Scribd
Upload
173 views7 pages

2.5 Second Derivative Test PDF

The document discusses using the second derivative test to find the extrema of functions. It provides examples of applying the test to various functions and determining whether critical points represent relative maxima or minima based on the sign of the second derivative. The key steps are finding the critical points by taking the derivative and setting it equal to 0, then evaluating the second derivative at those points and using the sign to classify the extrema.

Uploaded by

patrick alves
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
173 views7 pages

2.5 Second Derivative Test PDF

The document discusses using the second derivative test to find the extrema of functions. It provides examples of applying the test to various functions and determining whether critical points represent relative maxima or minima based on the sign of the second derivative. The key steps are finding the critical points by taking the derivative and setting it equal to 0, then evaluating the second derivative at those points and using the sign to classify the extrema.

Uploaded by

patrick alves
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 7

Topic: Second derivative test

Question: Use the Second Derivative Test to classify the given critical
points.

f ′′(x) = − 6x + 6, x = 0, x = 2

Answer choices:

A Relative minimum at x = 0; Relative maximum at x = 2

B Relative minimum at x = 2; Relative maximum at x = 0

C Relative minima at x = 0 and x = 2

D Relative maxima at x = 0 and x = 2

442
Solution: A

Since the second derivative of the function is positive at the critical


number x = 0 (f ′′(0) = − 6(0) + 6 = 6 > 0), the function f is concave up at that
point. Therefore, there is a relative minimum at x = 0.

Since the second derivative of the function is negative at the critical


number x = 2 (f ′′(2) = − 6(2) + 6 = − 6 < 0), the function f is concave down at
that point. Therefore, there is a relative maximum at x = 2.

443
Topic: Second derivative test

Question: What are the extrema of the function using the second
derivative test?

f (x) = x 2 + x + 4

Answer choices:

A There is a local minimum at x = − 1/2.

B There is a local maximum at x = − 1/2.

C There is a local minimum at x = 1/2.

D There is a local maximum at x = 1/2.

444
Solution: A

Start by finding the critical numbers, which we’ll do by taking the first
derivative of the function.

f (x) = x 2 + x + 4

f′(x) = 2x + 1

Now set the derivative equal to 0 and solve for x.

0 = 2x + 1

2x = − 1

1
x=−
2

There is one critical number at x = − 1/2. Now take the second derivative of
the function.

f′′(x) = 2

Substitute the critical number into the second derivative.

( 2)
1
f′′ − =2

Because the second derivative is positive at the critical number, it means


the critical number x = − 1/2 represents a minimum. Remember when
f′′(x) > 0, there is a local minimum at that point.

The function f (x) = x 2 + x + 4 has a local minimum at x = − 1/2.

445
Topic: Second derivative test

Question: What are the extrema of the function using the second
derivative test?

1 4
f (x) = x − x2 + 6
2

Answer choices:

A There are local maximums at x = − 2 and x = 2 and a local minimum


at x = 0.

B There are local minimums at x = − 2 and x = 2 and a local maximum


at x = 0.

C There are local maximums at x = − 1 and x = 1 and a local minimum


at x = 0.

D There are local minimums at x = − 1 and x = 1 and a local maximum


at x = 0.

446
Solution: D

Start by finding the critical numbers, which we’ll do by taking the first
derivative of the function.

1 4
f (x) = x − x2 + 6
2

f′(x) = 2x 3 − 2x

f′(x) = 2x (x 2 − 1)

f′(x) = 2x(x − 1)(x + 1)

Now set the derivative equal to 0 and solve for x.

0 = 2x(x − 1)(x + 1)

x = − 1, 0, 1

There are three critical numbers at x = − 1, 0, 1. Now take the second


derivative of the function.

f′′(x) = 6x 2 − 2

Substitute the critical numbers into the second derivative.

f′′(−1) = 6(−1)2 − 2 = 4

f′′(0) = 6(0)2 − 2 = − 2

f′′(1) = 6(1)2 − 2 = 4

447
Remember when f′′(x) > 0, there is a local minimum at that point, and when
f′′(x) < 0, there is a local maximum at that point. Therefore, the function has
local minimums at x = − 1 and x = 1, and a local maximum at x = 0.

448

You might also like