Contents

4 Applications of Differentiation 89
4.1 Applications of Differentiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
4.1.1 Related Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
4.1.2 Maximum and Minimum Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
4.1.3 Derivatives and the Shapes of Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
4.2 Indeterminate Forms and L’Hospital’s Rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
4.2.1 L’Hospital’s Rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
4.2.2 Indeterminate Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
4.2.3 Indeterminate Differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
4.2.4 Indeterminate Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
4.3 Optimization Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

88
Chapter 4

Applications of Differentiation

4.1 Applications of Differentiation

4.1.1 Related Rates
If we are pumping air into a balloon, both the volume and the radius of the balloon are increasing and their rates
of increase are related to each other. But it is much easier to measure directly the rate of increase of the volume
than the rate of increase of the radius. In a related rates problem the idea is to compute the rate of change of one
quantity in terms of the rate of change of another quantity (which may be more easily measured). The procedure
is to find an equation that relates the two quantities and then use the Chain Rule to differentiate both sides with
respect to time.

Example 1.

Air is being pumped into a spherical balloon so that its volume increases at a rate of 100 cm3 /s. How
fast is the radius of the balloon increasing when the diameter is 50?

Solution. We start by identifying two things:

Let V be the volume and r be the radius of the balloon.

Given The rate of increase of the volume of air is 100 cm3 /s.

Unknown The rate of increase of the radius when the diameter is 50 cm.

The key thing to remember is that rates of change are derivatives. In this problem, the volume and the radius are
both functions of the time t. The rate of increase of the volume with respect to time is the derivative dV /dt and
the rate of increase of the radius is dr/dt. We can therefore restate the given and the unknown as follows:
dV
Given = 100 cm3 /s
dt
dr
Unknown when r = 25
dt
In order to connect dV /dt and dr/dt we first relate V and r by the formula for the volume of a sphere:

4 3
V = πr .
3

89
90 CHAPTER 4. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

In order to use the given information, we differentiate each side of this equation with respect to t. To differentiate
the right side we need to use the Chain Rule:

dV dV dr dr
= = 4πr2
dt dr dt dt

dV dr
= 4πr2
dt dt
Now we solve for the unknown quantity:
dr 1 dV
=
dt 4πr2 dt
If we put r = 25 and dV /dt = 100 in this equation, we obtain

dr 1 1
= 100 =
dt 4π(25)2 25π

The radius of the balloon is increasing at the rate of (1/25π) cm/s.

Example 2.

A ladder 10 m long rests against a vertical wall. If the bottom of the ladder slides away from the wall
at a rate of 1 m/s, how fast is the top of the ladder sliding down the wall when the bottom of the ladder
is 6 m from the wall?

Solution. We first draw a diagram and label it as in Figure. Let x feet be the distance from the bottom of the
ladder to the wall and y feet the distance from the top of the ladder to the ground. Note that x and y are both
functions of t (time).
We are given that dx/dt = 1 m/s and we are asked to find dy/dt when x = 6 m.
wall
9.94987 m

floor
1. m

In this problem, the relationship between x and y is given by the Pythagorean Theorem:

x2 + y 2 = 100
4.1. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION 91

Differentiating each side with respect to t using the Chain Rule, we have

dx dy
2x + 2y =0
dt dt

dy x dx
and solving this equation for the desired rate, we obtain =− . When x = 6, the Pythagorean Theorem
dt y dt
gives y = 8 and so, substituting these values and dx/dt = 1, we put

dy 6 3
= − (1) = − m/sn
dt 8 4

dy/dt is negative means that the distance from the top of the ladder to the ground is decreasing at a rate of
(3/4) m/s. In other words, the top of the ladder is sliding down the wall at a rate of (3/4) m/s.

Example 3.

A water tank has the shape of an inverted circular cone with base radius 2 m and height 4 m. If water
is being pumped into the tank at a rate of 2 m/min, find the rate of height at which the water level is
rising when the water is 3 m deep.
EXAMPLE 3 A
2 m and heig
find the rate a
Solution.
2 SOLUTION We fi
volume of the
We first sketch the cone and label it as in Figure. Let measured in m
V, r, and h be the volume of the water, the radius of the r We are giv
surface, and the height at time t, where t is measured in 4 3 m. The qua
minutes. h

but it is very
FIGURE 3 use the simila

h V

3
and the expre
10

5
1

Now we can
t t
2 4 6 2 4 6

We are given that dV /dt = 2 m3 /min and we are asked to find dh/dt when h = 3 m. The quantities V and h are
related by the equation
1 2 so
V = πr h
3
but it is very useful to express V as a function of h alone. In order to eliminate r we use the similar triangles in
Substituting h
r 2 h
Figure to write = =⇒ r = . The expression for V becomes
h 4 2
 2
1 h π 3
V = π h= h .
3 2 12
Strategy It is
Now we can differentiate each side with respect to t: and adapt the
1. Read the p
dV π dh dh 4 dV
= h2 =⇒ = . 2. Draw a dia
dt 4 dt dt πh2 dt
3. Introduce
| Warning: A common error is to
substitute the given numerical information 4. Express th
(for quantities that vary with time) too
5. Write an e
early. This should be done only after the
and Minimum Values ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
92 CHAPTER 4. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

Some of the most important applications of differential calculus are optimization

Substituting h = 3 m and dV /dt = 2 m3 /min, we have
problems, in which we are required to find the optimal (best) way of doing something.
Here are examples of such problems
dh
=
4 that we
·2=
8 will solve in this chapter:
≈ 0.28 m/min
dt π(3)2 9π
■ What is the shape of a can that minimizes manufacturing costs?
■ What is the maximum acceleration of a space shuttle? (This is an important
question toand
4.1.2 Maximum the astronauts
Minimum who Values have to withstand the effects of acceleration.)
■ What is the radius of a contracted windpipe that expels air most rapidly during
Some of the most important applications of differential calculus are optimization problems, in which we are
required toa find
cough?
the optimal (best) way of doing something.
■ At what angle should blood vessels branch so as to minimize the energy
• What is the shape of a can that minimizes manufacturing costs?
expended by the heart in pumping blood?
• What is the maximum acceleration of a space shuttle? (This is an important question to the astronauts who
These problems can be reduced to finding the maximum or minimum values of a func-
have to withstand the effects of acceleration.)
tion. Let’s first explain exactly what we mean by maximum and minimum values.
These problems can be reduced to finding the maximum or minimum values of a function. Let’s first explain exactly
what we mean by maximum and minimum values.
1 Definition A function f has an absolute maximum (or global maximum)
at c if f 共c兲1. 
Definition f 共x兲 for all x in D, where D is the domain of f . The number f 共c兲
is called the maximum value of f on D. Similarly, f has an absolute mini-
A function f has an absolute maximum (or global maximum) at c if f (c) ≥ f (x) for all x in D,
where f 共c兲 
mumDatis ctheifdomain of ff 共x兲
. Thefornumber
all x fin(c)Dis and
calledthe maximumf 共c兲
thenumber is of
value called theSimilarly,
f on D. min-
fimum
has an value of minimum
absolute f on D. The at c ifmaximum
f (c) ≤ f (x)and minimum
for all x in D andvalues of f fare
the number (c) iscalled
called the
the extreme
minimum valuevalues of The
of f on D. f . maximum and minimum values of f are called the extreme values
of f .

