second derivative test

samantha0417

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Sep 24, 2006
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find all critical numbers and use the second derivative test to determine if any of the CPs are relative maxima and minima

f(x)=(1/x) - [1/(x+4)]
 
Hello Samantha.

Find your first derivative. Set to 0 and solve for x.

Find the 2nd derivative. Use the x value you found in the first derivative.

Is it negative?. If so, a relative max.

Is it positive?. If so, a relative min.

Graph your function. You can see then where the concavities lie.
 
Hello, Samantha!

Galactus gave you an excellent game plan.
Here's my two cents . . .


Find all critical numbers and use the second derivative test
to determine if any of the CPs are relative maxima and minima.

. . . \(\displaystyle \L f(x)\;=\;\frac{1}{x}\,-\,\frac{1}{x+4}\)

Combine the two fractions and work with: \(\displaystyle \L\,f(x) \;= \;\frac{4}{x(x\,+\,4)}\)

Better yet: \(\displaystyle \L\,f(x) \;= \;\frac{4}{x^2\,+\,4x} \;= \;4\left(x^2\,+\,4x\right)^{-1}\)

 
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