Calculating Variable from a Derivative

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a calculus problem involving the area of a triangle formed by a point on the curve of y = x² and a fixed point a(6,0). The solution for part (i) correctly identifies the coordinates of point p as p(x, x²). For part (ii), the maximum area of the triangle abp is determined to occur at x = 4, yielding a maximum area of 16. The calculations involve the use of derivatives to find critical points and confirm the maximum area through the first derivative test.

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  • Understanding of calculus concepts, specifically derivatives and critical points.
  • Familiarity with the area formula for triangles, A = 1/2(base)(height).
  • Knowledge of quadratic functions and their properties.
  • Ability to apply the first derivative test for determining maxima and minima.
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  • Study the application of the first derivative test in optimization problems.
  • Learn about the properties of quadratic functions and their graphs.
  • Explore advanced techniques in calculus, such as Lagrange multipliers for constrained optimization.
  • Review geometric interpretations of calculus concepts, particularly in relation to area calculations.
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on optimization problems, as well as educators seeking to enhance their understanding of geometric applications of derivatives.

odolwa99
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My answer for part (i) matches up with that of the book but solving for part (ii) has gone awry. Can anyone help me clear this up?
Many thanks.

Homework Statement



Q. The given diagram (see attachment) shows part of the graph of y = x2. p(x,y) is a point on the curve & a(6,0). bp [itex]\perp[/itex] ab. (i) Express the coordinates of p in terms of x only, (ii) Find the value of x if the area of the triangle abp is a maximum & hence find this maximum area.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



(i) If y = x2 => p(x,y) => p(x,x2)

(ii) [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex][(y2 - y1)(x1 - x3) - (x2 - x1)(y1 - y3)] => [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex][(0 - x2)(x - x) - (6 - x)(x2 - 0)] => [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex][0 - (6x2 - x3)] => [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex][-6x2 + x3]
[itex]\frac{dA}{dx}[/itex] = [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex](-12x + 3x2) = 0 => -12x + 3x2 = 0 => 3x2 = 12x => x2 = 4x => x = 4
[itex]\frac{d^2A}{dx^2}[/itex] = [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex](-12 + 6x) => [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex](-12 + 6(4)) => [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex] => [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex](12) => 6 > 0, making x = 4 a minimum.
Area = [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex](-6x2 + x3) => [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex](-6(4)2 + 43) => [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex](-96 + 64) => [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex](-32) => -16, i.e. Area is 16

Ans.: (ii) x = 2, Area = 8
 

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Let the point [itex]b(x_0, y_0) = (x, 0)[/itex].

[itex]A = \frac{1}{2} (base)(height)[/itex]
[itex]A = \frac{1}{2} (6 - x)(x^2 - 0)[/itex]
[itex]A = \frac{1}{2} (6x^2 - x^3)[/itex]
[itex]A = 3x^2 - \frac{1}{2}x^3[/itex]

[itex]A' = 6x - \frac{3}{2} x^2[/itex]
[itex]A' = \frac{3}{2} x (4 - x)[/itex]

Setting [itex]A'= 0[/itex],
[itex]\frac{3}{2} x (4 - x) = 0[/itex]
[itex]x = 0, x = 4[/itex]

Applying the first derivative test:
On the interval [itex](0, 4), A' > 0[/itex], which indicates that [itex]A[/itex] is increasing on this interval.
On [itex](4, 6), A' < 0[/itex], so [itex]A[/itex] is decreasing.
The increase-decrease indicates the occurrence of a maximum at [itex]x = 4[/itex].

And when [itex]x = 4, y = 4^2 = 16[/itex]. The area is then
[itex]A = \frac{1}{2} (6 - 4) (16) = 16[/itex].

If I haven't made any mistakes here, my best guess would be that it's a typo in your book.
 

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