Calculus (Larson, et al) 9th ed: p. 169 #29: No match to answer key.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the absolute extrema of the function y=t-|t-3| over the interval [-1,5]. The original poster notes a discrepancy between their findings and the answer key.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of differentiation and critical points, with some suggesting that graphical inspection may be more straightforward. There is a focus on evaluating the function at specific points and questioning the validity of the answer key.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the problem, with some expressing agreement on the potential error in the answer key. There is a mix of analytical approaches and graphical reasoning being considered.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the preference of their professor for showing critical numbers, indicating a possible constraint in how the problem should be approached. There is also mention of a potential typo in the answer key regarding the evaluation points.

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"Calculus" (Larson, et al) 9th ed: p. 169 #29: No match to answer key.

Homework Statement


Locate the abs extrema on the interval of the function:
y=t-|t-3| for interval [-1,5]

Homework Equations


|x|=\sqrt{x^{2}}


The Attempt at a Solution


I thought this would essentially be a subtraction rule and chain rule...

y'=1-((1/(2|t-3|))*2(t-3)*1)
y'=1-((t-3)/(|t-3|))
y'=(|t-3|-t+3)/|t-3|

Critical # at y=3

t(-1)=-5
t(3)=3
t(5)=3

abs maxima at (5,3) and (3,3)
abs minimum at (-1,-5)

Unfortunately, the answer key lists abs max (3,3) and abs min (-1,-1). I don't even get the (-1,-1) since t(-1) is -5...
If anyone has any guidance, please feel free to let it flow!
 
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abclemons said:

Homework Statement


Locate the abs extrema on the interval of the function:
y=t-|t-3| for interval [-1,5]

Homework Equations


|x|=\sqrt{x^{2}}


The Attempt at a Solution


I thought this would essentially be a subtraction rule and chain rule...

y'=1-((1/(2|t-3|))*2(t-3)*1)
y'=1-((t-3)/(|t-3|))
y'=(|t-3|-t+3)/|t-3|

Critical # at y=3

t(-1)=-5
t(3)=3
t(5)=3

abs maxima at (5,3) and (3,3)
abs minimum at (-1,-5)

Unfortunately, the answer key lists abs max (3,3) and abs min (-1,-1). I don't even get the (-1,-1) since t(-1) is -5...
If anyone has any guidance, please feel free to let it flow!
It's much easier not to differentiate for this problem. On [-1, 3] the graph is a straight line with slope 2 and y-intercept -3. On [3, 5], the graph is horizontal.

I agree with you that the answer key is wrong. y(-1) = -5, not -1.
 


typo? perhaps they want (1,-1) which is indeed a smaller abs(1-abs(1-3))=1 than abs(-1-abs(-1-3))=5 (edit: let me plot this to see...)

edit: okay after plotting we have a line with positive slope 2, and a horizontal line intesecting at (3,3).

so the critical points must be: (-1,-5), (3,3), (5,3) but in absolute value the first is the max and the second two are the min...sigh...
 
Last edited:


@Mark44:
I agree that inspection of the graph is easier for this problem, but my professor likes for us to show critical numbers.

@xaos:
Once you pointed out the evaluation at 1 (rather than -1), a typo seems to be the most logical conclusion.Respectfully to all,

Aaron
 


abclemons said:
@Mark44:
I agree that inspection of the graph is easier for this problem, but my professor likes for us to show critical numbers.
Then show critical numbers- inspection of the graph shows that the derivative is 0 for all x greater than 3 and that the derivative does not exist at x= 3.

@xaos:
Once you pointed out the evaluation at 1 (rather than -1), a typo seems to be the most logical conclusion.


Respectfully to all,

Aaron
 


HallsofIvy said:
Then show critical numbers- inspection of the graph shows that the derivative is 0 for all x greater than 3 and that the derivative does not exist at x= 3.

I appreciate the input. I have set about working out analytical that for all real t>3 y'=0.


Respectfully,

Aaron
 

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