for smaller and smaller positive inputs? - The theorem needs a particular kind of interval.

Solution

1. The interval \((0,2]\) is not closed; it does not contain \(0\). 2. As \(x\) approaches \(0\) through positive values, \(1/x\) grows without bound. 3. Therefore, the function has no absolute maximum, and the Extreme Value Theorem's closed-interval hypothesis is not met.

Answer

No absolute maximum exists. The interval is not closed, and \(h(x)\) grows without bound as \(x\to0^+\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 34
A ball's height above the ground is modeled by \(h(t)=9-(t-2)^2\), in feet, for \(0\le t\le5\) seconds. a) Explain why the ball must reach both an absolute maximum and an absolute minimum height on this interval. b) Find those heights and when they occur. Include endpoints and interior critical numbers in your comparison.

Hints

- Which property of the height formula lets you use the Extreme Value Theorem? - Could the highest or lowest height occur even when the ball is not turning around? - Compare heights, not times, to decide which is greatest and least.

Solution

1. The polynomial is continuous on the closed interval \([0,5]\), so the Extreme Value Theorem applies. 2. Since \(h'(t)=-2(t-2)\), the only interior critical number is \(t=2\). 3. The candidate heights are \(h(0)=5\), \(h(2)=9\), and \(h(5)=0\). 4. The maximum is \(9\,\text{ft}\) at \(t=2\,\text{s}\), and the minimum is \(0\,\text{ft}\) at \(t=5\,\text{s}\).

Answer

a) The height function is continuous on the closed, bounded interval \([0,5]\), so the Extreme Value Theorem guarantees both absolute extrema. b) Candidate heights: \(h(0)=5\), \(h(2)=9\), and \(h(5)=0\), in feet. Maximum: \(9\,\text{ft}\) at \(2\,\text{s}\). Minimum: \(0\,\text{ft}\) at \(5\,\text{s}\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 35
Let \(f(x)=\frac{1}{4}x^4-2x^2+1\). The graph has three points with horizontal tangent lines. These points are \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\). Find the area of triangle \(ABC\).

Hints

- A horizontal tangent has derivative \(0\). - Find the full coordinates of all three points. - Notice whether two points form a horizontal base. - Use \(\frac{1}{2}(\text{base})(\text{height})\).

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f'(x)=x^3-4x=x(x^2-4)\). 2. Horizontal tangent lines occur where \(f'(x)=0\). Thus, \(x=-2\), \(x=0\), and \(x=2\). 3. Evaluate the function: \(f(-2)=-3\), \(f(0)=1\), and \(f(2)=-3\). The points are \((-2,-3)\), \((0,1)\), and \((2,-3)\). 4. The horizontal base from \((-2,-3)\) to \((2,-3)\) has length \(4\), and the vertical height to \((0,1)\) is \(4\). 5. The area is \(\frac{1}{2}\cdot 4\cdot 4=8\).

Answer

\(8\) square units
Extreme value theorem and critical points 36
Consider the family of functions \(f_t(x) = \frac{1}{3}x^3 + tx^2 + 9x\), where \(t \in \mathbb{R}\). a) Find the positive value of \(t\) for which the graph of \(f_t\) has a stationary inflection point. Give the coordinates of the point. b) Determine all values of \(t\) for which the graph of \(f_t\) has two local extrema.

Hints

- What conditions must the first and second derivatives satisfy at a stationary inflection point? - How is the number of local extrema related to the zeros of the first derivative? - Use the discriminant to determine when a quadratic equation has two distinct real solutions.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f_t'(x) = x^2 + 2tx + 9\) and \(f_t''(x) = 2x + 2t\). 2. At a stationary inflection point, \(f_t'(x) = 0\) and \(f_t''(x) = 0\). From \(2x + 2t = 0\), we get \(x = -t\). 3. Substitute into the first derivative: \(f_t'(-t) = t^2 - 2t^2 + 9 = 9 - t^2\). Setting this equal to zero gives \(t = \pm 3\). Since \(t > 0\), \(t = 3\). 4. The corresponding input is \(x = -3\), and \(f_3(-3) = \frac{1}{3}(-3)^3 + 3(-3)^2 + 9(-3) = -9\). The stationary inflection point is \((-3, -9)\). 5. Two local extrema occur when \(f_t'(x) = x^2 + 2tx + 9\) has two distinct real zeros. Its discriminant is \(D = (2t)^2 - 4 \cdot 1 \cdot 9 = 4t^2 - 36\). 6. Solve \(4t^2 - 36 > 0\): \(t^2 > 9\), so \(t < -3\) or \(t > 3\). Each simple zero of the derivative produces a sign change, so these values give two local extrema.

Answer

a) \(t = 3\); the stationary inflection point is \((-3, -9)\). b) \(t < -3\) or \(t > 3\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 37
The function \(h\) gives a sunflower's height, in centimeters, \(t\) days after germination. Assume \(h\) is three times differentiable. For each situation, select every card that must be true. (1) After \(12\) days, the plant is \(80\,\text{cm}\) tall. (2) After \(6\) days, the growth rate has a local maximum. (3) After \(25\) days, the height has a local maximum of \(160\,\text{cm}\). Cards: A: \(h(12)=80\) B: \(h''(6)=0\) C: \(h(25)=160\) D: \(h'(25)=0\) E: \(h''(25)<0\) F: \(h'(6)>0\) G: \(h'''(6)<0\)

Hints

- Distinguish conditions that must be true from conditions that are only sufficient. - The growth rate is the first derivative. - At an interior local extremum of a differentiable function, its derivative is \(0\). - A negative second derivative can confirm a local maximum, but it is not required.

Solution

1. Situation (1) directly states the function value \(h(12)=80\), so card A must be true. 2. The growth rate is \(h'\). If \(h'\) has a local maximum at \(t=6\), Fermat's theorem applied to \(h'\) gives \(h''(6)=0\). The value \(h'(6)\) need not be positive, and \(h'''(6)<0\) is a sufficient but not necessary test for the maximum. Thus only card B must be true. 3. A local maximum height of \(160\,\text{cm}\) at \(t=25\) gives \(h(25)=160\). Since \(h\) is differentiable, Fermat's theorem gives \(h'(25)=0\). The condition \(h''(25)<0\) is sufficient but not necessary for a local maximum. Thus cards C and D must be true.

Answer

(1) A (2) B (3) C, D
Extreme value theorem and critical points 38
A model gives a drone's altitude \(H\), in meters, as a function of flight time \(t\), in seconds. Assume \(H\) is three times differentiable. For each situation, select every card that must be true. (1) At \(t=10\), the drone is descending at its greatest local rate. (2) At \(t=30\), the drone reaches a local maximum altitude of \(120\,\text{m}\). Cards: A: \(H(30)=120\) B: \(H'(30)=0\) C: \(H''(30)<0\) D: \(H''(10)=0\) E: \(H'(10)<0\) F: \(H'''(10)>0\)

Hints

- Distinguish conditions that must be true from conditions that are only sufficient. - The first derivative represents vertical velocity. - “Descending” determines the sign of the velocity. - At an interior local extremum of a differentiable function, its derivative is \(0\).

Solution

1. Descending at the greatest local rate means that the vertical velocity \(H'\) has a local minimum at \(t=10\) and is negative there. Fermat's theorem applied to \(H'\) gives \(H''(10)=0\), and descending gives \(H'(10)<0\). The condition \(H'''(10)>0\) is sufficient but not necessary for the local minimum. Thus cards D and E must be true. 2. A local maximum altitude of \(120\,\text{m}\) at \(t=30\) gives \(H(30)=120\). Since \(H\) is differentiable, Fermat's theorem gives \(H'(30)=0\). The condition \(H''(30)<0\) is sufficient but not necessary for a local maximum. Thus cards A and B must be true.

Answer

(1) D, E (2) A, B
Extreme value theorem and critical points 39
Consider the family of functions \(f_k(x) = x^3 - kx^2 + 3kx\), where \(k \in \mathbb{R}\). Determine the values of \(k\) for which the graph has two local extrema and the values for which it has no local extrema. Also identify the values of \(k\) for which the graph has a stationary inflection point.

Hints

- Find the first derivative and analyze how many real zeros it has. - Use the discriminant of the quadratic derivative. - A double zero of the derivative does not produce a local extremum. Check whether concavity changes there.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f_k'(x) = 3x^2 - 2kx + 3k\). 2. The number of critical points depends on the discriminant of \(3x^2 - 2kx + 3k = 0\): \(D = (-2k)^2 - 4 \cdot 3 \cdot 3k = 4k(k - 9)\). 3. If \(D > 0\), the derivative has two distinct real zeros. This occurs for \(k < 0\) or \(k > 9\). The derivative changes sign at each simple zero, so the graph has two local extrema. 4. If \(D < 0\), which occurs for \(0 < k < 9\), the derivative has no real zeros, so the graph has no local extrema. 5. If \(D = 0\), then \(k = 0\) or \(k = 9\). The derivative has a double zero and does not change sign, so there is no local extremum. Because \(f_k''(x) = 6x - 2k\) changes sign at the double zero, the graph has a stationary inflection point. 6. Therefore, the graph has no local extrema for every \(k\) in \([0, 9]\), with stationary inflection points occurring at the endpoint parameter values \(k = 0\) and \(k = 9\).

Answer

Two local extrema: \(k < 0\) or \(k > 9\) No local extrema: \(0 \le k \le 9\) Stationary inflection point: \(k = 0\) or \(k = 9\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 40
For each \(a \in \mathbb{R} \setminus \{0\}\), define \(g_a(x) = \frac{1}{a}x^3 + 6x^2 + 9ax\). Find all values of \(a\) for which the graph of \(g_a\) has a horizontal tangent at \(x = -3\).

Hints

- What must the first derivative equal at a point with a horizontal tangent? - Substitute \(x = -3\) into the derivative. - Clear the denominator before solving the resulting quadratic equation.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(g_a'(x) = \frac{3}{a}x^2 + 12x + 9a\). 2. A horizontal tangent at \(x = -3\) requires \(g_a'(-3) = 0\). Substitution gives \(\frac{27}{a} - 36 + 9a = 0\). 3. Because \(a \ne 0\), multiply by \(a\): \(9a^2 - 36a + 27 = 0\). 4. Divide by \(9\) and factor: \(a^2 - 4a + 3 = (a - 1)(a - 3) = 0\). 5. Therefore, \(a = 1\) or \(a = 3\). Both values satisfy the domain restriction.

Answer

\(a = 1\) or \(a = 3\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 41
Consider the family of functions \(f_k(x)=\frac{1}{3}x^3-kx^2+4\), where \(k\in\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}\). Find an equation for the locus of the local extrema whose \(x\)-coordinate depends on \(k\).

Hints

- Find the critical numbers and identify the one that depends on \(k\). - How can you check that this critical number gives an extremum rather than only a horizontal tangent? - Express both coordinates in terms of the parameter, then eliminate it.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f_k'(x)=x^2-2kx=x(x-2k)\). The critical numbers are \(x=0\) and \(x=2k\). 2. The second derivative is \(f_k''(x)=2x-2k\). At \(x=2k\), it equals \(2k\neq0\), so this critical point is a local minimum when \(k>0\) and a local maximum when \(k<0\). 3. Its function value is \(f_k(2k)=\frac{8}{3}k^3-4k^3+4=4-\frac{4}{3}k^3\). 4. Since \(x=2k\), substitute \(k=\frac{x}{2}\) into the function value to get \(y=4-\frac{1}{6}x^3\). 5. Because \(k\neq0\), the locus excludes \(x=0\).

Answer

\(y=4-\frac{1}{6}x^3\), for \(x\in\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 42
Consider the family \(f_k(x)=k(x^3-6x^2+9x)\), where \(k\ne0\). a) Find the zeros and explain why they are the same for every value of \(k\). b) Find \(k\) so that the graph passes through the point \(P=(1, 8)\). c) Show that the x-coordinates of the critical points are independent of \(k\).

