Find Local Max of f(x) w/ FTC2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a continuous function f and a number a based on an integral equation, as well as determining the value of x at which a local maximum of a given function occurs. The subject area includes calculus concepts, particularly the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC) and local extrema analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of the FTC to differentiate both sides of an integral equation. There are attempts to express f in terms of x and to identify the constant a. Questions arise regarding the validity of these steps and the implications of the FTC. Additionally, numerical methods for finding local maxima are suggested.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various participants providing insights and questioning the correctness of the approaches taken. Some guidance has been offered regarding numerical solutions, while others seek clarification on the application of the FTC and the evaluation of the integral.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the application of the FTC and the need for further evaluation of the integral to find the local maximum. Participants express uncertainty about the values of a and the function f.

irok
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Homework Statement
Question One:
Find a continuous function f and a number a such that

[tex]2 + \int_{a}^{x} \frac {f(t)} {t^{6}} \,dt = 6 x^{-1}[/tex]

Question Two:
At what value of x does the local max of f(x) occur?
[tex]f(x) = \int_0^x \frac{ t^2 - 25 }{ 1+\cos^2(t)} dt[/tex]

The attempt at a solution
I just need some pointers of where to get started.
Question One:

So I used FTC1 on both sides,

[tex]2 + f(x) / x^{6} = 6x^{-1}[/tex]

[tex]f(x)= 6x^{5} - 2[/tex]

I'm not sure how to find a, evaluation theorem?

Question Two:
 
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I don't know about an analytic solution, but the second part of the problem is very feasible numerically. You can solve in Mathematica in only a few lines by turning it into a minimization problem.
 
Well, for Question one:

Can anyone confirm that [tex]f(x) = 6x^{5}[/tex] and a = 2.

I'm pretty sure that a = 2 since,

F(x) - F(a) = [ [tex]6x^{5} / x^{6}[/tex] ] - [ 2 ] = [tex]6x^{-1} - 2[/tex]
 
How does the FTC just let you drop an integral sign out like that? (In 1.)
 
irok said:
Homework Statement
Question One:
Find a continuous function f and a number a such that

[tex]2 + \int_{a}^{x} \frac {f(t)} {t^{6}} \,dt = 6 x^{-1}[/tex]

Question Two:
At what value of x does the local max of f(x) occur?
[tex]f(x) = \int_0^x \frac{ t^2 - 25 }{ 1+\cos^2(t)} dt[/tex]

The attempt at a solution
I just need some pointers of where to get started.
Question One:

So I used FTC1 on both sides,

[tex]2 + f(x) / x^{6} = 6x^{-1}[/tex]
No, that is not correct. You have differentiated the left side of the equation but not the right.

[tex]f(x)= 6x^{5} - 2[/tex]

I'm not sure how to find a, evaluation theorem?

Question Two:
Once you have found the function, put it into the integeral.
 

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