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Ch. 4 - Applications of the Derivative
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBriggs 3rd EditionCh. 4 - Applications of the DerivativeProblem 4.R.2a
Chapter 4, Problem 4.R.2a

Locating extrema Consider the graph of a function ƒ on the interval [-3, 3]. <IMAGE>
a . Give the approximate coordinates of the local maxima and minima of ƒ

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Identify the critical points of the function ƒ by finding where the derivative ƒ'(x) is zero or undefined within the interval [-3, 3].
Evaluate the function ƒ at each critical point to determine the function values at these points.
Examine the endpoints of the interval, x = -3 and x = 3, by evaluating ƒ at these points to ensure no extrema are missed.
Compare the function values at the critical points and endpoints to determine which are local maxima and which are local minima.
Approximate the coordinates of the local maxima and minima by identifying the x-values where the function has the highest and lowest values, respectively, and pairing them with their corresponding function values.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Local Extrema

Local extrema refer to the points on a function where it reaches a local maximum or minimum value within a specific interval. A local maximum is a point where the function value is higher than its immediate neighbors, while a local minimum is where it is lower. Identifying these points often involves analyzing the function's derivative.
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Finding Extrema Graphically

Critical Points

Critical points are values in the domain of a function where its derivative is either zero or undefined. These points are essential for finding local extrema, as they indicate where the function's slope changes, potentially leading to maxima or minima. Evaluating the function at these points helps determine their nature.
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Critical Points

First Derivative Test

The First Derivative Test is a method used to classify critical points as local maxima, local minima, or neither. By examining the sign of the derivative before and after a critical point, one can determine whether the function is increasing or decreasing, thus identifying the nature of the extrema. This test is a fundamental tool in calculus for analyzing function behavior.
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The First Derivative Test: Finding Local Extrema
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Find the critical points of the following functions on the given intervals. Identify the absolute maximum and absolute minimum values (if they exist).

ƒ(x) = sin 2x + 3 on [-π , π]

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Textbook Question

60–81. Limits Evaluate the following limits. Use l’Hôpital’s Rule when needed. 


lim_y→0⁺ (ln¹⁰ y) / √y

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60–81. Limits Evaluate the following limits. Use l’Hôpital’s Rule when needed. 

lim_Θ→0 (3 sin² 2Θ) / Θ²

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60–81. Limits Evaluate the following limits. Use l’Hôpital’s Rule when needed. 


lim_x→1 (x⁴ - x³ - 3x² + 5x -2) / x³ + x² - 5x + 3

Textbook Question

82–89. Comparing growth rates Determine which of the two functions grows faster, or state that they have comparable growth rates.


ln x and log₁₀ x

Textbook Question

24–34. Curve sketching Use the guidelines given in Section 4.4 to make a complete graph of the following functions on their domains or on the given interval. Use a graphing utility to check your work.

ƒ(x) = ln( x² + 3) / (x -1)