Problem with max and min, i found half solution, need the other half

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the maximum and minimum values of a function derived from a quadratic equation, specifically the curve defined by y = 2x^2 - 4x + 2. Participants are tasked with determining the intersections of this curve with the x and y axes and subsequently analyzing points within a specified interval.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of finding critical points by setting the derivative to zero and evaluating the function at the endpoints of the interval. There are questions about the validity of certain maximum and minimum points identified, particularly regarding the behavior of the derivative at specific values.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the behavior of the function and its derivative, while others are questioning the reasoning behind certain conclusions drawn about maximum and minimum points. The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations and approaches being explored without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a defined interval [0, 1] and are navigating the implications of the function's behavior at the endpoints and critical points. There is an emphasis on understanding the conditions under which maximum and minimum values occur.

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Sorry for bad translation, but data are ok:

Homework Statement



-you have the curve [tex]y = 2x^2 - 4x + 2[/tex]
-find its intersections with y and x axis, call them A and B.
-in the parabolic sector limited by these two points, find a point P, in the way that the sum of its cohordinates is minimum and maximum.
---------------
results:
P cohordinates for minimum sum are (3/4 ; 1/8),
for max sum:(0 ; 2)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



the general cohordinates of P are P(x ; 2x²-4x+2), so i set the function:
y=x+2x²-4x+2 and calculate where it has min or maximums, with the condition of [tex]0 \leq x \leq 1[/tex].

so y'=4x-3: 4x-3 > 0, x > 3/4. now i should put in the disequation the condition [tex]0 \leq x \leq 1[/tex] right? but it goes wrong.

it gives me a maximum in x=0, ok, a minimum in x=3/4, ok, and another maximum in x=1, not ok.
for me it's the first attempt to those problems please tell me where I'm wrong.
(i didn't put cohordinates as absolute values because i saw that in that "x" interval they are ok as i put them).
 
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can you explain how you got a maximum at 1?
you get a min point in 3/4 because the of the first derivative changes sign there.
then you check x=0 and x=1 to see if there are maximum points there. f(x) is bigger then f(1) so there is a max at 0 but not at 1.
 
Gregie666 said:
can you explain how you got a maximum at 1?
you get a min point in 3/4 because the of the first derivative changes sign there.
then you check x=0 and x=1 to see if there are maximum points there. f(x) is bigger then f(1) so there is a max at 0 but not at 1.

i think i understood, but, what's wrong if i set the sistem of disequations and solve it? please view this picture:i get a max in 1

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/743/derivss3.th.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The intersection with the x-axis is, of course, (0, 2) and the intersection with the y-axis is where y= 2x2-4x+ 2= 0. That is the same as
x2- 2x+ 1= (x- 1)2 so, yes, the intersection with the y-axis is (1, 0). That means you are looking for the maximum and minimum values of x+ y= x+ 2x2- 4x+ 2= 2x2- 3x+ 2 on the interval [itex]0\le x\le 1[/itex]. The derivative is 4x- 3 and that equals 0 only when x= 3/4.

Now, the theorem is "Every continuous function has both maximum and minimum values on a closed, bounded interval. If the function is differentiable, those values may occur in the interior of the interval, where the derivative is 0, or at the endpoints of the interval.

To find the absolute maximum and minimum of this function on the interval [itex]0\le x\le 1[/itex], evaluate the function at x= 0, 3/4, and 1.
 
take a look at this picture:
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/3936/graphfq9.th.jpg

it shows the function and the derivative.
the picture you posted is wrong. nether the function nor the derivetive change direction at 0 or 1.

when you want to find min/max points do the following:
1. find the derivative of the function
2. find any points where the derivative changes sign. these are the local min/max points. check their value.
3. check the value of the function at the limits of your range

in your case the derivative changes sign at only one point. so that's (3/4, 7/8).
in the limits of your range there is (0,2) and (1, 1).
clearly the lowest point is (3/4, 7/8) and the highest is (0,2).
put those values in your original function and you get (0,2) and (3/4, 1/8)
 
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