Figure 1 shows the graph of a function f with absolute maximum at d and absolute
minimum at a. Note that 共d, f 共d 兲兲 is the highest point on the graph and 共a, f 共a兲兲 is the
Figure, shows the graph of a function f with absolute maximum at d and absolute minimum at a. Note that
lowest point.
(d, f (d)) is the highest point on the graph and (a, f (a)) is the lowest point.

f(d)

f(a)
URE 1
f(a), a 0 b c d e x
e f(d)

Definition 2.

A function f has a local maximum (or relative maximum) at c if f (c) ≥ f (x) when x is near c
(This means that f (c) ≥ f (x) for all x in some open interval containing c). Similarly, f has a local
minimum at c if f (c) ≤ f (x) when x is near c.
4.1. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION 93

Example 4.

The function f (x) = cos x takes on its (local and absolute) maximum value of 1 infinitely many times,
since 272 ■ CHAPTER 4 APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION
cos 2nπ = 1

for any integer n and In Figure 1, if we consid

−1 ≤ cos x ≤ 1 attention to the interval 共a,
for all x. Likewise, 272 ■ called a local maximum valu
CHAPTER 4 APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION
cos(2n + 1)π = −1 f because f 共c兲  f 共x兲 for x
f also has a local minimum
is its minimum value, where n is any integer. In Figure 1, if we conside
attention to the interval 共a, c
called2 a Definition
local maximum valu
A function
Example 5.
c if f 共c兲f 共c兲
f because  f 共x兲f 共x兲 for xx i
when
f also
somehasopen
a local minimum
interval conta
2 2
f 共c兲  f 共x兲 when x is ne
If f (x) = x , then f (x) ≥ f (0) because x ≥ 0 for all x. Therefore, f (0) = 0 is the absolute (and local)
minimum value of f . This corresponds to the fact that the origin is the lowest point on the parabola
y = x2 . 2 Definition A function
c if f 共c兲1 
EXAMPLE f 共x兲
The 共x
when xf is
function
y some
value ofopen intervalmany
1 infinitely contaitim

1f 共c兲
 cosf 共x兲
x when is xnea
1 forxall .L
y=≈ where n is any integer.
EXAMPLE 1 The function2 f 共x兲
y
EXAMPLE 2 If f 共x兲 苷 x , the
value of 1 infinitely many tim
f 共0兲 苷 0 is the absolute (an
0 x
1  cos x  1 for all x. Li
fact that the origin is the low
y=≈ where n is any integer.
However, there is no highest point on the parabola and so this function has no ever,
maximumthere is no highest poi
value.
FIGURE 2
value.
Minimum value 0, no maximum EXAMPLE 2 If f 共x兲 苷 x 2, then
f 共0兲 苷 0 is the absolute (and
0y x
EXAMPLE 3 From the graph
Example 6. fact that the origin is the low
this function has neither an
y=˛ ever, there is no highest poin
From the graph of the functionFIGURE value. In fact, it has no loca
f (x) =2x3 , shown in Figure we see that this function
value. has neither an
Minimum
absolute maximum value nor an value 0, value.
absolute minimum no maximum
In fact, it has no local extreme values either.
EXAMPLE 4 The graph of the
y 0 EXAMPLE 3 From the graph o
x
f 共x兲an
this function has neither 苷a
y=˛ value. In fact, it has no local
is shown in Figure 4. You c
EXAMPLE The graphisoff 共
1
absolute4maximum the
FIGURE 3 0 x mum because it occurs at an
No minimum, no maximum f 共3兲 苷
27 is bothf 共x兲 苷3
a local
local nor an absolute maxim
is shown in Figure 4. You ca
absolute maximum is f 共
1兲
FIGURE 3 mum because it occurs at an
(_
No minimum, no maximum f 共3兲 苷
27 is both a local a
local nor an absolute maxim
 y EXAMPLE 3 From the graph of the function f 共x兲 苷 x 3, shown in Figure 3, we see that
this function has neither an absolute maximum value nor an absolute minimum
94y=˛ value. In fact, it has no local extreme values
CHAPTEReither. 4. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

EXAMPLE 4 The graph of the function

0 x
Example 7. f 共x兲 苷 3x 4
16x 3  18x 2
1  x  4

The graph of isthe in Figure 4. You can see that f 共1兲 苷 5 is a local maximum, whereas the
function
shown
absolute maximum is f 共
1兲 苷 37. [This absolute maximum is not a local maxi-
mum because itfoccurs
(x) = at3xan
4 endpoint.] Also,
− 16x3 + 18x 2 f 共0兲 苷 0−is1 a≤local
x ≤ minimum
4 and
um, no maximum f 共3兲 苷
27 is both a local and an absolute minimum. Note that f has neither a
local nor an absolute maximum at x 苷 4.
is shown in Figure.
y

(_1, 37) y=3x$-16˛+18≈

(1, 5)

_1 1 2 3 4 5 x
SECTIONSECTION
4.2 MAXIMUM
SECTION
4.2 MAXIMUM
4.2AND
MAXIMUM
MINIMUM
AND MINIMUM
AND
VALUES
MINIMUM◆ VALUES
VALUES ◆
273 ◆
273 273

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following
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gives
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isa guaranteed
function
is guaranteed
is guaranteed
to possess
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to possess
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extreme
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values.values.
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SECTION
absolute maximum is not a local maximum because it 4.2
occursSECTION
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at anAND MAXIMUM
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in Figure
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an extreme value
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we omit andthe
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we omit the proof.
y y y y y y

0 a 0 c a 0 c ad b c xd b xd b0 x a 0 c a 0 cd=b
a cd=b
x x 0 x a 0c¡ a d0c¡ c™a d bc¡ c™
d=b x d b c™
x b x
UREFIGURE
5 5 0 a c 0 d ab c d 0b a c 0 d=b a c 0 a c¡ d 0 c™ ab c¡x d c™ b x
d=b
FIGURE 5 FIGURE 5 x x x x

The following figures show that a function need not possess extreme values if either hypothesis (continuity or closed
Figures Figures
6 and
Figures
67and
show
67and
Figures show
6that
and7 7ashow
that
function
Figures
show6 athat
that
function
and need
a function
a7 function
show not
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the
from Extreme
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y y y y
y y y 3 3 y y y
3 3 3

