Minimum and Maximum Values — Question 3

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Question 3

Problem:

Consider the function f(x)=x4−4x3+10f(x) = x^4 - 4x^3 + 10 on the interval [0,4][0, 4].

  • (a) Find the critical points of f(x)f(x) on the interval.

  • (b) Determine the absolute maximum and minimum values of f(x)f(x) on the interval [0,4][0, 4].

Original worksheet page 1: question and worked solution for 4-3-003
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Question 3 - Solution

(a) Find critical points:

First, compute the derivative: f′(x)=4x3−12x2f'(x) = 4x^3 - 12x^2

Factor: f′(x)=4x2(x−3)⇒f′(x)=0 when x=0 or x=3f'(x) = 4x^2(x - 3) \Rightarrow f'(x) = 0 \text{ when } x = 0 \text{ or } x = 3

Both are within the interval [0,4][0, 4], so check both.

(b) Evaluate function at critical points and endpoints:

f(0)=0−0+10=10f(0) = 0 - 0 + 10 = 10 f(3)=81−108+10=−17f(3) = 81 - 108 + 10 = -17 f(4)=256−256+10=10f(4) = 256 - 256 + 10 = 10

Conclusion:

- Minimum value: −17\boxed{-17} at x=3x = 3 - Maximum value: 10\boxed{10} at x=0x = 0 and x=4x = 4

Graph of the function on [0,4][0, 4]:

See the diagram in the original worksheet below.

Original worksheet page 2: question and worked solution for 4-3-003

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