Hints

- Factor the polynomial before finding its zeros. - Substitute the coordinates of the given point. - Set the derivative equal to zero and use \(k\ne0\).

Solution

1. Factor the function: \(f_k(x)=kx(x-3)^2\). Since \(k\ne0\), the zeros are \(x=0\) and \(x=3\), independent of \(k\). 2. Substituting \(x=1\) and \(f_k(1)=8\) gives \(8=k(1-6+9)=4k\), so \(k=2\). 3. The derivative is \(f_k'(x)=k(3x^2-12x+9)=3k(x-1)(x-3)\). Since \(k\ne0\), the critical points occur at \(x=1\) and \(x=3\), independent of \(k\).

Answer

a) \(x=0\) and \(x=3\) b) \(k=2\) c) Critical-point x-coordinates: \(1\) and \(3\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 43
A differentiable function \(f\) has a local extremum at \((0, 0)\). Define \(g(x) = e^xf(x)\). Show that the graph of \(g\) also touches the x-axis at the origin.

Hints

- What do the function value and derivative equal at a local extremum on the x-axis? - What is the derivative of \(e^x\)? - Apply the product rule to the entire expression for \(g\). - Why does multiplying by the always-positive factor \(e^x\) preserve the sign of \(f\)?

Solution

1. Since \(f\) has a local extremum at \((0, 0)\), \(f(0) = 0\) and \(f'(0) = 0\). 2. Evaluate \(g\) at the origin: \(g(0) = e^0f(0) = 0\). 3. Apply the product rule: \(g'(x) = e^xf(x) + e^xf'(x)\). Therefore, \(g'(0) = e^0f(0) + e^0f'(0) = 0\). 4. Also, \(e^x > 0\) for every real \(x\), so \(g(x)\) has the same sign as \(f(x)\) near \(x = 0\). Because \(f\) has a local extremum with value \(0\), it does not change sign there. Thus \(g\) does not cross the x-axis at the origin and has a horizontal tangent there, so its graph touches the x-axis at \((0, 0)\).

Answer

Since \(g(0) = 0\), \(g'(0) = 0\), and \(g\) has the same sign as \(f\) near \(0\), the graph of \(g\) touches the x-axis at \((0, 0)\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 44
Let \(g(x)=\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{4}x^2\right)\) on \([-3,3]\). a) Find all zeros of \(g\) in the interval. b) Find and classify all interior local extrema of \(g\) in the interval, and give their coordinates.

Hints

- Use the known zeros of cosine. - Include the derivative of the inner quadratic expression when applying the chain rule. - Check systematically which integer values produce solutions inside the interval. - The range of cosine can help classify the critical points.

Solution

1. For the zeros, solve \(\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{4}x^2\right)=0\). Thus \(\frac{\pi}{4}x^2=\frac{\pi}{2}+k\pi\), so \(x^2=2+4k\). Within \(0\le x^2\le 9\), this gives \(x^2=2\) and \(x^2=6\). Therefore, the zeros are \(x=\pm\sqrt{2}\) and \(x=\pm\sqrt{6}\). 2. Differentiate: \(g'(x)=-\frac{\pi}{2}x\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}x^2\right)\). Critical numbers occur when \(x=0\) or \(\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}x^2\right)=0\). Thus \(x^2=4k\), which gives \(x=\pm2\) and \(x=\pm\sqrt{8}\), in addition to \(x=0\). 3. Evaluate the function at the critical numbers. Since \(g(0)=1\), \(g(\pm2)=-1\), and \(g(\pm\sqrt{8})=1\), the points with value \(1\) are local maxima and the points with value \(-1\) are local minima.

Answer

a) \(x=\pm\sqrt{2}\approx\pm1.414\) and \(x=\pm\sqrt{6}\approx\pm2.449\). b) Local maxima: \((0,1)\), \(\left(-\sqrt{8},1\right)\), and \(\left(\sqrt{8},1\right)\), where \(\sqrt{8}\approx2.828\). Local minima: \((-2,-1)\) and \((2,-1)\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 45
Let \(f(x)=\cos(x^2)\) on \([-2,2]\). a) Find all zeros of \(f\) in the interval. b) Find and classify all interior local extrema of \(f\), and give their coordinates.

Hints

- Use the standard zeros of cosine. - Apply the chain rule when differentiating \(\cos(x^2)\). - Set each factor of the first derivative equal to zero. - Use the maximum and minimum values of cosine to classify the critical points. - Keep only values inside the stated interval.

Solution

1. Solve \(\cos(x^2)=0\). This requires \(x^2=\frac{\pi}{2}+k\pi\). Because \(0\le x^2\le4\), only \(x^2=\frac{\pi}{2}\) is possible. Thus the zeros are \(x=\pm\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{2}}\). 2. Differentiate using the chain rule: \(f'(x)=-2x\sin(x^2)\). Critical numbers satisfy \(x=0\) or \(\sin(x^2)=0\). Within the interval, this gives \(x=0\) and \(x=\pm\sqrt{\pi}\). 3. Since \(f(0)=1\), the point \((0,1)\) is a local maximum. Since \(f(\pm\sqrt{\pi})=-1\), the points \(\left(-\sqrt{\pi},-1\right)\) and \(\left(\sqrt{\pi},-1\right)\) are local minima.

Answer

a) \(x=\pm\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{2}}\approx\pm1.253\). b) Local maximum: \((0,1)\). Local minima: \(\left(-\sqrt{\pi},-1\right)\) and \(\left(\sqrt{\pi},-1\right)\), with x-coordinates approximately \(\pm1.772\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 46
Let \(h(x)=\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}x^2\right)\) on \([-2.5,2.5]\). a) Find all zeros of \(h\). b) Find and classify all interior local extrema of \(h\), and give their coordinates.

Hints

- Recall when sine equals zero. - Apply the chain rule to the quadratic argument. - Which factors can make the first derivative zero? - Use the maximum and minimum values of sine to classify the critical points. - Check every candidate against the stated interval before including it.

Solution

1. Solve \(\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}x^2\right)=0\). Then \(\frac{\pi}{4}x^2=k\pi\), so \(x^2=4k\). Since \(0\le x^2\le6.25\), the possible values are \(x^2=0\) and \(x^2=4\). Thus the zeros are \(x=-2,0,2\). 2. Differentiate: \(h'(x)=\frac{\pi}{2}x\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{4}x^2\right)\). Critical numbers occur when \(x=0\) or \(\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{4}x^2\right)=0\). This gives \(x^2=2+4k\), so the interior critical numbers are \(x=0\), \(x=\pm\sqrt{2}\), and \(x=\pm\sqrt{6}\). 3. At \(x=0\), the derivative changes from negative to positive, so \((0,0)\) is a local minimum. At \(x=\pm\sqrt{2}\), the function value is \(1\), giving local maxima. At \(x=\pm\sqrt{6}\), the function value is \(-1\), giving local minima.

Answer

a) \(x=-2,0,2\) b) Local maxima: \(\left(-\sqrt{2},1\right)\) and \(\left(\sqrt{2},1\right)\). Local minima: \((0,0)\), \(\left(-\sqrt{6},-1\right)\), and \(\left(\sqrt{6},-1\right)\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 47
For \(k\in\mathbb{R}\), consider \(f_k(x)=xe^{1-kx^2}\). a) Determine which values of \(k\) give local extrema. b) When local extrema exist, find their coordinates and classify them. c) Find the equation of the locus of these extrema, and state any excluded points.

Hints

- Which factor controls the sign of the first derivative? - Check separately what happens when the parameter is positive and nonpositive. - For a local maximum or minimum, how does the derivative sign change on either side? - Use the critical-point condition to simplify the function value before describing the locus.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f_k'(x)=(1-2kx^2)e^{1-kx^2}\). The exponential factor is positive. 2. If \(k\le0\), then \(1-2kx^2>0\) for every real \(x\), so there are no local extrema. 3. If \(k>0\), the critical numbers are \(x=\pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{2k}}\). The derivative is negative outside these two numbers and positive between them. Thus the negative critical number gives a local minimum and the positive one gives a local maximum. 4. At either critical number, \(kx^2=\frac{1}{2}\), so \(f_k(x)=\sqrt{e}\,x\). The minimum is \(\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2k}},-\sqrt{\frac{e}{2k}}\right)\); the maximum is \(\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2k}},\sqrt{\frac{e}{2k}}\right)\). 5. Every nonzero \(x\) is obtained for \(k=\frac{1}{2x^2}>0\). The locus is therefore \(y=\sqrt{e}\,x\) with \(x\ne0\).

Answer

a) Local extrema exist exactly when \(k>0\). b) Local minimum: \(\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2k}},-\sqrt{\frac{e}{2k}}\right)\). Local maximum: \(\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2k}},\sqrt{\frac{e}{2k}}\right)\), for \(k>0\). c) \(y=\sqrt{e}\,x\), with \(x\ne0\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 48
For \(k>0\), consider \(f_k(x)=(x-k)e^{1-x/k}\). a) Find the x-intercept and show that every graph crosses the x-axis at the same angle. Give the angle. b) Find and classify the extremum \(E_k\) in terms of \(k\). c) Show that all extrema in the family lie on a line through the origin, and give its equation.

Hints

- The exponential factor is never zero. - Use the derivative at the x-intercept to find the crossing angle. - Apply the product and chain rules. - Eliminate \(k\) from the extremum coordinates to find the locus.

Solution

1. Since the exponential factor is positive, the x-intercept satisfies \(x-k=0\), so \(x=k\). 2. Differentiate: \(f_k'(x)=\left(2-\frac{x}{k}\right)e^{1-x/k}\). At the intercept, \(f_k'(k)=1\). Thus, the tangent slope is always \(1\), and the angle with the positive x-axis is \(\arctan(1)=45^\circ\). 3. The critical point satisfies \(2-\frac{x}{k}=0\), so \(x=2k\). The second derivative is \(f_k''(x)=\frac1k e^{1-x/k}\left(\frac{x}{k}-3\right)\). Therefore, \(f_k''(2k)=-\frac1{ke}<0\), so the extremum is a local maximum. Its coordinates are \(E_k=\left(2k, \frac{k}{e}\right)\). 4. From \(x=2k\), \(k=x/2\). Substituting into \(y=k/e\) gives \(y=\frac{x}{2e}\). Thus, all extrema lie on this line through the origin.

Answer

a) The x-intercept is \(x=k\), and the crossing angle is \(45^\circ\). b) \(E_k=\left(2k, \frac{k}{e}\right)\), a local maximum. c) \(y=\frac{x}{2e}\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 49
In an industrial process, the gas input rate, in liters per minute, is modeled by \(g(t)=10(60-t)e^{kt}\), where \(0\leq t\leq60\) is time in minutes. Find \(k\) if the input rate reaches its maximum exactly \(20\) minutes after the process begins.

Hints

- At an interior maximum, the first derivative is zero. - Use the product rule and chain rule. - After finding the parameter, check how the derivative changes sign across the whole modeled interval.

Solution

1. Differentiate using the product and chain rules: \(g'(t)=10e^{kt}(-1+60k-kt)\). 2. A maximum at \(t=20\) requires \(g'(20)=0\). Since \(10e^{20k}\neq0\), \(-1+40k=0\), so \(k=\frac{1}{40}=0.025\,\text{min}^{-1}\). 3. For \(k=\frac{1}{40}\), \(g'(t)=\frac14 e^{t/40}(20-t)\). Thus \(g'(t)>0\) for \(0\leq t<20\) and \(g'(t)<0\) for \(20<t\leq60\). 4. Therefore, \(g\) increases up to \(t=20\) and decreases afterward, so \(t=20\) is the absolute maximum on \([0,60]\).