1 1 1 1

0 20 x 2 x 0 20 x 2 x
1 1 1 1 1 1

FIGURE 6 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 FIGURE 7

0 0 0 2function2xhas
This This 2x value
minimum
function hasx minimum valueThis
0 continuous
0 This 2 g has2xfunction2xg has
0continuous
function x
f(2)=0, but nof(2)=0,
maximum no maximum value.no maximum ornominimum.
butvalue. maximum or minimum.
 4.1. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION 95
274 ■ CHAPTER 4 APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

The Extreme Value Theorem says that a continuous function on a closed interval has a maximum value and a
y Figure
minimum value, but it does not tell us how to find8these
shows thevalues.
extreme graphWeofstart
a function f local
by looking for withextreme
a local m
{c, values. minimum
f (c)} Figure shows the graph of a function f withata d . Itmaximum
local appearsatthat
c andat the minimum
a local maximum at d.and minimum
It appears
274 ■ CHAPTER 4 APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION
that at the maximum and minimum points the tangent lines are horizontal and therefore each has slope 0. We
are horizontal and therefore each has slope 0. We know that t
know that the derivative is the slope of the tangent line, so it appears that f 0 (c) = 0 and f 0 (d) = 0.
of the tangent line, so it appears that f 共c兲 苷 0 and f 共d兲 苷 0
y
says that this is always true for differentiable Figure 8 shows the graph
functions.
{d, f (d )} {c, f (c)} minimum at d. It appears that
are horizontal and therefore e
0 c d x 4 Fermat’s Theorem If f has aof
local maximum
the tangent line,or
sominimu
it appea
exists, then f 共c兲 苷 0. says that this is always true fo
{d, f (d )}
FIGURE 8
IFFERENTIATION
0 c
Our intuition d
suggests thatx Fermat’s 4 Fermat’s
Theorem Theorem If fAhr
is true.
definition of a derivative, is given inexists, then fE.共c兲 苷 0.
Appendix
Figure 8 shows the graph of a functionthis
The Fermat’s Theorem says thatFIGURE
f with8 a local
is always
maximum atfunctions.
true Fermat’s
for differentiable
c and a local
Although
minimum at d. It appears that at the maximum and minimum points the Theorem tangent is very
lines useful, we have to g
each has slope much
Theorem 2 (Fermat’s Theorem).
re horizontal and therefore 0. We into
knowit.that 共x兲derivative
If fthe 苷 x , then
3
f 共x兲
is the Our
slope苷 intuition
2
共0兲 苷 0tha
3x , so fsuggests .B
f the tangent line,Ifso it appears
f has that f 共c兲
a local maximum 苷minimum
0 and
or minimum
at if0,
共d兲
at c,f and 苷f 0as
0. you
(c) The can
exists,
see from
following
then f 0 (c) =theorem
0.
its graph
definition of in Figure 9. The
a derivative, is g
ays that this is always true for differentiable means that the curve y 苷 x hasAlthough
plyfunctions. 3
a horizontalFermat’s
tangent at 共
Theore
maximum or minimum at 共0, 0兲, the curve crosses its horizo
much into it. If f 共x兲 苷 x 3
, the
Note: When f 0 (c) = 0, f doesn’t | Thus,
necessarily havewhen
a maximum f 共c兲 苷 0, f atdoesn’t
or minimum minimum
c. (In at the
necessarily
other words, 0, as you can
have
converse a max
of see
4 Fermat’sFermat’s
TheoremTheorem
If f has a local maximum
is false in general.) or minimum at c , and if f 共c兲ply meansTheorem
that the curve y 苷in
(In other words, the converse of Fermat’s is false
exists, then f 共c兲 苷 0. maximum or minimum at 共0,
y | Thus, when f 共c兲 苷 0y, f
Our intuition suggests that Fermat’s Theorem is true. A rigorous (In other words, the converse
y=˛ proof, using the
▲ Fermat’s
efinition of aTheorem is named
derivative, after in Appendix E.
is given y
Pierre FermatFermat’s
Although (1601–1665),
Theorem a French
is very useful, we have to guard against reading too
lawyer who took up mathematics
much into it. If f 共x兲 苷 x 3, then f as共x兲 苷 3x 2
, so f 共0兲
▲ Fermat’s 苷 0.0isBut
Theorem f has
named afternoxmaximum or
y=˛
a hobby. Despite his amateur status,
minimum at 0, as you can see from its
Fermat was one of the two inventors of
graph
PierreinFermat
Figure 9. The factathat
(1601–1665), f 共0兲 苷 0 sim-
French
lyanalytic
meansgeometry
that the curve y 苷was
(Descartes
3
x hasthe a horizontal tangent at 共0, 0兲. Instead of having a
lawyer who took up mathematics as 0x
0
maximum
other). Hisormethods
minimum at 共0, 0兲
for finding
a hobby. Despite his amateur status,
, the curve crosses its horizontal tangent there.
tangents
Fermat was one of the two inventors of
Thus,
to when
curves f 共c兲 苷 0and
and maximum , f minimum
doesn’t necessarily have a maximum or minimum at c.
fanalytic
0 geometry
(0) = 0 but (Descartes
f has no minimumwas the
or maximum.
Invalues
other (before
words,the theinvention
converse of of
limits and other).
Fermat’s Theorem
FIGURE 9is false
His methods forin general.)
finding tangents FIGURE 10
derivatives) made him a forerunner of If ƒ=˛,
to curves then fª(0)=0
and maximum and minimumbut ƒ If ƒ=| x |, then f(0
Newton inythe creation of differential values (before the
y
invention
has no minimum or maximum. of limits and FIGURE 9 minimum value, but f
calculus. derivatives) made him a forerunner of If ƒ=˛, then fª(0)=0 but ƒ
y=˛
Newton in the creation of differential has nomay
minimum
We should bear in mind
calculus.
that there be anorextreme
maximum.va

0 x
exist. For instance, the y=|x function
| ⱍ ⱍ
f 共x兲 苷 x has its (local
We should bear in mind th
value at 0 (see Figure 10), but the value cannot be found by se
exist. For instance, the funct
as was shown0 in Example 6 in x Section 2.8, f 共0兲 does not ex
value at 0 (see Figure 10), but
Fermat’s Theorem does suggest thatshown
as was we should at least6 is
in Example
values of f at the numbers c where f 共c兲 苷 0 or where f 共c兲 d
f (0) = 0 is a minimum value, but f 0 (0) does not exist. Fermat’s Theorem does su
IGURE 9 FIGURE
bers are 10 given a special name.
values of f at the numbers c w
f ƒ=˛, then fª(0)=0 but ƒ If ƒ=| x |, then f(0)=0 is a
bers are given a special name
has no minimum or maximum. minimum value, but fª(0) does not exist.
5 Definition A critical number of a function f is a num
We should bear in mind that there may be of
an fextreme value
such that where
either f 共c兲
f 共c兲 苷 does f 共c兲
0 or not does not
Definition exist. nu
A critical
96 CHAPTER 4. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

Definition 3.

