What Are the Absolute Max/Min of f(x) Over Given Intervals?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the absolute maximum and minimum values of the function f(x) = x^3 - 12x^2 - 27x + 8 over specified intervals. Participants explore the implications of critical points and endpoints in determining these extrema.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant identifies critical points at x = -1 and x = 9 by finding the derivative and setting it to zero.
  • Another participant suggests that the absolute maximum or minimum can occur at either a turning point or an endpoint of the interval.
  • There is a claim that as f(x) tends to ±∞, there are no defined absolute minimum and maximum values overall.
  • Some participants express confusion about the correct values for the absolute max/min in the specified intervals, particularly questioning the results for the intervals [-2,0], [1,10], and [-2,10].
  • One participant emphasizes the need to evaluate the function at the endpoints of the intervals to determine the absolute extrema.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the absolute maximum and minimum values for the function over the specified intervals. There are multiple competing views regarding the interpretation of the results and the method of evaluation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the absolute maximum and minimum values depend on evaluating the function at critical points and endpoints, but there is uncertainty regarding the correct application of this method across the different intervals.

riri
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Hello, I'm doing:
Find absolute min/max of f(x)=x^3-12x^2-27x+8

First I found derivative and when I solved, I got x=9 and x=-1.
So I have to find max/min for 3 different intervals:

a) [-2,0]
And I thought absolute max=-1 and absolute min = none?

b) [1,10]
max= none
min= none

c) [-2,10]
max=-1?
min=none again because for x=9, it goes decrease and decrease so it's not min or max.

But NONE of these are right, can anyone help me what I am doing wrong and what they are asking for then?
thank you!
 
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$$f'(x)=3x^2-24x-27=3(x+1)(x-9)=0$$
so there is local extremum at $x=-1$ and $x=9$. Plug these values into $f(x)$ to find the values of the extremum. As $f(x)$ tends to $\pm\infty$ as $x$ increases/decreases without bound, there are no defined absolute minimum and absolute maximum.
 
riri said:
Hello, I'm doing:
Find absolute min/max of f(x)=x^3-12x^2-27x+8

First I found derivative and when I solved, I got x=9 and x=-1.
So I have to find max/min for 3 different intervals:

a) [-2,0]
And I thought absolute max=-1 and absolute min = none?

b) [1,10]
max= none
min= none

c) [-2,10]
max=-1?
min=none again because for x=9, it goes decrease and decrease so it's not min or max.

But NONE of these are right, can anyone help me what I am doing wrong and what they are asking for then?
thank you!

The absolute maximum or absolute minimum of a function over an interval can occur either at a turning point or an end point.

Also the maximum/minimum VALUE of the function is the y value, positioned where x = blah...

- - - Updated - - -

greg1313 said:
$$f'(x)=3x^2-24x-27=3(x+1)(x-9)=0$$
so there is local extremum at $x=-1$ and $x=9$. Plug these values into $f(x)$ to find the values of the extremum. As $f(x)$ tends to $\pm\infty$ as $x$ increases/decreases without bound, there are no defined absolute minimum and absolute maximum.

Except that the OP needs to find the absolute max/min of the function IN THE INTERVALS PROVIDED.
 
riri said:
Hello, I'm doing:
Find absolute min/max of f(x)=x^3-12x^2-27x+8

First I found derivative and when I solved, I got x=9 and x=-1.
So I have to find max/min for 3 different intervals:

a) [-2,0]
And I thought absolute max=-1 and absolute min = none?

b) [1,10]
max= none
min= none

c) [-2,10]
max=-1?
min=none again because for x=9, it goes decrease and decrease so it's not min or max.

But NONE of these are right, can anyone help me what I am doing wrong and what they are asking for then?
thank you!
check this out and let me know if you have further questions, I am here to help

 

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