Answer

\(k=0.025\,\text{min}^{-1}\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 50
A biological process is modeled by the family \(f_k(t)=kte^{-kt}\), where \(k>0\) and \(t\geq0\). 1. Show that the maximum value of \(f_k\) is the same for every \(k>0\). 2. Find the instantaneous rate of change at \(t=0\) in terms of \(k\). 3. Interpret how \(k\) affects the time required to reach the maximum and the initial rate of change.

Hints

- Find the critical time in terms of \(k\). - Substitute that time into the original function. - Evaluate the first derivative at \(t=0\). - Analyze how \(\frac{1}{k}\) changes as \(k\) increases.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f_k'(t)=ke^{-kt}(1-kt)\). The critical time is \(t=\frac{1}{k}\). Substitution gives \(f_k\left(\frac{1}{k}\right)=e^{-1}=\frac{1}{e}\), which is independent of \(k\). 2. \(f_k'(0)=k\). 3. The maximum occurs at \(t_{\max}=\frac{1}{k}\), so a larger \(k\) makes the maximum occur sooner. Since \(f_k'(0)=k\), a larger \(k\) also gives a steeper initial increase.

Answer

1. Maximum value: \(\frac{1}{e}\approx0.368\) 2. \(f_k'(0)=k\) 3. Larger \(k\) means a faster initial increase and an earlier maximum
Extreme value theorem and critical points 51
For \(k>0\), let \(f_k(x)=(k-e^x)^2\). For each statement, decide whether it is true for every \(k\), false for every \(k\), or depends on \(k\). Justify each answer. 1) The graph is tangent to the x-axis. 2) The function has exactly one critical point. 3) The graph is symmetric about the y-axis. 4) The tangent slope at \(x=0\) is positive.

Hints

- Solve \(f_k(x)=0\) and use the squared form. - Differentiate to count the critical points. - Compare the two ends of the graph when testing y-axis symmetry. - Evaluate the derivative at \(x=0\).

Solution

1. The function equals zero when \(e^x=k\), so \(x=\ln k\). Because the function is a square and is never negative, this zero is a tangency point. The statement is true for every \(k>0\). 2. Differentiate: \(f_k'(x)=2e^x(e^x-k)\). Since \(e^x>0\), the only critical point is \(x=\ln k\). The statement is true for every \(k>0\). 3. As \(x\to\infty\), \(f_k(x)\to\infty\), while as \(x\to-\infty\), \(f_k(x)\to k^2\). Therefore, the graph cannot be symmetric about the y-axis for any \(k>0\). The statement is false for every \(k\). 4. At \(x=0\), \(f_k'(0)=2(1-k)\). This value is positive when \(0<k<1\), zero when \(k=1\), and negative when \(k>1\). Therefore, the statement depends on \(k\).

Answer

1) True for every \(k>0\). 2) True for every \(k>0\). 3) False for every \(k>0\). 4) Depends on \(k\); the slope is positive exactly when \(0<k<1\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 52
For \(k\in\mathbb R\setminus\{0\}\), let \(f_k(x)=k(x^4-4x^3)\), and let \(G_k\) be its graph. a) Show that every graph in the family has the same intercepts. Prove that the graphs have no other common points. b) Each graph has exactly one local extremum. Find its coordinates and classify it in terms of \(k\). c) Find the equation of the line containing all local extrema in the family.

Hints

- Factor the polynomial to find the intercepts. - Compare two different family members to locate their common points. - Use the derivative sign and second derivative to classify the nonzero critical number.

Solution

1. Factor: \(f_k(x)=kx^3(x-4)\). Because \(k\ne0\), every graph has intercepts \((0, 0)\) and \((4, 0)\). If \(k\ne m\) and \(f_k(x)=f_m(x)\), then \((k-m)(x^4-4x^3)=0\), so \(x=0\) or \(x=4\). Therefore, there are no other common points. 2. Differentiate: \(f_k'(x)=4kx^2(x-3)\). The critical numbers are \(0\) and \(3\). At \(x=0\), the derivative does not change sign, so there is no local extremum. At \(x=3\), \(f_k(3)=-27k\) and \(f_k''(3)=36k\). Thus, \((3,-27k)\) is a local minimum when \(k>0\) and a local maximum when \(k<0\). 3. Every local extremum has x-coordinate \(3\), so all local extrema lie on the vertical line \(x=3\).

Answer

a) The only common points are \((0, 0)\) and \((4, 0)\). b) The local extremum is \((3,-27k)\). It is a local minimum for \(k>0\) and a local maximum for \(k<0\). c) \(x=3\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 53
Consider the family of functions \(f_a(x) = \frac{x^2 + a}{x - 1}\), where \(a \in \mathbb{R}\). Determine the number of local extrema of \(f_a\) as a function of \(a\).

Hints

- Identify the domain before finding critical numbers. - Use the quotient rule to differentiate. - Analyze the discriminant of the numerator of the derivative. - Check that any derivative zeros lie in the function's domain and produce a sign change.

Solution

1. The domain is \(\mathbb{R} \setminus \{1\}\). 2. Apply the quotient rule: \(f_a'(x) = \frac{2x(x - 1) - (x^2 + a)}{(x - 1)^2} = \frac{x^2 - 2x - a}{(x - 1)^2}\). 3. Critical numbers must satisfy \(x^2 - 2x - a = 0\). The discriminant is \(D = 4 + 4a = 4(1 + a)\). 4. If \(a < -1\), then \(D < 0\), so the derivative has no real zeros and the function has no local extrema. 5. If \(a = -1\), the numerator of the derivative is \((x - 1)^2\), whose only zero is \(x = 1\). This value is not in the domain, so there are no local extrema. 6. If \(a > -1\), the derivative has two distinct zeros \(x = 1 \pm \sqrt{1 + a}\). Both are in the domain, and the numerator changes sign at each simple zero while the denominator remains positive. Therefore, the function has exactly two local extrema.

Answer

No local extrema for \(a \le -1\) Exactly two local extrema for \(a > -1\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 54
Let \(f(x)=(ax^2+bx+c)e^{-x}\), where \(a,b,c\in\mathbb{R}\) and \(a\neq0\). Show algebraically that \(f\) can have at most two local extrema.

Hints

- Use the product and chain rules. - The exponential function has no zeros. - Identify which factor controls the zeros of the derivative. - A quadratic equation has at most two real solutions.

Solution

1. Apply the product and chain rules: \(f'(x)=(2ax+b)e^{-x}-(ax^2+bx+c)e^{-x}\). 2. Factor the exponential term: \(f'(x)=e^{-x}\bigl(-ax^2+(2a-b)x+b-c\bigr)\). 3. Since \(e^{-x}>0\), zeros of the derivative can occur only when the quadratic factor is zero. 4. Because \(a\neq0\), this factor is a quadratic polynomial and therefore has at most two real zeros. 5. Local extrema can occur only at zeros of the derivative, so \(f\) has at most two local extrema.

Answer

The derivative is \(f'(x)=e^{-x}Q(x)\), where \(Q\) is quadratic. Since \(e^{-x}\neq0\) and a quadratic has at most two real zeros, \(f\) can have at most two local extrema.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 55
Let \(f(x)=-x^2+6x+7\), and define \(g(x)=\sqrt{f(x)}\). a) Find the largest real domain \(D_g\). b) Find the vertex of the parabola \(f\). Without further calculation, explain why \(g\) has its maximum at the same x-coordinate. c) Find \(g'(x)\) with the chain rule, and use it to verify the location of the maximum.

Hints

- Require the expression under the square root to be nonnegative. - Use the symmetry of a parabola or complete the square to find its vertex. - A strictly increasing outer function preserves the ordering of inner function values. - Apply the chain rule to verify the critical number.

Solution

1. a) The zeros of \(f\) are \(-1\) and \(7\). Since the parabola opens downward, \(f(x)\ge0\) on \([-1,7]\). Thus, \(D_g=[-1,7]\). 2. b) The vertex lies midway between the zeros at \(x=3\), and \(f(3)=16\). Thus, the vertex is \((3,16)\). 3. The square-root function is strictly increasing on \([0,\infty)\), so maximizing \(f(x)\) also maximizes \(\sqrt{f(x)}\). Therefore, \(g\) has its maximum at \(x=3\). 4. c) By the chain rule, \(g'(x)=\frac{-2x+6}{2\sqrt{-x^2+6x+7}}=\frac{3-x}{\sqrt{-x^2+6x+7}}\), for \(-1<x<7\). 5. The derivative is zero only at \(x=3\), confirming the maximum location. Also, \(g(3)=4\), so the maximum point of \(g\) is \((3,4)\).

Answer

a) \(D_g=[-1,7]\) b) The vertex of \(f\) is \((3,16)\); because the square-root function is strictly increasing, \(g\) is maximized at \(x=3\). c) \(g'(x)=\frac{3-x}{\sqrt{-x^2+6x+7}}\); the maximum point is \((3,4)\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 56
A bike-park obstacle is modeled by \(f(x)=\frac{1}{4}\sqrt{(x+3)^2(6-x)}\), where \(x\) and \(f(x)\) are measured in meters and \(-3\le x\le6\). a) Find the width of the obstacle at ground level. b) Find its maximum height to the nearest hundredth of a meter. c) Find the slope of the profile at \(x=0\).

Hints

- Ground-level width is the distance between the x-intercepts. - Because the square root is increasing, maximize the radicand. - Compare critical points with domain endpoints. - The slope at a point is the derivative value there.

Solution

1. a) The graph meets the ground at \(x=-3\) and \(x=6\), so the width is \(6-(-3)=9\,\text{m}\). 2. Let \(u(x)=(x+3)^2(6-x)=-x^3+27x+54\). Because the square root is increasing, \(f\) is maximized where \(u\) is maximized. 3. Since \(u'(x)=-3x^2+27\), the interior critical number is \(x=3\). Comparing \(u(3)\) with the endpoint values at \(x=-3\) and \(x=6\) shows the maximum occurs at \(x=3\). 4. b) \(f(3)=\frac{1}{4}\sqrt{108}=\frac{3\sqrt{3}}{2}\approx2.60\,\text{m}\). 5. c) For interior points, \(f'(x)=\frac{-3x^2+27}{8\sqrt{-x^3+27x+54}}\). Thus, \(f'(0)=\frac{9}{8\sqrt{6}}\approx0.46\).

Answer

a) \(9\,\text{m}\) b) \(2.60\,\text{m}\) c) \(f'(0)=\frac{9}{8\sqrt{6}}\approx0.46\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 57
The upper boundary of a logo is modeled by \(f(x)=\sqrt{-x^4+8x^2+9}\) between its x-intercepts. a) Find the width of the logo at its base. b) The logo reaches its maximum height at two points. Find their coordinates. c) Explain why the graph has a horizontal tangent at \(x=0\), and give the equation of that tangent line.

Hints

- Substitute \(z=x^2\) to solve the quartic intercept equation as a quadratic. - Apply the chain rule to the square-root function. - Compare all critical-point values and endpoint values. - A horizontal tangent has slope \(0\).

Solution

1. a) Set the radicand equal to \(0\). With \(z=x^2\), \(-z^2+8z+9=0\), so \(z=9\) or \(z=-1\). Thus, the real intercepts are \(x=\pm3\), and the base width is \(6\) units. 2. For interior points, \(f'(x)=\frac{-2x^3+8x}{\sqrt{-x^4+8x^2+9}}\). Critical numbers occur at \(x=0\) and \(x=\pm2\). 3. The function values are \(f(0)=3\) and \(f(\pm2)=5\), while the endpoint values are \(0\). Therefore, the maximum points are \((-2,5)\) and \((2,5)\). 4. c) Since \(f'(0)=0\), the tangent is horizontal. Because \(f(0)=3\), its equation is \(y=3\).