A critical number of a function f is a number c in the domain of f such that either f 0 (c) = 0 or f 0 (c)
does not exist.

In terms of critical numbers, Fermat’s Theorem can be rephrased as follows:

Theorem 3 (Fermat’s Theorem).

If f has a local maximum or minimum at c, then c is a critical number of f .

Example 8.

Find the critical numbers of f (x) = x3/5 (4 − x).

Solution. The Product Rule gives

3 −2/5
f 0 (x) = x (4 − x) + x3/5 (−1)
5
3(4 − x)
= − x3/5
5x2/5
3(4 − x) − 5x
=
5x2/5
12 − 8x
=
5x2/5

[The same result could be obtained by first writing f (x) = 4x3/5 − x8/5 .] Therefore, f 0 (x) = 0 if 12 − 8x = 0, that
is, x = 23 and f 0 (x) does not exist when x = 0. Thus, the critical numbers are 0 and 32 .

The Closed Interval Method

To find the absolute maximum and minimum values of a continuous function f on a closed interval [a, b]:

1. Find the values of f at the critical numbers of f in (a, b).

2. Find the values of f at the endpoints of the interval.

3. The largest of the values from Steps 1 and 2 is the absolute maximum value; the smallest of these values is
the absolute minimum value.
Example 9.

Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of f (x) = 3x2 − 12x + 5, on [0, 3].

Solution. The function f (x) = 3x2 − 12x + 5 is continuous on [0, 3]. Then, since f 0 (x) = 6x − 12, the critical point
is x = 2. The value of f at the critical point is

f (2) = 3(2)2 − 12(2) + 5 = −7.

and the values of f at the endpoints are

f (0) = 5 and f (3) = −4.

 1 f g 1 h

1
_1 1 x x 1 x
4.1. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION 97
_1

Comparing FIGURE
these three
25
numbers(a)and using the Closed Interval
(b) Method, we see that
(c) the absolute minimum value is
f (2) = −7, and the absolute maximum value is f (0) = 5.
Increasing and Decreasing Functions

The graph shown in Figure 26 rises from A to B, falls from B to C, and rises again
4.1.3 Derivatives and the Shapes of Curves
from C to D. The function f is said to be increasing on the interval 关a, b兴, decreasing
on 关b, c兴, and increasing again on 关c, d兴. Notice that if x 1 and x 2 are any two numbers
Increasing and Decreasing b with x 1 ⬍ x 2, then f 共x 1 兲 ⬍ f 共x 2 兲. We use this as the defining prop-
Functions
between a and
erty of an increasing function.

y
B
D
y=ƒ

C
f(x™)
f(x¡)
A

0 a x¡ x™ b c d x
FIGURE 26

The graph shown in Figure rises from

A function A toincreasing
f is called B, falls from
on an B to C,I ifand rises again from C to D. The function f is
interval
said to be increasing on the interval [a, b], decreasing on [b, c], and increasing again on [c, d]. Notice that if x1 and
f 共x 1 兲 ⬍ f 共x 2 兲 whenever x 1 ⬍ x 2 in I
xy2 are any two numbers between a and b with x1 < x2 , then f (x1 ) < f (x2 ). We use this as the defining property
It is called decreasing on I if
of an increasing
y=≈ function.
f 共x 1 兲 ⬎ f 共x 2 兲 whenever x 1 ⬍ x 2 in I

Definition 4.
In the definition of an increasing function it is important to realize that the inequal-
ity f 共xincreasing
A function f is called 1 兲 ⬍ f 共x 2 兲 must
on be
an satisfied
intervalfor
I ifevery
f (x1pair
) < of numbers
f (x x and x 2 inItIiswith
2 ) x1 < 1x2 in I. called decreasing
0 x x 1 ⬍ x 2.
on I if f (x1 ) > f (xYou
2 ) whenever x1Figure
can see from < x227inthat
I. the function f 共x兲 苷 x 2 is decreasing on the inter-
FIGURE 27 val 共⫺⬁, 0兴 and increasing on the interval 关0, ⬁兲.

Increasing/Decreasing Test

(a) If f 0 (x) > 0 on an interval, then f is increasing on that interval.

(b) If f 0 (x) < 0 on an interval, then f is decreasing on that interval.

Let’s call I/D Test for the name of this test instead of Increasing/Decreasing Test.

Example 10.

Find where the function f (x) = 3x4 − 4x3 − 12x2 + 5 is increasing and where it is decreasing.

Solution.
f 0 (x) = 12x3 − 12x2 − 24x = 12x(x − 2)(x + 1)

To use the I/D Test we have to know where f 0 (x) > 0 and where f 0 (x) < 0. This depends on the signs of the three
factors of f 0 (x), namely, 12x, x − 2 and x + 1. We divide the real line into intervals whose endpoints are the critical
numbers −1, 0, 2 and arrange our work in a chart.
98 CHAPTER 4. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

x −1 0 2

12x − − 0 + +

x−2 − − − 0 +

x+1 − 0 + + +

f 0 (x) − + − +

decreasing increasing decreasing increasing

A plus sign indicates that the given expression is positive, and a minus sign indicates that it is negative. Therefore,
the function f (x) = 3x4 − 4x3 − 12x2 + 5

• is decreasing on (−∞, −1),

• is increasing on (−1, 0) ,

• is decreasing on (0, 2),

• is increasing on (2, ∞).

Recall that if f has a local maximum or minimum at c, then c must be a critical number of f (by Fermat’s
Theorem), but not every critical number gives rise to a maximum or a minimum. We therefore need a test that
will tell us whether or not f has a local maximum or minimum at a critical number.

The First Derivative Test

Suppose that c is a critical number of a continuous function f .

(a) If f 0 changes from positive to negative at c, then f has a local maximum at c.

(b) If f 0 changes from negative to positive at c, then f has a local minimum at c.

(c) If f 0 does not change sign at c (that is, f 0 is positive on both sides of c or negative on both sides), then f has
no local maximum or minimum at c.

y y

f'(x)>0 f'(x)<0

x x
c c

y y

f'(x)>0 f'(x)<0

x x
c c
4.1. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION 99

Example 11.

Find the local minimum and maximum values of the function f (x) = 3x4 − 4x3 − 12x2 + 5.

