Critical Number from Analying a Graph.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding critical numbers for the function f(x) = x√(2x + 1). Participants are exploring the conditions under which critical points occur, particularly focusing on the derivative of the function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to find critical points by setting the first derivative to zero and also consider where the derivative is undefined. There is a focus on the points x = -1/2 and x = -1/3 as potential critical numbers.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the differentiability of the original function at x = -1/2 and questioned whether it qualifies as a critical number. Others suggest re-evaluating the derivative to find additional critical points, indicating a productive exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a discussion about the differentiability of the function at specific points and how that affects the identification of critical numbers. Participants are also considering the implications of the derivative being undefined at certain values.

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Homework Statement



Find all critical numbers of f(x)= x[tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex]

Homework Equations



Derivative, Product Rule

The Attempt at a Solution



x[tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex] = 0
x must be -1/2 & 0
(-1/2, 0) Critical Point.
(0, 0) Critical Point.

First derivative:
f'g + g'f
(1)([tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex])+(1/2[tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex])(x)(2)
=([tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex]) + (x / [tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex])
LCD:
(([tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex]) ([tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex]) + 1)) / ([tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex])

= 2x+1 / [tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex]
So y= 0 when x= -1/2 and 0
(-1/2, 0) Critical Point.

The second derivative I wouldn't post it her since it gets pretty messy. However, I found out that y=o for the second derivative must have x = -1/2

Now the problem is that my answer for all critical points are wrong. What am I doing wrong? PPLEASE HELP!
 
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1calculus1 said:

Homework Statement



Find all critical numbers of f(x)= x[tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex]

Homework Equations



Derivative, Product Rule

The Attempt at a Solution



x[tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex] = 0
x must be -1/2 & 0
(-1/2, 0) Critical Point.
(0, 0) Critical Point.

First derivative:
f'g + g'f
(1)([tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex])+(1/2[tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex])(x)(2)
=([tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex]) + (x / [tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex])
LCD:
(([tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex]) ([tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex]) + 1)) / ([tex]\sqrt{2x+1}[/tex])
[itex]y=x \sqrt{2x+1}[/itex]

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}= \sqrt{2x+1} + (x)\frac{1}{2\sqrt{2x+1}}(2)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}= \sqrt{2x+1} + (x)\frac{1}{\sqrt{2x+1}}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{(\sqrt{2x+1})^2 + x}{\sqrt{2x+1}}=0[/tex]
 
rock.freak667 said:
[itex]y=x \sqrt{2x+1}[/itex]

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}= \sqrt{2x+1} + (x)\frac{1}{2\sqrt{2x+1}}(2)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}= \sqrt{2x+1} + (x)\frac{1}{\sqrt{2x+1}}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{(\sqrt{2x+1})^2 + x}{\sqrt{2x+1}}=0[/tex]

OH! Thanks for that!
But, the thing is.. the answer for the critical number is -1/3 and from looking at the first derivative, one of the critical point is -1/2.

So what am I doing wrong?
 
While the derivative is undefined at x = -1/2, is the original function differentiable there, and what does that tell you about whether -1/2 is a critical number? Otherwise, if x > -1/2, then you can solve for dy/dx = 0, and you should find x = -1/3. Try it again using the derivative rock.freak posted.
 
Tedjn said:
While the derivative is undefined at x = -1/2, is the original function differentiable there, and what does that tell you about whether -1/2 is a critical number? Otherwise, if x > -1/2, then you can solve for dy/dx = 0, and you should find x = -1/3. Try it again using the derivative rock.freak posted.

OH! Thanks for that. Problem solved.
 

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