Answer

a) \(6\) units b) \((-2,5)\) and \((2,5)\) c) \(f'(0)=0\), so the tangent line is \(y=3\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 58
Consider the family of functions \(g_a(x) = x^3 - 3ax^2 + (6a - 3)x\), where \(a \in \mathbb{R}\). Determine whether there is a value of \(a\) for which \(g_a\) has no local extrema. If so, find it.

Hints

- Relate local extrema to the real zeros of the first derivative. - Use the discriminant of the quadratic derivative. - Determine what happens when the derivative has a double zero.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(g_a'(x) = 3x^2 - 6ax + 6a - 3\). 2. The derivative has discriminant \(D = (-6a)^2 - 4 \cdot 3(6a - 3) = 36a^2 - 72a + 36 = 36(a - 1)^2\). 3. Since \(D \ge 0\) for every \(a\), the only way to avoid two distinct critical numbers is to have \(D = 0\). 4. Solve \(36(a - 1)^2 = 0\): \(a = 1\). 5. For \(a = 1\), \(g_1'(x) = 3(x - 1)^2\), so the derivative does not change sign at \(x = 1\). Therefore, the graph has no local extremum there. Also, \(g_1''(x) = 6x - 6\) changes sign at \(x = 1\), so the point is a stationary inflection point.

Answer

Yes. For \(a = 1\), the function has no local extrema.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 59
Let \(f\) be a nonconstant polynomial whose graph is symmetric about the y-axis. a) Use the general form of a polynomial to explain why \(f'(0)=0\). b) Explain why the graph cannot have a stationary inflection point at \(x=0\). Use the symmetry of \(f'\).

Hints

- Determine which powers can appear in an even polynomial. - Differentiate and use the symmetry of the resulting odd function. - Focus on the sign of the first derivative immediately to the left and right of \(0\). - Apply the first derivative test to that sign change.

Solution

1. Y-axis symmetry means \(f\) is even, so its polynomial expression contains only even powers of \(x\). 2. Differentiating produces only odd powers of \(x\). Every term of \(f'\) therefore contains a positive power of \(x\), so \(f'(0)=0\). 3. The derivative of an even function is odd, so \(f'(-x)=-f'(x)\). 4. Because \(f\) is nonconstant, the first nonzero term of \(f'\) near \(0\) has odd degree. Thus \(f'\) has opposite signs on the two sides of \(0\): it changes either from negative to positive or from positive to negative. By the first derivative test, \(f\) therefore has a local extremum at \(0\), not a stationary inflection point.

Answer

a) An even polynomial contains only even powers, so its derivative contains only odd powers and \(f'(0)=0\). b) The derivative is odd and changes sign at \(0\). Therefore, \(f\) has a local extremum there, not a stationary inflection point.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 60
Decide whether each statement is true or false. Justify your answer or give a counterexample. (1) A function that is strictly increasing on all of \(\mathbb{R}\) has no local or absolute extrema. (2) For every differentiable function, \(f'(x_0)=0\) guarantees a local extremum at \(x_0\). (3) A function cannot have an absolute maximum on an open interval \((a,b)\). (4) Every interior local extremum of a differentiable function occurs at a zero of the first derivative.

Hints

- Test statements with lines, parabolas, and cubic functions. - Distinguish necessary conditions from sufficient conditions. - An open interval may still contain an interior point where a maximum is attained. - Fermat's theorem applies to differentiable functions at interior local extrema.

Solution

1. Statement (1) is true. Strict increase prevents any interior point from being locally greatest or least, and on all of \(\mathbb{R}\) there is no greatest or least value. 2. Statement (2) is false. For \(f(x)=x^3\), \(f'(0)=0\), but \(x=0\) is not a local extremum. 3. Statement (3) is false. The function \(f(x)=-x^2\) has an absolute maximum at \(x=0\) on \((-1,1)\). 4. Statement (4) is true by Fermat's theorem.

Answer

(1) True (2) False; for example, \(f(x)=x^3\) (3) False; for example, \(f(x)=-x^2\) on \((-1,1)\) (4) True
Extreme value theorem and critical points 61
Decide whether each statement about a polynomial function \(f\) is true or false. Justify your answer. a) If the graph has two local minima, then at least one local maximum lies between them. b) Every fourth-degree polynomial has at least one local extremum.

Hints

- Use continuity on the interval between the two minima. - Consider the end behavior of an even-degree polynomial. - An absolute extremum in the interior is also a local extremum.

Solution

1. Statement a) is true. On the closed interval between two local minima, continuity guarantees a maximum. It occurs between the minima; if the maximum is attained on a flat interval, interior points of that interval are still local maxima. 2. Statement b) is true. A quartic has the same end behavior on both sides, approaching either \(+\infty\) at both ends or \(-\infty\) at both ends. By continuity, it attains an absolute minimum or maximum, which is also a local extremum.

Answer

a) True b) True
Extreme value theorem and critical points 62
Consider the family of functions \(f_a(x) = x^3 + ax^2 - (a + 1)x\), where \(a \in \mathbb{R}\). a) Find the coordinates of the points shared by every graph in the family. b) Find the value of \(a\) for which \(f_a\) has a local extremum at \(x = -1\). c) Show that every graph in the family has exactly two local extrema.

Hints

- Collect the terms containing \(a\) to find parameter-independent points. - Use the first derivative condition at \(x = -1\). - Analyze the discriminant of the quadratic derivative. - Show that the discriminant is positive for every real \(a\).

Solution

1. Group the parameter terms: \(f_a(x) = x^3 - x + a(x^2 - x)\). A point is shared by every graph when \(x^2 - x = 0\), so \(x = 0\) or \(x = 1\). In both cases, \(f_a(x) = 0\). The common points are \((0, 0)\) and \((1, 0)\). 2. Differentiate: \(f_a'(x) = 3x^2 + 2ax - a - 1\). Require \(f_a'(-1) = 0\): \(3 - 2a - a - 1 = 2 - 3a = 0\), so \(a = \frac{2}{3}\). 3. The second derivative is \(f_a''(x) = 6x + 2a\). At \(a = \frac{2}{3}\) and \(x = -1\), it is \(-\frac{14}{3} \ne 0\), so the critical point is a local extremum. 4. For any \(a\), the discriminant of the quadratic derivative is \(D = (2a)^2 - 4 \cdot 3(-a - 1) = 4(a^2 + 3a + 3)\). 5. Complete the square: \(a^2 + 3a + 3 = \left(a + \frac{3}{2}\right)^2 + \frac{3}{4} > 0\). Thus, \(D > 0\) for every real \(a\). The derivative always has two distinct real zeros and changes sign at each, so every graph has exactly two local extrema.

Answer

a) \((0, 0)\) and \((1, 0)\) b) \(a = \frac{2}{3}\) c) The derivative has two distinct real zeros for every \(a\), so every graph has exactly two local extrema.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 63
Consider the family of functions \(f_t(x)=(2x-t)e^{0.5x}\), where \(t\in\mathbb{R}\). 1. Find \(f_t'(x)\) using the product rule and chain rule. 2. Find the x-coordinate of the local extremum. 3. Find \(t\) so that the local extremum lies on the y-axis.

Hints

- Identify the two factors before applying the product rule. - Differentiate the exponential factor with the chain rule. - A local extremum occurs where the first derivative is zero. - A point on the y-axis has x-coordinate zero.

Solution

1. By the product rule, \(f_t'(x)=2e^{0.5x}+(2x-t)(0.5)e^{0.5x}=(x+2-0.5t)e^{0.5x}\). 2. Since \(e^{0.5x}>0\), the equation \(f_t'(x)=0\) reduces to \(x+2-0.5t=0\). Thus, the critical number is \(x=0.5t-2\). 3. The second derivative is \(f_t''(x)=(0.5x+2-0.25t)e^{0.5x}\). At \(x=0.5t-2\), it equals \(e^{0.25t-1}>0\), so the extremum is a local minimum. 4. A point on the y-axis has x-coordinate \(0\). Set \(0.5t-2=0\) to obtain \(t=4\).

Answer

1. \(f_t'(x)=(x+2-0.5t)e^{0.5x}\) 2. The x-coordinate is \(0.5t-2\). 3. \(t=4\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 64
Consider the family of functions \(f_a(x)=(a-e^x)^2\), where \(a\in\mathbb{R}\). 1. Determine the values of \(a\) for which the graph has a local minimum, and give its coordinates in terms of \(a\). 2. Two graphs with distinct parameters \(a_1\) and \(a_2\) may intersect. Find the condition on the parameters for an intersection to exist, and find its x-coordinate. 3. Find \(a\) so that the graph has a horizontal tangent at \(x=0\).

Hints

- Solve the first-derivative equation using the range of \(e^x\). - For \(u^2=v^2\), consider both \(u=v\) and \(u=-v\). - A horizontal tangent has slope zero.

Solution

1. The derivative is \(f_a'(x)=-2e^x(a-e^x)\). Since \(e^x>0\), a critical number requires \(e^x=a\), which is possible exactly when \(a>0\). Then \(x=\ln(a)\). 2. The second derivative is \(f_a''(x)=4e^{2x}-2ae^x\). At \(x=\ln(a)\), it equals \(2a^2>0\), so the point is a local minimum. Its y-coordinate is \(0\), giving \((\ln(a), 0)\). 3. For an intersection, \((a_1-e^x)^2=(a_2-e^x)^2\). Because \(a_1\ne a_2\), the equal-base case is impossible, so \(a_1-e^x=-(a_2-e^x)\). Thus \(e^x=\frac{a_1+a_2}{2}\). An intersection exists exactly when \(a_1+a_2>0\), and then \(x=\ln\left(\frac{a_1+a_2}{2}\right)\). 4. A horizontal tangent at \(x=0\) requires \(f_a'(0)=-2(a-1)=0\), so \(a=1\).

Answer

1. For \(a>0\), the local minimum is \((\ln(a), 0)\). 2. An intersection exists when \(a_1+a_2>0\), at \(x=\ln\left(\frac{a_1+a_2}{2}\right)\). 3. \(a=1\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 65
Consider the family of functions \(f_k(x)=\cos x(k+\sin x)\), where \(k\in\mathbb{R}\). a) Show that \(f_k'(x)=1-k\sin x-2\sin^2x\). b) For \(k=0\), find all inputs in \([0, 2\pi)\) where the tangent line is horizontal. c) For \(k=\frac{7}{3}\), find the x-coordinates of the two local extrema in \([0, 2\pi)\). Round to the nearest hundredth.

Hints

- Apply the product rule and replace \(\cos^2x\) using the Pythagorean identity. - Horizontal tangents occur where the first derivative is zero. - In part c, substitute \(u=\sin x\). - Reject any solution outside the range \([-1, 1]\) of sine. - A positive sine value occurs twice in one full cycle.

Solution

1. Apply the product rule: \(f_k'(x)=-\sin x(k+\sin x)+\cos^2x\). Using \(\cos^2x=1-\sin^2x\), \(f_k'(x)=1-k\sin x-2\sin^2x\). 2. For \(k=0\), horizontal tangents satisfy \(1-2\sin^2x=0\). Since \(1-2\sin^2x=\cos(2x)\), solve \(\cos(2x)=0\). In \([0, 2\pi)\), this gives \(x\in\left\{\frac{\pi}{4},\frac{3\pi}{4},\frac{5\pi}{4},\frac{7\pi}{4}\right\}\). 3. For \(k=\frac{7}{3}\), set the derivative equal to zero: \(1-\frac{7}{3}\sin x-2\sin^2x=0\). Let \(u=\sin x\). Then \(6u^2+7u-3=0\), so \(u=\frac{1}{3}\) or \(u=-\frac{3}{2}\). The second value is outside the range of sine. Thus, \(x=\arcsin\left(\frac{1}{3}\right)\approx0.34\) or \(x=\pi-\arcsin\left(\frac{1}{3}\right)\approx2.80\). The second derivative is nonzero at both inputs, so both are local extrema.