Solution.

x −1 0 2
12x − − 0 + +

x−2 − − − 0 +

x+1 − 0 + + +
f 0 (x) − + − +

From the chart in the solution to previous example, we see that f 0 (x) changes from negative to positive at −1, so
f (−1) = 0, is a local minimum value by the First Derivative Test. Similarly f 0 changes from negative to positive at
2, so f (2) = −27 is also a local minimum value. As previously noted, f (0) = 5 is a local maximum value because
f 0 (x) changes from positive to negative at 0.

Vertical Asypmtote
Definition 5.

The line x = a is called a vertical asymptote of the curve y = f (x) if at least one of the following
statements is true:
SECTION 2.5
lim f (x) = ∞ lim f (x) = ∞ lim f (x) = ∞
x→a x→a− x→a+

lim f (x) = −∞ lim f (x) = −∞ lim f (x) = −∞

x→a x→a− 3 x→a+ lim ln x 苷
x l 0

Example 12. and so the line x 苷 0 (the y-axis) is a vertical a

y 苷 log a x provided that a  1. (See Figures 11
y

From figure we see that

y=ln x
lim ln x = −∞
x→0+
0 1 x
So x = 0 is a vertical asymptote for ln x. 3π _π
_ 2

FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7
y=tan x

Figure 7 shows that

lim tan x 苷
x l 共兾2兲

and so the line x 苷 兾2 is a vertical asymptote

n an integer, are all vertical asymptotes of y 苷

EXAMPLE 2 Find lim ln共tan2x兲.

 100 3 CHAPTER x苷

lim4.ln APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION
x l 0

Example 13. and so the line x 苷 0 (the y-axis) is a vertical asymptote. In fact, the same is true for
y 苷 log a x provided that a  1. (See Figures 11 and 12 in Section 1.6.)
y y

From figure we see that y=ln x

lim −
tan x = +∞ 1
x→(π/2)0 x
1
3π _π π 0 π π 3π x
In fact, the lines x = (2n+1) π2 , where n is an integer, _ 2 _
2 2 2
are all vertical asymptotes of y = tan x.
SECTION 2.

FIGURE 6 y FIGURE 7 out bound, we can make f 共x兲 as close to 1 as

y=ƒ
y=tan x
x2
1
Figure 7 shows that lim
x l
x 2  1
Horizontal Asymptote
lim tan x 苷
y=L x l 共兾2兲
In general, as shown in Figure 10, the notation
Again, the symbol −∞ does not represent a number, but the expression
and so the line x 苷 兾2 is a 0vertical asymptote. x In fact, the lines x 苷 共2n  1兲兾2, lim f 共x兲 苷
f (x) = L of y 苷 tan x.
n an integer, are all verticallimasymptotes x l

x→−∞
y
EXAMPLE 2 Find ln共tan2x兲 means that the values of f 共x兲 can be made arbitr
is often read as “the limit of f (x), as x lim
approaches .
negative infinity, is L.”
x l0 large negative.
y=ƒ t 苷 tan x. Then Again, the symbol
does not represent a
2
m-solving strategy for SOLUTION We introduce a new variable, t 0 and
Definition
Introduce Something 6. t 苷 tan 2
x l tan2
0 苷 0
y=L as x l 0 because tan is a continuous
lim f 共x兲 苷
function. So, by
L is often (3),
read as
x l

ge 88). Here, the some- we have
Theisline
he auxiliary aid, the y = L is called a horizontal asymptote of the curve y = f (x) if either lim“the
f (x)limit
= Lofor f 共x兲, as x approache
lim ln共tan2x兲 苷 lim ln t 苷
x→∞
t. lim f (x) = L. x l0 0 t l0 x
x→−∞

Limits at Infinity
FIGURE 10 5 Definition The line y 苷 L is called a hor
Examples illustrating lim ƒ=L y 苷 f 共x兲 if either
In computing infinite limits, we let x approach a number and the result was that the
x _`
Example 14.
lim f 共x兲
values of y became arbitrarily large (positive or negative). Here we let x become 苷L
arbi- or
xl
trarily large (positive or negative) and see what
−1 happens to y.
An example of a curve with two horizontal asymptotes is y = tan x.
f 共x兲 Let’s begin by investigating the behavior of the function f defined by
0
1 y For instance, the curve illustrated in Figure
x2
1
1 0 π
f 共x兲 苷
2 0.600000
2
x 2  1 asymptote because
3 0.800000 as x becomes large. The table at the left gives values of this function correct to six x2
1
lim
4 0.882353 decimal places, and the graph 0of f has been drawn by a computer in Figure 8. xl x2  1
5 0.923077 x
y
0 0.980198 An example of a curve with two horizontal asym
0 0.999200 y=1 In fact,
_ π2
0 0.999800
0 0.999998
FIGURE 11 0 x 
In fact, 1
6≈-1 lim tan
1 x 苷

y=tan–!x π π y= ≈+1 x l
2
lim tan−1 x = − −1
lim tan x =
FIGURE 8 x→−∞ 2 x→∞ 2
so both of the lines y = −π/2 and y = π/2 are horizontal asymptotes.
so both of the lines y 苷
兾2 and y 苷 兾2 ar
from the fact that the lines x 苷 兾2 are verti

y EXAMPLE 3 Find the infinite limits, limits at infi

f whose graph is shown in Figure 12.
 4.1. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION 101

Concavity
284 ■ CHAPTER 4 APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION
Definition 7.
Explore concavity on a roller coaster. Notice in Figure 5 that the slopes of the tangent lines increase from left to right on
A function (or its graph) is called concave upward(CU) on an interval I if f 0 is an increasing function
Resources / Module 3 the interval 共a, b兲, so f is increasing and f is concave upward (abbreviated CU) on
/ Concavity on I. It is called
共a, b兲concave
. [It can bedownward(CD) on I if f 0 to
proved that this is equivalent is decreasing on graph
saying that the I. of f lies above
/ Introduction
all of its tangent lines on 共a, b兲.] Similarly, the slopes of the tangent lines decrease
from left to right on 共b, c兲, so f is decreasing and f is concave downward (CD) on
共b, c兲.
y

P Q

0 a b c x

FIGURE 5 CU CD CU

A point where a curve changes its direction of concavity is called an inflection

Definition point.
8. The curve in Figure 5 changes from concave upward to concave downward at
P and from concave downward to concave upward at Q, so both P and Q are inflec-
A point where tiona points.
curve changes its direction of concavity is called an inflection point.
Because f  苷 共 f 兲 , we know that if f 共x兲 is positive, then f is an increasing func-
tion and so f is concave upward. Similarly, if f 共x兲 is negative, then f is decreasing
and f is concave downward. Thus, we have the following test for concavity.
The curve in figure changes from concave upward to concave downward at P and from concave downward to
concave upward at Q, so both P and Q are inflection points.
Concavity Test

Concavity Test (a) If f 共x兲  0 for all x in I , then the graph of f is concave upward on I .
(b) If f 共x兲 0 for all x in I , then the graph of f is concave downward on I .
(a) If f 00 (x) > 0 for all x in I, then the graph of f is concave upward on I.

