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F(x)=-x^(4)-9x^(3)-24x^(2)-16x what is the relative maxium and minimum?

1 Answer

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We'll need to find the 1st and 2nd derivatives of F(x) to answer that question.

F '(x) = -4x^3 - 27x^2 - 48x - 16 You must set this = to 0 and solve for the
roots (which we call "critical values).

F "(x) = -12x^2 - 54x - 48

Now suppose you've found the 3 critical values. We use the 2nd derivative to determine which of these is associated with a max or min of the function F(x).

Just supposing that 4 were a critical value, we ask whether or not we have a max or min of F(x) there:

F "(x) = -12x^2 - 54x - 48 becomes F "(4) = -12(4)^2 - 54(4)
= -192 - 216
Because F "(4) is negative, the graph of the given
function opens down at x=4, and so we have a
relative max there. (Remember that "4" is only
an example, and that you must find all three
critical values and then test each one in F "(x).
User Farzam
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