Answer

a) \(f_k'(x)=1-k\sin x-2\sin^2x\) b) \(x\in\left\{\frac{\pi}{4},\frac{3\pi}{4},\frac{5\pi}{4},\frac{7\pi}{4}\right\}\) c) \(x\approx0.34\) and \(x\approx2.80\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 66
Consider the family of functions \(f_a(x)=a(\sin x-\sqrt{3}\cos x)\), where \(a\in\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}\). a) Find all zeros of \(f_a\) in \([0,2\pi]\). b) Find the x-coordinates of all **interior** local extrema of \(f_a\) in \([0,2\pi]\). c) Explain why these interior local-extremum locations do not depend on \(a\).

Hints

- The factor \(a\) does not affect where the function equals zero. - For part b), look for horizontal tangents strictly between the endpoints. - After differentiating, which factor determines the critical numbers? - Check what happens to their locations when the sign of \(a\) changes.

Solution

1. Since \(a\ne0\), solve \(\sin x-\sqrt{3}\cos x=0\). This gives \(x=\frac{\pi}{3}\) and \(x=\frac{4\pi}{3}\) in the interval. 2. Differentiate: \(f_a'(x)=a(\cos x+\sqrt{3}\sin x)\). 3. Since \(a\ne0\), the interior critical numbers satisfy \(\cos x+\sqrt{3}\sin x=0\). They are \(x=\frac{5\pi}{6}\) and \(x=\frac{11\pi}{6}\). 4. The derivative changes sign at both critical numbers, so both are interior local extrema. Their types reverse when \(a\) changes sign. 5. Dividing the derivative equation by the nonzero constant \(a\) leaves an equation independent of \(a\), so these locations stay the same.

Answer

a) \(x=\frac{\pi}{3}\) and \(x=\frac{4\pi}{3}\) b) \(x=\frac{5\pi}{6}\) and \(x=\frac{11\pi}{6}\) c) The factor \(a\ne0\) cancels from \(f_a'(x)=0\); the remaining equation does not depend on \(a\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 67
For \(a\in\mathbb R\), let \(f_a(x)=(x^2-ax+a)e^x\). a) Determine the number, coordinates, and classifications of the local extrema of \(f_a\) in terms of \(a\). b) For \(a\ne2\), one local extremum is not on the y-axis. Find an equation for the locus of these extrema.

Hints

- Factor the first derivative to find the critical numbers. - Use a sign chart to classify the critical points for the different parameter cases. - Eliminate the parameter from the coordinates of the off-axis extremum.

Solution

1. Differentiate and factor: \(f_a'(x)=x(x-a+2)e^x\). The critical numbers are \(x=0\) and \(x=a-2\). 2. When \(a=2\), these critical numbers coincide and the derivative does not change sign. The point \((0,2)\) is a stationary inflection point, so there are no local extrema. 3. When \(a>2\), the local maximum is \(E_1=(0,a)\), and the local minimum is \(E_2=\left(a-2,(4-a)e^{a-2}\right)\). When \(a<2\), the classifications are reversed. 4. For the extremum not on the y-axis, let \(x=a-2\), so \(a=x+2\). Then \(y=(4-a)e^{a-2}=(2-x)e^x\). Because \(a\ne2\), the locus is \(y=(2-x)e^x\), with \(x\ne0\).

Answer

a) If \(a=2\), there are no local extrema; \((0,2)\) is a stationary inflection point. If \(a>2\), \((0,a)\) is a local maximum and \(\left(a-2,(4-a)e^{a-2}\right)\) is a local minimum. If \(a<2\), the classifications are reversed. b) \(y=(2-x)e^x\), with \(x\ne0\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 68
The graph shows a piecewise-defined function \(f\). For the marked points \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\) at \(x=-2\), \(x=0\), and \(x=2\), determine whether each is a local maximum, a local minimum, or neither. Explain the role of differentiability and derivatives at each point.
Figure for problem 532373

Hints

- Compare nearby function values on both sides of each point. - A corner can still be a local extremum. - Check whether the graph changes from increasing to decreasing or vice versa. - A horizontal tangent alone does not guarantee an extremum.

Solution

1. At \(A\), the graph has a corner at \(x=-2\), so \(f\) is not differentiable there. However, nearby values on both sides are greater than \(f(-2)\), so \(A\) is a local minimum. Differentiability is not required for a local extremum. 2. At \(B\), the graph is smooth and changes from increasing to decreasing at \(x=0\). Thus \(f'(0)=0\) and \(B\) is a local maximum. 3. At \(C\), the tangent is horizontal at \(x=2\), but the graph is decreasing on both sides. Therefore, \(C\) is not an extremum; it is a stationary inflection point. A zero derivative is not sufficient for an extremum.

Answer

\(A\): local minimum \(B\): local maximum \(C\): stationary inflection point, not a local extremum
Extreme value theorem and critical points 69
Consider the family of functions \(f_a(x) = 0.25x^3 - 0.75ax^2 + 2ax\), where \(a \in \mathbb{R}\). a) The graph shows one function from the family. Find the corresponding value of \(a\). b) Determine all values of \(a\) for which \(f_a\) has no local extrema.
Figure for problem 532432

Hints

- Read the \(x\)-coordinates of the local maximum and local minimum from the graph. - The first derivative equals zero at a local extremum. - Substitute one critical number into the derivative to solve for \(a\). - Use the discriminant to determine when the quadratic derivative does not have two distinct real zeros.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f_a'(x) = 0.75x^2 - 1.5ax + 2a\). 2. From the graph, the local maximum occurs at \(x = 2\) and the local minimum occurs at \(x = 4\). Use either critical number. Setting \(f_a'(2) = 0\) gives \(0.75(2)^2 - 1.5a(2) + 2a = 3 - a = 0\), so \(a = 3\). 3. This agrees with the other critical number: \(f_a'(4) = 12 - 4a = 0\), which also gives \(a = 3\). 4. The function has no local extrema when the quadratic derivative has at most one distinct real zero. Using the standard discriminant, \(D = (-1.5a)^2 - 4(0.75)(2a) = 2.25a^2 - 6a = 2.25a\left(a - \frac{8}{3}\right)\). 5. Solve \(D \le 0\): \(0 \le a \le \frac{8}{3}\). At the endpoint values, the derivative has a double zero and does not change sign.

Answer

a) \(a = 3\) b) \(0 \le a \le \frac{8}{3}\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 70
Consider the family of functions \(f_k(x) = kx^3 - 3x\), where \(k > 0\). a) One of the two graphs shown represents a function in this family. Identify the graph and justify your choice in two different ways, such as end behavior and slope at the origin. b) Find the value of \(k\) for which \(f_k\) has a local extremum at \(x = 2\).
Figure for problem 532578

Hints

- Use the sign of the leading coefficient to determine the end behavior. - Find the derivative and evaluate the slope at \(x = 0\). - Set the derivative equal to zero at \(x = 2\) and solve for \(k\).

Solution

1. Since \(k > 0\), the leading coefficient is positive. Therefore, \(f_k(x) \to \infty\) as \(x \to \infty\), and \(f_k(x) \to -\infty\) as \(x \to -\infty\). Only graph 1 has this end behavior. 2. Also, \(f_k'(x) = 3kx^2 - 3\), so \(f_k'(0) = -3\). The graph must be decreasing as it passes through the origin. Again, only graph 1 has this behavior. 3. For a local extremum at \(x = 2\), require \(f_k'(2) = 0\): \(3k(2)^2 - 3 = 12k - 3 = 0\). Thus, \(k = \frac{1}{4}\). 4. For this value, \(f_k''(2) = 6k(2) = 3 > 0\), so the extremum at \(x = 2\) is a local minimum.

Answer

a) Graph 1. It has the required end behavior for a positive leading coefficient and is decreasing at the origin, where the slope is \(-3\). b) \(k = \frac{1}{4}\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 71
A function has the form \(f(x)=(ax+b)e^{-0.5x}\), where \(a,b\in\mathbb R\). Its graph has y-intercept \(2\) and a local maximum at \(x=1\). Find \(a\) and \(b\), and verify the maximum condition algebraically.

Hints

- Use the y-intercept to determine one parameter first. - Differentiate the product and then impose the critical-point condition at the given maximum input. - Check that the derivative changes from positive to negative for the resulting parameters.

Solution

1. The y-intercept condition gives \(f(0)=b=2\). 2. By the product and chain rules, \(f'(x)=(a-0.5ax-0.5b)e^{-0.5x}\). 3. A local maximum at \(x=1\) requires \(f'(1)=0\). Substituting \(b=2\) gives \((0.5a-1)e^{-0.5}=0\), so \(a=2\). 4. With \(a=b=2\), \(f'(x)=(1-x)e^{-0.5x}\), which changes from positive to negative at \(x=1\). Therefore, the stated point is a local maximum.

Answer

\(a=2\), \(b=2\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 72
The graph shows a piecewise-defined function \(f\). Use the non-strict definition of a local extremum, which allows nearby function values to equal \(f(x_0)\). Determine whether \(x_1=-2\) and \(x_2=1.5\) are local-extremum locations. Classify each one and justify your answer from the definition.
Figure for problem 533753

Hints

- Apply the definition using function values in a small neighborhood. - Differentiability is not required for a local extremum. - Compare the values on both sides of \(x_1\). - On a constant interval, nearby values equal the value at the marked point.

Solution

1. A function has a local maximum at \(x_0\) when \(f(x)\le f(x_0)\) for all \(x\) sufficiently close to \(x_0\). It has a local minimum when \(f(x)\ge f(x_0)\) nearby. 2. At \(x_1=-2\), \(f(-2)=4\), and every nearby function value is less than \(4\). Therefore, \(x=-2\) is a local-maximum location. The corner does not prevent a local extremum. 3. At \(x_2=1.5\), the function is constant with value \(1\) throughout a neighborhood of \(1.5\). Thus, every nearby value is both less than or equal to and greater than or equal to \(f(1.5)\). Under the stated non-strict definition, \(x=1.5\) is both a local-maximum and a local-minimum location.

Answer

\(x_1=-2\): local maximum \(x_2=1.5\): both a local maximum and a local minimum under the non-strict definition
Extreme value theorem and critical points 73
The graph of a function \(f\) is shown. It consists of an absolute value piece and part of a parabola. a) Determine whether \(f\) has a local extremum at \(x_1=-1\). Explain your answer, including whether differentiability is required. b) Classify the local extremum at \(x_2=3\).
Figure for problem 533754

Hints

- Must a function have derivative \(0\) in order to have a local extremum? - Compare the function value at \(x_1=-1\) with nearby values. - Use the shape and opening direction of the parabola near \(x_2=3\).

Solution

1. Near \(x_1=-1\), the graph has a V-shaped point and \(f(x)\ge f(-1)=0\). Therefore, \(f\) has a local minimum at \(x_1=-1\). The function is not differentiable there, but a local extremum is defined by nearby function values and does not require differentiability. 2. At \(x_2=3\), the graph is the vertex of a downward-opening parabola. The function changes from increasing to decreasing, so \(f\) has a local maximum there.

Answer

a) Yes. The function has a local minimum at \(x_1=-1\), even though it is not differentiable there. b) The function has a local maximum at \(x_2=3\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 74
For each real number \(a\), let \(g_a(x)=(x-a)e^{0.5x}\). a) Graphs 1 and 2 show the cases \(a=1\) and \(a=-1\). Match each graph to its parameter value and justify your answer using the zeros. b) Find \(a\) so that the graph of \(g_a\) has a local minimum at \(x=4\).
Figure for problem 534361

Hints

- The exponential factor is never zero. - The zero comes from the linear factor. - Use the product and chain rules. - At a local minimum, the first derivative is zero and the second derivative is positive.