(b) If f 00 (x) < 0 forInallview

x inofI,the Concavity
then Test,ofthere
the graph f is isconcave
a point downward
of inflectiononat I.
any point where the
y second derivative changes sign. A consequence of the Concavity Test is the following
A consequence of thetest Concavity
for maximum andisminimum
Test values.
the following test for maximum and minimum values.

The Second
P The Second Derivative TestDerivative Test Suppose f  is continuous near c.
f ª(c)=0 ƒ00 (a) If f 共c兲 苷 0 and f 共c兲  0, then f has a local minimum at c.
Suppose
f(c) f is continuous near c.
(b) If f 共c兲 苷 0 and f 共c兲 0, then f has a local maximum at c.
0 c(a) xIf f 0 (c)
x = 0 and f 00 (c) > 0, then f has a local minimum at c.
For00instance, part (a) is true because f 共x兲  0 near c and so f is concave upward
FIGURE 6
(b) If f 0 (c) = 0 and
near fc. (c)
This<means
0, then f the
that has graph
a local
of maximum atits
f lies above c. horizontal tangent at c and so f
f ·(c)>0, concave upward has a local minimum at c. (See Figure 6.)
Note: The Second Derivative Test is inconclusive when f 00 (c) = 0. In other words, at such a point there might be
3 neither. This test also fails when f 00 (c) does not exist.
a maximum, thereEXAMPLE
might be a minimum,
4 Discuss y 苷 xmight
or there
the curve 4

4xbewith respect to concavity, points of
inflection,
In such cases the First and local
Derivative Testmaxima
must beandused.
minima. Use even
In fact, this information
when bothtotests
sketch the curve.
apply, the First Derivative Test
is often the easier SOLUTION If f 共x兲 苷 x 4
4x 3, then
one to use.

f 共x兲 苷 4x 3
12x 2 苷 4x 2共x
3兲

f 共x兲 苷 12x 2
24x 苷 12x共x
2兲
102 CHAPTER 4. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

Example 15.

Discuss the curve y = x4 − 4x3 with respect to concavity, points of inflection, and local maxima and
minima. Use this information to sketch the curve.

Solution. If f (x) = x4 − 4x3 , then

f 0 (x) = 4x3 − 12x2 = 4x2 (x − 3)

f 00 (x) = 12x2 − 24x = 12x(x − 2)

To find the critical numbers we set f 0 (x) = 0.

f 0 (x) = 4x3 − 12x2 = 4x2 (x − 3) = 0

and obtain x = 0 and x = 3. To use the Second Derivative Test we evaluate f 00 at these critical numbers:

f 00 (0) = 0 f 00 (3) = 36 > 0

Since f 0 (3) = 0 and f 00 (3) > 0, f (3) = −27 is a local minimum. Since f 00 (0) = 0, the Second Derivative Test
gives no information about the critical number 0. But since f 0 (x) < 0 for x < 0 and also for 0 < x < 3, the First
SECTION 4.3 DERIVA
Derivative Test tells us that f does not have a local maximum or minimum at 0. We find the roots of second
derivative as:
f 00 (x) = 12x(x − 2) = 0 ⇒ x=0 or x = 2To find the critical numbers we set f 共x兲
the Second Derivative Test we evaluate f
x 0 2
f 共0兲 苷 0
x−2 − − 0 +
x − 0 + Since f 共3兲 苷 0 and f 共3兲  0, f 共3兲 苷

+
the Second Derivative Test gives no infor
f 00 (x) + − +
since f 共x兲 0 for x 0 and also for 0
that f does not have a local maximum or
The point (0, 0) is an inflection point since the curve changes from concave upward to concave downward there.
f 共x兲 shows that f decreases to the left of
y Since f 共x兲 苷 0 when x 苷 0 or 2, we
y=x$-4˛
numbers as endpoints and complete the f
(0, 0)
Interval f 共x兲 苷 1
2 3 x
inflection
(
, 0) 
points
(0, 2)

(2, ) 
(2, _16)
The point 共0, 0兲 is an inflection point s
upward to concave downward there. Also
(3, _27) curve changes from concave downward t
Using the local minimum, the interval
FIGURE 7 sketch the curve in Figure 7.

NOTE ●
The Second Derivative Test is in
at such a point there might be a maximum
be neither (as in Example 4). This test a
cases the First Derivative Test must be u
4.1. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION 103

Example 16.

Sketch the graph of the function f (x) = x2/3 (6 − x)1/3 .

Solution. Calculation of the first two derivatives gives

4−x −8
f 0 (x) = f 00 (x) =
x1/3 (6 − x)2/3 x4/3 (6 − x)5/3

Since f 0 (x) = 0 when x = 4 and f 0 (x) does not exist when x = 0 or x = 6, the critical numbers are 0, 4, 6. To
find the local extreme values we use the First Derivative Test.

x 0 4 6

4−x + + 0 − −

x1/3 − + + +

(6 − x)2/3 + + + +

f 0 (x) − + − −

Since f 0 changes from negative to positive at x = 0, f (0) = 0 is a local minimum. Since f 0 changes from positive
to negative at x = 4, f (4) = 25/3 is a local maximum. The sign of f 0 does not change at x = 6, so there is no
minimum or maximum here.
−8
f 00 (x) =
x4/3 (6 − x)5/3
The Second Derivative Test could be used at x = 4 but not at x = 0 or x = 6 since f 00 does not exist here. Looking
at the expression for f 00

x 0 6

x4/3 + + +

(6 − x)5/3 − + −

−8
− − +
x4/3 (6 − x)5/3
(−∞, 0) (0, 6) (6, ∞) con-
concave
concave down cave up
down

and the only inflection point is (6, 0) since second derivative changes sign.
 downward on 共
, 0兲 and 共0, 6兲 and concave upward on 共6, 兲, and the only inflec-
tion point is 共6, 0兲. The graph is sketched in Figure 8. Note that the curve has verti-
104
Figure 8 cal tangents at 共0, 0兲 and 共6, 0兲 because CHAPTER ⱍ
f 共x兲 l4. APPLICATIONS ⱍ
as x l 0 and asOF DIFFERENTIATION
x l 6.
omputer.
mplete y
portion to
e produce 4 (4, 2%?#)
and 3
cure, see 2
equivalent
graph is

