Loc Max, Min, increase & decrease

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying local maxima, local minima, and determining intervals of increase and decrease for the function G(x) = x - 4 sqrt[x]. Participants explore the concepts of derivatives, critical points, and inflection points, with a focus on the mathematical reasoning behind these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about local maxima, minima, and intervals of increase and decrease for the function G(x) = x - 4 sqrt[x].
  • Another participant suggests that the function should be differentiated and notes the importance of checking where the derivative is zero or undefined.
  • A participant proposes that local minima occur when the second derivative is positive and local maxima when it is negative, while also mentioning points of inflection.
  • One participant calculates the derivative and suggests that the local maximum occurs at G(x) = 0 and the local minimum at G(x) = -4, with specific intervals for increasing and decreasing behavior.
  • There is a discussion about the definition of inflection points, with one participant arguing that not all points where the second derivative is zero are inflection points, using the example of G = x^6.
  • Another participant agrees that the second derivative being zero does not always indicate an inflection point, prompting further clarification on definitions.
  • A participant notes that definitions of inflection points can vary, mentioning both the change of concavity and the behavior of the tangent line.
  • One participant reflects on using different definitions of inflection points in various contexts, highlighting the subjective nature of the concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition of inflection points and the conditions under which they occur. There is no consensus on the definitions or the implications of the second derivative in relation to inflection points.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of the domain of the function and the need for careful analysis of the derivative, but some assumptions regarding the function's behavior and definitions remain unresolved.

rumaithya
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Hello, I have a question about these things

What is the local Max, local Min, when is the function increasing and decreasing!

the function is:

G(x)= x - 4 sqrt[x]
 
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Why do you have questions about them? Is this homework? If so, it should be posted in the homework section and you should show what you have done so we will know what kind of hints will help.

Here, I suggest that you write the function as G(x)= x- 4x2 (Is [x] just "parentheses" or "greatest integer function"? I'm assuming it's just parens.)

The maximum value will occur where G'= 0 or G' does not exist (look carefully at x=0).
The function is increasing where G'> 0 and decreasing where G'< 0.

If this is really x- 4 sqrt("greatest integer less than or equal to x"), then it is not differentiable. I would recommend you graph it carefully.
 
and a local minima when G ' ' > 0 and local maxima when G ' ' < 0, point of infelction when G ' ' = 0
 
rumaithya said:
What is the local Max, local Min, when is the function increasing and decreasing!

the function is:

G(x)= x - 4 sqrt[x]

First find the domain of the function. You know the function is only real when x >= 0 (or at least in my reality :wink: )

Secondly, find the derivative. I got this as the derivative:

[tex]1 - 2x^{\frac{-1}{2}}[/tex]

Just by looking at the equation you were given, you know G(x) is going to be negative at low x values. Since it starts decreasing, the local maximum is 0. To find the local minimum, set the derivative G'(x) equal to 0, solve for x, then fill that x value into your original formula G(x).

To find when the function is increasing or decreasing, substitute x values into the derivative. Sub in an X value slightly less than where the derivative equals 0, then sub in an X value slightly more than where the derivative equals 0.

I got these answers:
Local Max G(x) = 0
Local Min G(x) = -4
Decreasing when 0 > x > 4
Increasing when 4 > x > infinity
 
gazzo said:
point of infelction when G ' ' = 0
Not always. For example G = x^6, at x = 0 there is a minimum yet G ' ' = 0 at x = 0.
 
Zurtex said:
Not always. For example G = x^6, at x = 0 there is a minimum yet G ' ' = 0 at x = 0.

That's still an inflection point though.
 
ShawnD said:
That's still an inflection point though.
It is? :confused:

I seem to have the wrong idea on what an inflection is then, could you please explain.
 
The definition is somewhat subjective. Inflection is sometimes defined as simply when the second derivative is 0, but it can also be when concavity changes. For X^6, the second derivative is 0, but the concavity does not change.
Depends on definition I guess.
 
Interesting point. In real calculus I am used to defining an inflection point as one where curvature changes sign, but in complex calculus where that presumably makes less sense, I define inflection point as a point where the tangent line has order of contact higher than two, hence in this case where the second derivative vanishes also. I never realized before I am using different definitions in different settings.
 

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