Solution

1. Since \(e^{0.5x}>0\), the only zero of \(g_a\) is \(x=a\). Graph 1 has its zero at \(x=1\), so it represents \(a=1\). Graph 2 has its zero at \(x=-1\), so it represents \(a=-1\). 2. Differentiate: \(g_a'(x)=e^{0.5x}(1+0.5x-0.5a)\). Requiring a critical point at \(x=4\) gives \(1+2-0.5a=0\), so \(a=6\). 3. For \(a=6\), \(g_a''(4)=0.5e^2>0\), confirming a local minimum.

Answer

a) Graph 1: \(a=1\); Graph 2: \(a=-1\) b) \(a=6\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 75
The figure shows a family of graphs obtained by vertically translating a base graph of the form \(g(x)=ax^3+bx\). Find an equation for the family \(f_c(x)\).
Figure for problem 534393

Hints

- Start with the graph whose y-intercept is zero. - Use a visible extremum to create one function-value equation and one derivative equation. - Add a constant for a vertical translation.

Solution

1. Use the graph through the origin as the unshifted base graph. It has a local minimum at \((1, -1)\). 2. Since \(g(1)=-1\), \(a+b=-1\). Since the derivative \(g'(x)=3ax^2+b\) is zero at \(x=1\), \(3a+b=0\). 3. Solving gives \(a=0.5\) and \(b=-1.5\). Thus \(g(x)=0.5x^3-1.5x\). 4. A vertical shift by \(c\) gives \(f_c(x)=0.5x^3-1.5x+c\).

Answer

\(f_c(x)=0.5x^3-1.5x+c\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 76
The concentration \(c\), in \(\text{mg/L}\), of a medication in the blood as a function of time \(x\), in hours, is modeled by \(c(x)=(ax+b)e^{-0.1x}\). Find \(a\) and \(b\) if the initial concentration is exactly \(10\,\text{mg/L}\) and the maximum concentration occurs after exactly \(5\) hours.

Hints

- Use the initial value at \(x=0\) to find \(b\). - At an interior maximum, the first derivative is zero. - Differentiate with the product and chain rules.

Solution

1. The initial condition gives \(c(0)=b=10\,\text{mg/L}\). 2. Differentiate: \(c'(x)=e^{-0.1x}(a-0.1ax-1)\). 3. A maximum at \(x=5\) requires \(c'(5)=0\). Since the exponential factor is nonzero, \(a-0.5a-1=0\), so \(a=2\,\text{mg}/(\text{L}\cdot\text{h})\). 4. With \(a=2\), \(c'(x)=e^{-0.1x}(1-0.2x)\), which changes from positive to negative at \(x=5\). Thus, the point is a maximum.

Answer

\(a=2\,\text{mg}/(\text{L}\cdot\text{h})\) and \(b=10\,\text{mg/L}\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 77
Define \(f\) on \([0,1]\) by \(f(0)=0\) and \(f(x)=\frac{1}{x}\) for \(0<x\le1\). a) Explain why the Extreme Value Theorem does not apply even though the domain is closed and bounded. b) Determine whether \(f\) attains an absolute minimum and whether it attains an absolute maximum.

Hints

- A closed, bounded interval is only one part of the theorem's hypotheses. - Compare the right-hand behavior near \(0\) with the assigned value \(f(0)\). - Decide separately whether a least value and a greatest value are actually attained.

Solution

1. The function is not continuous at \(x=0\): values \(f(x)=1/x\) become arbitrarily large as \(x\to0^+\), rather than approaching \(f(0)=0\). 2. Therefore, the continuity hypothesis of the Extreme Value Theorem fails. 3. Since \(f(0)=0\) and \(f(x)\ge1\) for \(0<x\le1\), the absolute minimum is \(0\), attained at \(x=0\). 4. As \(x\to0^+\), \(f(x)\to\infty\), so the function has no absolute maximum.

Answer

a) The function is discontinuous at \(x=0\), so the Extreme Value Theorem does not apply. b) Absolute minimum: \(0\) at \(x=0\); no absolute maximum
Extreme value theorem and critical points 78
Let \(f(x)=|x-1|+\frac{x}{2}\) on \([-1,3]\). Use the Extreme Value Theorem and a complete candidate set to find the absolute maximum and minimum. Be explicit about any critical number where \(f'\) does not exist.

Hints

- The absolute-value function is continuous even though it can have a corner. - Build the candidate set from endpoints and every kind of interior critical number. - Rewrite the function on the two sides of the corner to understand its derivative.

Solution

1. The function is continuous on the closed, bounded interval \([-1,3]\), so the Extreme Value Theorem guarantees both absolute extrema. 2. For \(x<1\), \(f(x)=1-\frac{x}{2}\), so \(f'(x)=-\frac12\). For \(x>1\), \(f(x)=\frac32x-1\), so \(f'(x)=\frac32\). 3. At \(x=1\), the derivative does not exist, so \(x=1\) is an interior critical number. There are no derivative-zero critical numbers. 4. Evaluate the candidates: \(f(-1)=\frac32\), \(f(1)=\frac12\), and \(f(3)=\frac72\). 5. The absolute minimum is \(\frac12\) at \(x=1\), and the absolute maximum is \(\frac72\) at \(x=3\).

Answer

Absolute minimum: \(\frac12\) at \(x=1\); absolute maximum: \(\frac72\) at \(x=3\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 79
Consider \(g_c(x) = x^3 - 3x^2 + cx\), where \(c \in \mathbb{R}\). a) Find all values of \(c\) for which the graph of \(g_c\) has exactly two horizontal tangents. b) Use properties of quadratic functions to explain why, when the graph has exactly one horizontal tangent, that point is a stationary inflection point. c) Find all values of \(c\) for which \(g_c\) is strictly increasing on all real numbers.

Hints

- What does a horizontal tangent tell you about the first derivative? - What does a quadratic graph look like when it has exactly one zero? - Check both the sign of the first derivative and the change in concavity at the horizontal tangent. - Rewrite the derivative in vertex form to determine when it is nonnegative for every real \(x\).

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(g_c'(x) = 3x^2 - 6x + c\). Horizontal tangents occur at the real zeros of \(g_c'\). 2. The derivative has two distinct real zeros when its discriminant is positive: \(D = (-6)^2 - 4 \cdot 3 \cdot c = 36 - 12c > 0\). Therefore, \(c < 3\). 3. Exactly one horizontal tangent occurs when \(D = 0\), so \(c = 3\). Then \(g_3'(x) = 3(x - 1)^2\), which has a double zero at \(x = 1\) and does not change sign there. Thus, the point is not a local extremum. Also, \(g_3''(x) = 6x - 6\) changes sign at \(x = 1\), so the graph changes concavity. Therefore, the point is a stationary inflection point. 4. Rewrite the derivative as \(g_c'(x) = 3(x - 1)^2 + c - 3\). If \(c > 3\), then \(g_c'(x) > 0\) for every \(x\), so \(g_c\) is strictly increasing. 5. If \(c = 3\), then \(g_3(x) = (x - 1)^3 + 1\), which is also strictly increasing. If \(c < 3\), the derivative is negative between its two real zeros, so the function is not increasing on its entire domain. Therefore, \(c \ge 3\).

Answer

a) \(c < 3\) b) When \(c = 3\), the derivative has a double zero at \(x = 1\) and does not change sign, while the second derivative changes sign there. Therefore, the graph has a stationary inflection point. c) \(c \ge 3\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 80
Consider \(g_a(x) = ax^3 + 3x^2 + 3x\), where \(a \in \mathbb{R}\). Determine the number of local extrema as a function of \(a\). Be sure to consider separately the value of \(a\) for which \(g_a\) is not a cubic function.

Hints

- What happens to the degree of the function when the leading coefficient is zero? - Differentiate and determine how many real zeros the derivative has. - Use the discriminant for the quadratic derivative when \(a \ne 0\). - Check whether the derivative changes sign at each critical number.

Solution

1. First consider \(a = 0\). Then \(g_0(x) = 3x^2 + 3x\), a quadratic function. Its derivative is \(g_0'(x) = 6x + 3\), which changes sign at \(x = -\frac{1}{2}\). Thus, \(g_0\) has exactly one local extremum. 2. For \(a \ne 0\), differentiate: \(g_a'(x) = 3ax^2 + 6x + 3\). 3. The discriminant of the derivative equation is \(D = 6^2 - 4 \cdot 3a \cdot 3 = 36(1 - a)\). 4. If \(a < 1\) and \(a \ne 0\), then \(D > 0\). The derivative has two distinct real zeros and changes sign at both, so the graph has two local extrema. 5. If \(a = 1\), then \(g_1'(x) = 3(x + 1)^2\). The derivative has a double zero without a sign change, so the graph has no local extremum. 6. If \(a > 1\), then \(D < 0\), so the derivative has no real zeros and the graph has no local extrema. 7. Combining the cases, there are two local extrema for \(a < 1\) with \(a \ne 0\), one local extremum for \(a = 0\), and no local extrema for \(a \ge 1\).

Answer

Two local extrema: \(a < 1\) with \(a \ne 0\) One local extremum: \(a = 0\) No local extrema: \(a \ge 1\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 81
Consider the family of functions \(f_a(x)=x^3-3ax^2+12ax-12x+10\), where \(a\in\mathbb{R}\). a) Find the critical numbers of \(f_a\) in terms of \(a\). b) Find the value of \(a\) for which \(f_a\) has no local extrema. Describe the special point that occurs instead. c) Show algebraically that every graph in the family passes through two common points, and give their coordinates.

Hints

- How might you find the critical numbers for different values of \(a\)? - What changes when two critical numbers coincide? - A common point must belong to the graph for every value of \(a\). How can the equation express that requirement? - Once you have a possible common point, how could you check it works for every parameter value?

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f_a'(x)=3x^2-6ax+12a-12=3(x-2)(x-2a+2)\). 2. The critical numbers are \(x=2\) and \(x=2a-2\). They are distinct when \(a\neq2\), and each then produces a local extremum. 3. When \(a=2\), the critical numbers coincide at \(x=2\), and \(f_2'(x)=3(x-2)^2\). The derivative does not change sign, so there is no local extremum. Since \(f_2''(x)=6(x-2)\) changes sign at \(x=2\), there is a stationary inflection point. Also, \(f_2(2)=18\), so this point is \((2,18)\). 4. Write \(f_a(x)=x^3-12x+10+a(-3x^2+12x)\). A point belongs to every graph only where the coefficient of \(a\) is zero. 5. Solve \(-3x^2+12x=-3x(x-4)=0\): \(x=0\) or \(x=4\). The corresponding values are \(f_a(0)=10\) and \(f_a(4)=26\). The common points are \((0,10)\) and \((4,26)\).

Answer

a) \(x=2\) and \(x=2a-2\); for \(a=2\), these coincide. b) \(a=2\); the graph has a stationary inflection point at \((2,18)\). c) \((0,10)\) and \((4,26)\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 82
Let \(h(x)=x^2e^{-0.5x}\) for \(x\ge0\). a) Find the coordinates of the local maximum of \(h\). b) For each real value of \(k\), determine the number of intersection points of the graph of \(h\) and the line \(y=kx\).

Hints

- What does the first derivative tell you about where \(h\) reaches a maximum? - Rearrange the intersection equation before trying to count its solutions. - Apart from the origin, how might the number of intersections change as the line's slope changes? - Count distinct points, not how many times an algebraic factor repeats.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(h'(x)=e^{-0.5x}(2x-0.5x^2)=xe^{-0.5x}(2-0.5x)\). 2. The derivative changes from positive to negative at \(x=4\), so the local maximum is \(\left(4,16e^{-2}\right)\). 3. Intersections satisfy \(x^2e^{-0.5x}=kx\), or \(x(xe^{-0.5x}-k)=0\). Thus, \(x=0\) is always an intersection. 4. For \(x>0\), analyze \(w(x)=xe^{-0.5x}\). Its derivative is \(w'(x)=(1-0.5x)e^{-0.5x}\), so \(w\) reaches its maximum at \(x=2\), where \(w(2)=\frac{2}{e}\). 5. If \(0<k<\frac{2}{e}\), there are two positive solutions and three intersections altogether. If \(k=\frac{2}{e}\), there is one positive solution and two intersections altogether. If \(k\le0\) or \(k>\frac{2}{e}\), the origin is the only intersection.