ⱍ 7 x
0

x 1兾3 1 2 3 4 5

y=x @ ?#(6-x)! ?#
FIGURE 8

Note that the curve has vertical tangents at (0, 0) and (6, 0) because |f 0 (x)| → ∞ as x → 0 and as x → 6.
EXAMPLE 6 Use the first and second derivatives of f 共x兲 苷 e 1兾x, together with asymp-
Example 17.
totes, to sketch its graph.
SOLUTION
Use the firstNotice that derivatives
and second the domain (x)f=ise1/x
of fof ⱍ
兵x, together
x 苷 0其,with
so we check for
asymptotes, vertical
to sketch its asymp-
graph.
totes by computing the left and right limits as x l 0. As x l 0, we know that
t 苷 1兾x l , so SECTION 4.3 D
Solution. Notice that the domain of f is {x | x 6= 0} so we check for vertical asymptotes by computing the left and
e →苷∞,lim
lim1/x
right limits as x → 0. As x → 0+ , we know xthat
1兾x
苷have
thene we
t
l0 tl To sketch the graph of f we first
dashed line), together with the parts
e1/x = ∞ As x l 0
, we have
and this shows that x 苷 0 is a vertical limasymptote.
x→0 +
nary sketch [Figure 9(a)]. These part
t 苷 1兾x l
, so
and this shows that x = 0 is a vertical asymptote. As x → 0− , we know that 1/x →the
−∞,fact
thenthat f is decreasing on both
we have
lim e 苷 lim e 苷 0
x l 0

1兾x
tl

t
cated that f 共x兲 l 0 as x l 0
even
1/x
lim e = 0. finish the sketch by incorporating the
n practice x→0 −

t f , f , As x l  , we have 1兾x l 0 and so inflection point. In Figure 9(c) we ch

e shape of y y
lim e 1兾x 苷 e 0 苷 1
xl
y=‰
This shows that y 苷 1 is a horizontal asymptote.
Now let’s compute the derivative. The Chain Rule gives

e 1兾x inflection
f 共x兲 苷
point
x2
y=1 y=
Since e  0 and x  0 for all x 苷 0, we have f 共x兲 0 for all x 苷 0. Thus, f is
1兾x 2

decreasing on 共
, 0兲 and on 共0, 兲. There

0 is no critical number,
x so the function has 0
no local maximum or minimum. The second derivative is
As x → ∓∞, ve have 1/x → 0 and so (a) Preliminary sketch (b) Finished sketch
x 2e 1兾x共
1兾x 2
兲
= ee01兾x=共2x兲
lim e1/x e 1兾x共2x  1兲
f 共x兲 苷 FIGURE

9 x→∓∞x 4
1 苷
x4
This shows that y = 1 is a horizontal asymptote.
Now let’s
Since e 1兾x 
compute and x 4 The
the0derivative. 0, Chain 共x兲
 0 when x 
12 共x EXAMPLE
Rule fgives
we have 苷 0兲 and7f 共x兲 0
A population of honeybe
when x
2 . So the curve is concave downward
1
e 1/x on (
,
1
2 ) and concave upward
time t 苷 0 and was modeled by the
f 0 (x) = − 2
on (
2 , 0) and on 共0, 兲. The inflection pointxis (
2 , e
2).
1 1

Since e1/x > 0 and x2 > 0 for all x 6= 0, we have f 0 (x) < 0 for all x 6= 0. Thus, f is decreasing on (−∞, 0) and on P共t兲 苷

where t is the time in weeks, 0  t 

 the fact that f is decreasing o
cated that f 共x兲 l 0 as x l 0
4.1. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION finish the sketch by incorpora
105
inflection point. In Figure 9(c
y y
y=

inflection
point
y=1

0 x 0

(a) Preliminary sketch (b) Finished sketc

(0, ∞). There is no critical number, so the function has no local maximum or minimum. The second derivative is
FIGURE 9
x2 e1/x (−1/x2 ) − e1/x e1/x (2x + 1)
(2x) 4.3
SECTION
00
f (x) = − 4
= DERIVATIVES . AND THE SHAPES OF CURVES
x x4
EXAMPLE 7 A population of h
Since e1/x > 0 and x4 > 0 To sketch the graph of f we1 first draw thetime horizontal
t 苷 0 asymptote y 苷 1 (a
and was modeled
00
we have f (x) > 0 when x > − and (x 6
= 0)
dashed line), together with the2 parts of the curve near the asymptotes in a p
and nary sketch [Figure 9(a)]. These parts reflect the information concerning lim
the fact that ff00 (x)
is decreasing
< 0 when x <
1
on− both 共
, 0兲 and 共0, 兲. Notice that we have

2
cated that f 共x兲 l 0 as x l 0 even though f 共0兲 does not exist. In Figure 9
So the curve is concave downward on (−∞,
finish the − 21 ) and
sketch byconcave
incorporating (− 12information
upward onthe , 0) and on (0, ∞). The inflection point and
is (− 12 , e−2 ).
whereconcerning
t is the timeconcavity
in weeks,
inflection point. In Figure 9(c) we check our the workbee with a graphing
population device.
was grow
y y
estimate.
y=‰
80000 SOLUTION The population grow
4
steepest tangent line. From th
P tangent occurs when t ⬇ 12,
inflection about 12 weeks.
point
For a better estimate we c
y=1 y=1
increase of the bee populatio
0 x 0 25
x _3
0 0
P
(a) Preliminary sketch FIGURE 10(b) Finished sketch (c) Computer confirmati

FIGURE 9 We graph P in Figure 11 and

12000
To get a still better estima
EXAMPLE 7 A population of honeybees raisedchanges
in an apiary
fromstarted with 50
increasing to be
d
time t 苷 0 and was modeled by the functionupward to concave downwar
Pª
75,200 1195
P共t兲 苷 P共t兲 ⬇
1  1503e
0.5932t 共1 
where t is the time in weeks, 0  t  25. Use a graph to estimate the time
25 We could plot this function to
the bee
0 population was growing fastest. Then use derivatives to give a more
estimate.
instead let’s have the CAS so
FIGURE 11 t ⬇ 12.3318.
80000 SOLUTION The population grows fastest when the population curve y 苷 P共t兲 h
steepest tangent line. From the graph of P in Figure 10, we estimate that the
P tangent occurs when t ⬇ 12, so the bee population was growing most rapid
106 CHAPTER 4. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

4.2 Indeterminate Forms and L’Hospital’s Rule

4.2.1 L’Hospital’s Rule
Suppose f and g are differentiable and g 0 (x) 6= 0 near a (except possibly at a). Suppose that

lim f (x) = 0 and lim g(x) = 0

x→a x→a

or that
lim f (x) = ±∞ and lim g(x) = ±∞
x→a x→a

0 ∞
(In other words, we have an indeterminate form of type 0 or ∞. ) Then

f (x) f 0 (x)
lim = lim 0
x→a g(x) x→a g (x)

if the limit on the right side exists (or is ∞ or −∞). Note: L’Hospital’s Rule is also valid for one-sided limits
and for limits at infinity or negative infinity. That is, “x → a” can be replaced by any of the following symbols:
x → a+ , x → a− , x → ∞, x → −∞.

