Minima of a function

frichar3

New member
Joined
Sep 12, 2005
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12
Given the function

f(x)=-0.4x^4-0.5x^3+0.8x^2+20

Find the x-coordinates of the local maxima and minima, correct to 2 decimal places....I found the maxima at .64 but I dont get the correct minima
 
You posted this to an "algebra" category, rather than to "calculus". How are you supposed to be finding max/min points? Are you doing "Trace" and "Zoom" on your graphing calculator?

Please reply with clarification. Thank you.

Eliz.
 
Well im in a college algebra class so .... but yes usign my grapher to zoom and usign the max and min keys....
 
Well, I'm afraid we can't help you punch the buttons on your calculator. Try using the TABLE to check for about where the graph changes direction, or ZOOM out a lot to see this behavior. Once you can see about where the max/min points are, you can ZOOM in on the right area.

Eliz.
 
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