Answer

a) \(\left(4,16e^{-2}\right)\) b) For \(0<k<\frac{2}{e}\): \(3\) intersections. For \(k=\frac{2}{e}\): \(2\) intersections. For \(k\le0\) or \(k>\frac{2}{e}\): \(1\) intersection.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 83
For \(a\in\mathbb R\setminus\{0\}\), consider \(f_a(x)=3x-ae^x\). a) Find and classify the extrema of the family in terms of \(a\). b) All extrema in the family lie on one line. Find an equation of this line. c) Show that exactly one tangent can be drawn from the origin to each graph. Find the point of tangency \(P_a\) in terms of \(a\).

Hints

- Determine when the first derivative can equal zero. - Eliminate the parameter from the coordinates of the extrema. - Write the tangent equation at a general point \(x_0\). - Require the origin to lie on that tangent.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f_a'(x)=3-ae^x\) and \(f_a''(x)=-ae^x\). The critical-point equation is \(e^x=\frac3a\). This equation has a solution only when \(a>0\), in which case \(x=\ln\left(\frac3a\right)\). At this point, the second derivative is \(-3<0\), so the extremum is a local maximum. Its coordinates are \(H=\left(\ln\left(\frac3a\right), 3\ln\left(\frac3a\right)-3\right)\). For \(a<0\), there are no extrema. 2. Writing the maximum point as \((x, y)\), its coordinates satisfy \(y=3x-3\). Thus, the line containing all extrema is \(y=3x-3\). 3. Let \(x_0\) be a point of tangency. The tangent at \(x_0\) passes through the origin exactly when \(f_a(x_0)-x_0f_a'(x_0)=0\). Substitution gives \(ae^{x_0}(x_0-1)=0\). Since \(a\ne0\) and \(e^{x_0}>0\), the unique solution is \(x_0=1\). Therefore, the unique point of tangency is \(P_a=(1, 3-ae)\).

Answer

a) For \(a>0\), the graph has a local maximum at \(\left(\ln\left(\frac3a\right), 3\ln\left(\frac3a\right)-3\right)\). For \(a<0\), it has no extrema. b) \(y=3x-3\) c) \(P_a=(1, 3-ae)\)
Extreme value theorem and critical points 84
For \(x>0\) and \(a\in\mathbb R\), consider \(f_a(x)=x(\ln x-a)^2\). a) Show that every graph is tangent to the x-axis, and find the point of tangency \(B_a\). b) Each graph has one additional extremum \(H_a\). Find its coordinates in terms of \(a\). c) Find an equation for the locus of all points \(H_a\). d) Show that the tangent slope at \(x=e^{a-1}\) is independent of \(a\).

Hints

- A tangency point on the x-axis is a zero that is also a local minimum. - Factor the first derivative to find its zeros. - Compare the x- and y-coordinates of \(H_a\). - Substitute the specified x-value into the derivative.

Solution

1. Because \(x>0\), \(f_a(x)=0\) exactly when \(\ln x-a=0\), so \(x=e^a\). Since \(f_a(x)\ge0\) for every \(x>0\), the graph touches the x-axis at \(B_a=(e^a,0)\). 2. Differentiate: \(f_a'(x)=(\ln x-a)(\ln x-a+2)\). Besides \(x=e^a\), the other critical number is \(x=e^{a-2}\). The derivative changes from positive to negative there, giving a local maximum \(H_a=(e^{a-2},4e^{a-2})\). 3. Every \(H_a\) satisfies \(y=4x\) with \(x=e^{a-2}>0\). Conversely, every \(x>0\) arises from \(a=2+\ln x\). Thus the locus is the positive ray \(y=4x\), \(x>0\), not the entire line. 4. At \(x=e^{a-1}\), the derivative is \(f_a'(e^{a-1})=(-1)(1)=-1\), independent of \(a\).

Answer

a) \(B_a=(e^a,0)\) b) \(H_a=(e^{a-2},4e^{a-2})\) c) \(y=4x\), with \(x>0\) d) The tangent slope is \(-1\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 85
For \(a>0\), consider \(f_a(x)=\frac{a^2x}{x^2+a}\) on its maximal domain \(D_a\). a) Find \(D_a\) and the zero of \(f_a\). Determine the graph's symmetry. b) Find and classify the extrema. Show that every local maximum in the family lies on the graph of \(h(x)=0.5x^3\). c) Determine the end behavior and identify the horizontal asymptote. d) Use the candidates test to find the absolute maximum and absolute minimum of \(f_a\) on \([-2\sqrt a,2\sqrt a]\).

Hints

- Use \(a>0\) to determine the domain and the sign of the derivative denominator. - Classify the critical points from the derivative sign changes. - Eliminate the parameter from the maximum coordinates. - For part d), compare endpoint values with the function values at both interior critical numbers.

Solution

1. Since \(a>0\), \(x^2+a>0\) for all real \(x\), so \(D_a=\mathbb R\). The only zero is \(x=0\), and \(f_a(-x)=-f_a(x)\), so the graph has origin symmetry. 2. \(f_a'(x)=\frac{a^2(a-x^2)}{(x^2+a)^2}\). The derivative changes from negative to positive at \(-\sqrt a\) and from positive to negative at \(\sqrt a\). Thus \(T=\left(-\sqrt a,-\frac12a\sqrt a\right)\) is a local minimum and \(H=\left(\sqrt a,\frac12a\sqrt a\right)\) is a local maximum. Eliminating \(a\) from the maximum coordinates gives \(y=0.5x^3\). 3. \(f_a(x)\to0\) as \(x\to\pm\infty\), so the horizontal asymptote is \(y=0\). 4. On the closed interval, the candidates are \(x=-2\sqrt a,-\sqrt a,\sqrt a,2\sqrt a\). The endpoint values are \(f_a(\pm2\sqrt a)=\pm\frac25a^{3/2}\), while the function values at the interior critical numbers are \(\pm\frac12a^{3/2}\). Therefore, the absolute minimum is \(-\frac12a^{3/2}\) at \(x=-\sqrt a\), and the absolute maximum is \(\frac12a^{3/2}\) at \(x=\sqrt a\).

Answer

a) \(D_a=\mathbb R\); zero \(x=0\); origin symmetry. b) Local minimum \(\left(-\sqrt a,-\frac12a\sqrt a\right)\); local maximum \(\left(\sqrt a,\frac12a\sqrt a\right)\); the maxima lie on \(y=0.5x^3\). c) Horizontal asymptote: \(y=0\). d) Absolute minimum \(-\frac12a^{3/2}\) at \(x=-\sqrt a\); absolute maximum \(\frac12a^{3/2}\) at \(x=\sqrt a\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 86
For \(k>0\), consider \(g_k(x)=\frac{2x}{(x^2+k)^2}\). a) Determine the graph's symmetry and find all zeros. b) Find the coordinates of the extrema in terms of \(k\). c) Show that all graphs in the family have exactly one common point. Find their common horizontal asymptote. d) Use the candidates test to find the absolute extrema of \(g_k\) on \([-\sqrt k,\sqrt k]\).

Hints

- Test odd or even symmetry by replacing \(x\) with \(-x\). - Use the derivative sign to classify the two critical numbers. - Compare two parameter values algebraically to find common points. - For the closed interval, compare both endpoint values with the function values at both critical numbers.

Solution

1. Since \(g_k(-x)=-g_k(x)\), the graph has origin symmetry. The only zero is \(x=0\). 2. \(g_k'(x)=\frac{2k-6x^2}{(x^2+k)^3}\), so the critical numbers are \(x=\pm\sqrt{\frac{k}{3}}\). The derivative changes from negative to positive at the negative critical number and from positive to negative at the positive one. Thus the extrema are \(T=\left(-\sqrt{\frac{k}{3}},-\frac{3\sqrt3}{8k^{3/2}}\right)\) and \(H=\left(\sqrt{\frac{k}{3}},\frac{3\sqrt3}{8k^{3/2}}\right)\). 3. Distinct family members can meet only at \(x=0\), so their only common point is \((0,0)\). Also \(g_k(x)\to0\) as \(x\to\pm\infty\), so the horizontal asymptote is \(y=0\). 4. On \([-\sqrt k,\sqrt k]\), the endpoint values are \(\pm\frac{1}{2k^{3/2}}\), while the function values at the interior critical numbers are \(\pm\frac{3\sqrt3}{8k^{3/2}}\). Since \(\frac{3\sqrt3}{8}>\frac12\), the interior critical points give the absolute extrema. The absolute minimum is the negative critical point and the absolute maximum is the positive critical point.

Answer

a) Origin symmetry; zero \(x=0\). b) Local minimum \(\left(-\sqrt{\frac{k}{3}},-\frac{3\sqrt3}{8k^{3/2}}\right)\); local maximum \(\left(\sqrt{\frac{k}{3}},\frac{3\sqrt3}{8k^{3/2}}\right)\). c) Common point \((0,0)\); horizontal asymptote \(y=0\). d) These same two interior critical points are the absolute minimum and maximum on \([-\sqrt k,\sqrt k]\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 87
For \(k>0\), consider \(f_k(x)=kxe^{-kx}\). a) Find the local maximum point \(H_k\) and the inflection point \(W_k\) in terms of \(k\). b) Determine the end behavior as \(x\to\infty\) and \(x\to-\infty\). c) Explain why the y-coordinate of the local maximum is independent of \(k\). d) Use the extreme value theorem to find the absolute maximum and absolute minimum of \(f_k\) on \([0,3/k]\).

Hints

- Use the first derivative for the maximum and the second derivative for the inflection point. - Substitute the critical x-value before deciding whether the maximum height depends on the parameter. - For the closed interval, list endpoints and interior critical numbers before comparing values.

Solution

1. \(f_k'(x)=k(1-kx)e^{-kx}\) and \(f_k''(x)=k^2(kx-2)e^{-kx}\). The derivative changes from positive to negative at \(x=1/k\), so \(H_k=\left(\frac1k,\frac1e\right)\). The concavity changes at \(x=2/k\), giving \(W_k=\left(\frac2k,\frac2{e^2}\right)\). 2. \(f_k(x)\to0\) as \(x\to\infty\), while \(f_k(x)\to-\infty\) as \(x\to-\infty\). 3. At the critical point \(x=1/k\), substitution gives \(f_k(1/k)=k(1/k)e^{-1}=1/e\), so the maximum height does not depend on \(k\). 4. The function is continuous on \([0,3/k]\), so absolute extrema exist. The candidates are \(x=0,1/k,3/k\). Their values are \(0\), \(1/e\), and \(3/e^3\). Since \(0<3/e^3<1/e\), the absolute minimum is \(0\) at \(x=0\), and the absolute maximum is \(1/e\) at \(x=1/k\).

Answer

a) \(H_k=\left(\frac1k,\frac1e\right)\), \(W_k=\left(\frac2k,\frac2{e^2}\right)\). b) \(f_k(x)\to0\) as \(x\to\infty\) and \(f_k(x)\to-\infty\) as \(x\to-\infty\). c) The maximum y-coordinate is always \(1/e\). d) On \([0,3/k]\): absolute minimum \(0\) at \(x=0\); absolute maximum \(1/e\) at \(x=1/k\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 88
For \(a\in\mathbb R\), let \(f_a(x)=ae^x-x\). Determine the number of real zeros of \(f_a\) for each possible value of \(a\).

