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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the absolute maximum and minimum of the function f(x) = x³ - 12x² - 27x + 8 over specified intervals. The critical points identified are x = -1 and x = 9, derived from the first derivative f'(x) = 3x² - 24x - 27. The user incorrectly assessed the maximum and minimum values for the intervals [-2, 0], [1, 10], and [-2, 10]. The correct approach involves evaluating the function at the endpoints and critical points within each interval to determine the absolute extrema.

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  • Study the Intermediate Value Theorem to understand function behavior over intervals.
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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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