Finding Intervals of Concave Downward with f(x) = 12x^(2/3)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the intervals of concavity for the function f(x) = 12x^(2/3) and its corrected form f(x) = 12x^(2/3) - 4x. Participants are focused on calculating the first and second derivatives to identify concave downward intervals.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks help in finding intervals of concavity and mentions the need for the second derivative to locate inflection points.
  • Another participant questions the correctness of the first derivative provided by the original poster, suggesting it is incorrect.
  • A different participant provides a corrected first derivative, stating it simplifies to 8x^(-1/3).
  • There is a request for clarification on the original function, which is later corrected to f(x) = 12x^(2/3) - 4x.
  • One participant suggests leaving the first derivative in a more manageable form for differentiation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach consensus on the first derivative, with some corrections and clarifications being made. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the second derivative and the intervals of concavity.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of the original function and the correctness of the derivatives presented. The discussion reflects uncertainty in the mathematical steps involved in finding the second derivative.

ashleyk
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Help, Concaved downward??

Let f(x) = 12x^(2/3) Find all the intervals on which f(x) is concaved downward.

I know I have to take the second derivative to find the inflection point to find the interval. I figured the first derivative to be (8-4x^(1/3)/x^(1/3)

I can't seem to get the second derivative to work out. Please Help!
 
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Is this your function:f(x)=12x^{\frac{2}{3}} ??

If so,then your first derivative is incorrect.

Daniel.
 
The first derivative of f(x) = 12x^{\frac{2}{3}}

is (\frac{2}{3})12x^\frac{-1}{3}

which simplified gives you

8x^\frac{-1}{3}

------------------------------
Sorry for messing up the Latex thing... I'm still new to it
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Jameson said:
The first derivative of f(x) = 12x^{\frac{2}{3}}

Would you care to correct your latex graphics in your post...?

Daniel.
 
sorry the orginial function is wrong...it is actually f(x)= 12x^(2/3)-4x
I still got the derivative of (8-4x^(1/3)/x^(1/3) but I am still having trouble getting through the second derivative...any help would be great...
 
Okay,why didn't you leave it in the original handy form...?
f'(x)=8x^{-\frac{1}{3}}-4

Now differentiate once more...

Daniel.
 

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