Hints

- Analyze the derivative separately for positive and nonpositive values of \(a\). - Determine the end behavior of the function. - For \(a>0\), find the minimum value. - Compare the minimum value with zero.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(f_a'(x)=ae^x-1\). 2. If \(a<0\), then \(f_a'(x)<0\) for every \(x\), so the function is strictly decreasing. Also, \(\lim_{x\to-\infty}f_a(x)=\infty\) and \(\lim_{x\to\infty}f_a(x)=-\infty\). Therefore, there is exactly one zero. If \(a=0\), then \(f_0(x)=-x\), which also has exactly one zero. 3. If \(a>0\), the only critical point satisfies \(ae^x=1\), so \(x=-\ln a\). Since \(f_a(x)\to\infty\) as \(x\to\pm\infty\), this critical point is the absolute minimum. Its value is \(f_a(-\ln a)=1+\ln a\). 4. The minimum is positive when \(a>1/e\), zero when \(a=1/e\), and negative when \(0<a<1/e\). Therefore: - there are no zeros when \(a>1/e\); - there is exactly one zero when \(a=1/e\) or \(a\le0\); - there are exactly two zeros when \(0<a<1/e\).

Answer

There are no real zeros for \(a>\frac1e\). There is exactly one real zero for \(a=\frac1e\) or \(a\le0\). There are exactly two real zeros for \(0<a<\frac1e\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 89
For \(k\in\mathbb R\) and \(x>0\), let \(h_k(x)=x^2-k\ln x\). Determine the values of \(k\) for which \(h_k\) has no real zeros, exactly one real zero, or exactly two real zeros in its domain.

Hints

- Keep the domain \(x>0\) in mind. - Separate the cases \(k<0\), \(k=0\), and \(k>0\). - Use end behavior and monotonicity when \(k<0\). - For \(k>0\), find the minimum and compare it with zero.

Solution

1. Differentiate: \(h_k'(x)=2x-\frac{k}{x}\). 2. If \(k<0\), then \(h_k'(x)=2x+\frac{|k|}{x}>0\) for all \(x>0\). The function is strictly increasing, with \(h_k(x)\to-\infty\) as \(x\to0^+\) and \(h_k(x)\to\infty\) as \(x\to\infty\). Therefore, it has exactly one zero. 3. If \(k=0\), then \(h_0(x)=x^2\), which has no zero in the domain \(x>0\). 4. If \(k>0\), the only critical point is \(x=\sqrt{\frac{k}{2}}\). The function approaches \(\infty\) at both ends of its domain, so this point is the absolute minimum. Its value is \(\frac{k}{2}\left(1-\ln\left(\frac{k}{2}\right)\right)\). This value is zero when \(k=2e\), positive when \(0<k<2e\), and negative when \(k>2e\). 5. Therefore: - there are no zeros when \(0\le k<2e\); - there is exactly one zero when \(k<0\) or \(k=2e\); - there are exactly two zeros when \(k>2e\).

Answer

There are no real zeros for \(0\le k<2e\). There is exactly one real zero for \(k<0\) or \(k=2e\). There are exactly two real zeros for \(k>2e\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 90
Suppose \(f\) is differentiable and \(f(x)>0\) for every real \(x\). Define \(h(x)=\sqrt{f(x)}\). a) Show that \(h'(x)=\frac{f'(x)}{2\sqrt{f(x)}}\). b) Use part a to explain why \(h\) has a horizontal tangent exactly where \(f\) has a horizontal tangent. c) Let \(f(x)=e^{-x^2+4x}\). Use the preceding results to find the x-coordinate of the maximum of \(h(x)=\sqrt{e^{-x^2+4x}}\). d) Explain why composing \(f\) with any strictly increasing function \(\varphi\), so that \(k(x)=\varphi(f(x))\), preserves the locations and types of the local extrema of \(f\).

Hints

- Rewrite the square root as a power before differentiating. - A fraction with a nonzero denominator equals zero exactly when its numerator equals zero. - Maximize the quadratic exponent before considering the exponential and square root. - Use the definition of a strictly increasing function to compare nearby function values.

Solution

1. a) Write \(h(x)=(f(x))^{\frac{1}{2}}\). By the chain rule, \(h'(x)=\frac{1}{2}(f(x))^{-\frac{1}{2}}f'(x)=\frac{f'(x)}{2\sqrt{f(x)}}\). 2. b) Since \(f(x)>0\), the denominator is always positive. Therefore, \(h'(x)=0\) if and only if \(f'(x)=0\). 3. c) The exponential function is strictly increasing, so \(f\) is maximized where the exponent \(-x^2+4x\) is maximized. Its vertex is at \(x=2\). The square-root function is also strictly increasing, so \(h\) has its maximum at \(x=2\). 4. d) A strictly increasing function preserves inequalities. If \(f(x)\le f(x_0)\) near \(x_0\), then \(\varphi(f(x))\le\varphi(f(x_0))\), so a local maximum remains a local maximum. The same argument applies to local minima.

Answer

a) \(h'(x)=\frac{f'(x)}{2\sqrt{f(x)}}\) b) \(h'(x)=0\iff f'(x)=0\) c) The maximum occurs at \(x=2\). d) Strictly increasing composition preserves local order, so local maxima and minima occur at the same inputs and keep their types.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 91
A polynomial function \(g\) has exactly four local extrema. a) Find the least possible degree of \(g\). Justify your answer. b) Must the degree of \(g\) be even or odd? Use end behavior to justify your answer.

Hints

- Each local extremum requires a sign-changing zero of the first derivative. - Compare the degree of a polynomial with the degree of its derivative. - To show the lower bound is attainable, test the derivative of an explicit fifth-degree polynomial. - Relate the parity of the degree to derivative end signs.

Solution

1. Four local extrema require at least four distinct zeros of \(g'\) at which the derivative changes sign. Therefore, \(g'\) must have degree at least \(4\), so \(g\) must have degree at least \(5\). 2. Degree \(5\) is attainable. For example, \(g(x)=\frac15x^5-\frac53x^3+4x\) has derivative \(g'(x)=x^4-5x^2+4=(x+2)(x+1)(x-1)(x-2)\). The derivative changes sign at all four simple zeros, so this fifth-degree polynomial has exactly four local extrema. 3. If \(g\) had even degree, then \(g'\) would have odd degree and opposite signs at the two ends. A continuous derivative with four sign-changing zeros would have the same sign after four changes, which is incompatible with opposite end signs. 4. If \(g\) has odd degree, then \(g'\) has even degree and can have the same sign at both ends, allowing four sign changes. Thus the degree must be odd.

Answer

a) The least possible degree is \(5\). b) The degree must be odd.
Extreme value theorem and critical points 92
For \(k\in\mathbb R\), let \(f_k(x)=\frac16x^3-\frac14(k+2)x^2+kx\). a) Show that every graph in the family passes through \((0, 0)\) and \(\left(4, \frac83\right)\). b) Show that every graph has a horizontal tangent at \(x=2\). Determine when this point is a local extremum, and classify it when \(k>2\). c) Show that, for \(k\ne2\), each graph has another local extremum at \(x=k\). d) For \(k\ne2\), the extrema \(E_k=(k, f_k(k))\) lie on the graph of a function \(h\). Find \(h(x)\).

Hints

- Substitute the given x-coordinates to check the common points. - Factor the first derivative to find all horizontal tangents. - Use the second derivative or a sign chart to classify critical points. - Evaluate \(f_k(k)\), then eliminate the parameter.

Solution

1. Direct substitution gives \(f_k(0)=0\) and \(f_k(4)=\frac{64}{6}-4(k+2)+4k=\frac83\). Both values are independent of \(k\). 2. Differentiate and factor: \(f_k'(x)=\frac12x^2-\frac12(k+2)x+k=\frac12(x-2)(x-k)\). Therefore, \(f_k'(2)=0\) for every \(k\), so every graph has a horizontal tangent at \(x=2\). The second derivative is \(f_k''(x)=x-\frac12(k+2)\), so \(f_k''(2)=1-\frac k2\). Thus, \(x=2\) is a local maximum when \(k>2\), a local minimum when \(k<2\), and a stationary inflection point when \(k=2\). 3. The factorization of the first derivative shows that its other zero is \(x=k\). When \(k\ne2\), this zero is simple, so the derivative changes sign and the point is a local extremum. 4. Evaluate the function at \(x=k\): \(f_k(k)=-\frac1{12}k^3+\frac12k^2\). Since the x-coordinate is \(k\), replace \(k\) by \(x\): \(h(x)=-\frac1{12}x^3+\frac12x^2\), with \(x\ne2\).

Answer

a) The common points are \((0, 0)\) and \(\left(4, \frac83\right)\). b) \(f_k'(2)=0\). The point is a local extremum for \(k\ne2\); for \(k>2\), it is a local maximum. c) For \(k\ne2\), the other local extremum occurs at \(x=k\). d) \(h(x)=-\frac1{12}x^3+\frac12x^2\), for \(x\ne2\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 93
Determine whether there is a cubic polynomial whose graph has a local maximum at \((0, 4)\), a local minimum at \((2, 0)\), and also passes through \((1, 3)\).

Hints

- Translate each point and extremum condition into an equation. - A local extremum at \(x = a\) requires \(f'(a) = 0\). - Solve enough independent conditions to determine the polynomial, then test the remaining condition. - A contradiction shows that the full set of requirements is impossible.

Solution

1. Let \(f(x) = ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d\). Then \(f'(x) = 3ax^2 + 2bx + c\). 2. The conditions at \((0, 4)\) give \(f(0) = 4\), so \(d = 4\), and \(f'(0) = 0\), so \(c = 0\). 3. The conditions at \((2, 0)\) give \(f(2) = 0\), so \(8a + 4b = -4\), and \(f'(2) = 0\), so \(12a + 4b = 0\). 4. Solving gives \(a = 1\) and \(b = -3\), so the only possible polynomial is \(f(x) = x^3 - 3x^2 + 4\). 5. Its second derivative is \(f''(x) = 6x - 6\). Since \(f''(0) < 0\) and \(f''(2) > 0\), the required maximum and minimum classifications are satisfied. 6. However, \(f(1) = 1 - 3 + 4 = 2\), not \(3\). Therefore, no cubic polynomial satisfies all three conditions.

Answer

No such cubic polynomial exists. The extremum conditions force \(f(x) = x^3 - 3x^2 + 4\), but this polynomial passes through \((1, 2)\), not \((1, 3)\).
Extreme value theorem and critical points 94
The Extreme Value Theorem requires continuity on a closed, bounded interval. Show that each of the following missing hypotheses can matter by giving one explicit function and interval for each case. a) A function that is continuous on a bounded interval that is not closed and that fails to attain an absolute maximum. b) A function on a closed, bounded interval that is not continuous there and that fails to attain an absolute maximum. For each example, justify both the failed hypothesis and the failure to attain a maximum. Many correct examples are possible.

Hints

- For part a, think about a greatest limiting value located at a missing endpoint. - For part b, keep the interval closed but make the function misbehave near one point. - Your examples must fail to attain a maximum, not merely fail a theorem hypothesis. - Verify each requested property explicitly after choosing your examples.

Solution

1. For part a, one example is \(f(x)=x^2\) on \((-1,1)\). The function is continuous and the interval is bounded, but it is not closed. Values approach \(1\) near either missing endpoint, yet \(1\) is never attained, so there is no absolute maximum. 2. For part b, define \(g(x)=x\) for \(0\le x<1\) and \(g(1)=0\), on \([0,1]\). The interval is closed and bounded, but \(g\) is discontinuous at \(x=1\). 3. Values of \(g(x)\) approach \(1\) as \(x\to1^-\), but \(g(1)=0\), so no absolute maximum is attained. 4. These examples show why neither the closed-interval condition nor the continuity condition can simply be dropped from the theorem's guarantee.

Answer

One valid pair is: a) \(f(x)=x^2\) on \((-1,1)\); it has no absolute maximum. b) \(g(x)=x\) for \(0\le x<1\) and \(g(1)=0\), on \([0,1]\); it has no absolute maximum. Other correctly justified examples are also valid.

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