Example 18.

ln x
Find lim .
x→1 x − 1

Solution. Since
lim ln x = ln 1 = 0 and lim (x − 1) = 0,
x→1 x→1

we have an indeterminate form of type 00 , so we can apply L’Hospital’s Rule(LHR):

d
ln x 0 LHR (ln x) 1/x 1
lim = ( ) = lim dx = lim = lim = 1
x→1 x − 1 0 x→1 d x→1 1 x→1 x
(x − 1)
dx
4.2. INDETERMINATE FORMS AND L’HOSPITAL’S RULE 107

Example 19.

ex
Calculate lim .
x→∞ x2

Solution. We have
lim ex = ∞ and lim x2 = ∞,
x→∞ x→∞
∞
we have an indeterminate form of type ∞ so L’Hospital’s Rule gives

ex ∞ LHR ex
lim
2
=( ) = lim .
x→∞ x ∞ x→∞ 2x

∞
Since ex → ∞ and 2x → ∞ as x → ∞, the limit on the right side is also indeterminate form of type ∞, but a
second application of L’Hospital’s Rule gives:

ex ∞ LHR ex ∞ LHR ex
lim = ( ) = lim = ( ) = lim =∞
x→∞ x2 ∞ x→∞ 2x ∞ x→∞ 2

Example 20.

ln x
Calculate lim √ .
x→∞ 3 x

√ ∞
Solution. Since ln x → ∞ and 3
x → ∞ as x → ∞, we have an indeterminate form of type ∞ and L’Hospital’s
Rule applies:
1
ln x ∞ LHR x
lim √ = ( ) = lim
x→∞ 3 x ∞ x→∞ 1 x−2/3
3

Notice that the limit on the right side is now indeterminate of type 00 . But instead of applying L’Hospital’s Rule
a second time, as we did in previous example, we simplify the expression and see that a second application is
unnecessary:
1
ln x ∞ LHR x 3
lim √ = ( ) = lim = lim √ =0
x→∞ 3 x ∞ x→∞ 1 x−2/3 x→∞ 3 x
3

Example 21.

tan x − x
Find lim .
x→0 x3

Solution. Noting that both (tan x − x) → 0 and x3 → 0 as x → 0, we have an indeterminate form of type 00 . Lets
use L’Hospital’s Rule:
tan x − x 0 LHR sec2 x − 1
lim 3
= ( ) = lim
x→0 x 0 x→0 3x2
Since the limit on the right side is still indeterminate of type 00 , we apply L’Hospital’s Rule again:

sec2 x − 1 0 LHR 2 sec2 x tan x

lim = ( ) = lim
x→0 3x2 0 x→0 6x
108 CHAPTER 4. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

Again both numerator and denominator approach, so a third application of L’Hospital’s Rule is necessary. Putting
together all three steps, we get

tan x − x 0 LHR sec2 x − 1 0 LHR 2 sec2 x tan x 0 LHR 4 sec2 x tan2 x + 2 sec4 x 1
lim 3
= ( ) = lim 2
= ( ) = lim = ( ) = lim =
x→0 x 0 x→0 3x 0 x→0 6x 0 x→0 6 3

Example 22.

sin x
Find lim− .
x→π 1 − cos x

Solution. If we blindly attempted to use L’Hospital’s Rule, we would get

sin x LHR cos x

lim = lim = −∞
x→π − 1 − cos x x→π − sin x

This is wrong!
sin x
lim
x→π − 1 − cos x
Although the numerator sin x → 0 as x → π − , notice that the denominator 1 − cos x does not approach 0,
L’Hospital’s Rule can’t be applied here. The required limit is, in fact, easy to find because the function is continuous
and the denominator is nonzero at π:

sin x sin π 0
lim− = = =0
x→π 1 − cos x 1 − cos π 1 − (−1)

4.2.2 Indeterminate Products

If lim f (x) = 0 and lim g(x) = ∞(or − ∞) then it isn’t clear what the value of lim f (x)g(x), if any, will be. This
x→a x→a x→a
kind of limit is called an indeterminate form of type 0 · ∞. We can deal with it by writing the product f · g as
a quotient:
f g
f ·g = or f · g =
1/g 1/f
0 ∞
This converts the given limit into an indeterminate form of type 0 or ∞, so that we can use L’Hospital’s Rule.

Example 23.

Evaluate lim x ln x.
x→0+

Solution. The given limit is indeterminate because, as x → 0+ the first factor (x) approaches 0 while the second
factor (ln x) approaches −∞. Writing x = 1/(1/x), we have 1/x → ∞ as x → 0+ . So L’Hospital’s Rule gives

1
ln x ∞ LHR
lim+ x ln x = (0 · ∞) = lim+ =( ) = lim x = lim+ (−x) = 0.
x→0 x→0 1/x ∞ x→0+ −1 x→0
x2
4.2. INDETERMINATE FORMS AND L’HOSPITAL’S RULE 109

Note: In solving this example another possible option would have been to write

x
lim x ln x = lim+ .
x→0+ x→0 1/ ln x

0
This gives an indeterminate form of the type 0, but if we apply l’Hospital’s Rule we get a more complicated
expression than the one we started with. In general, when we rewrite an indeterminate product, we try to choose
the option that leads to the simpler limit.

4.2.3 Indeterminate Differences

If lim f (x) = ∞ and lim g(x) = ∞, then the limit
x→a x→a

lim [f (x) − g(x)]

x→a

is called an indeterminate form of type ∞ − ∞. To find out, we try to convert the difference into a
quotient (for instance, by using a common denominator or rationalization, or factoring out a common factor) so
∞
that we have an indeterminate form of type 00 or ∞ .

Example 24.

Compute lim (sec x − tan x).

x→(π/2)−

Solution. First notice that sec x → ∞ and tan x → ∞ as x → (π/2)− , so the limit is indeterminate. Here we use a
common denominator:
 
1 sin x
lim (sec x − tan x) = lim −
x→(π/2)− x→(π/2)− cos x cos x
1 − sin x 0 LHR − cos x
= lim =( ) = lim =0
x→(π/2)− cos x 0 x→(π/2)− − sin x

Note that the use of l’Hospital’s Rule is justified because 1 − sin x → 0 and cos x → 0 as x → (π/2)− .

4.2.4 Indeterminate Powers

Several indeterminate forms arise from the limit

lim [f (x)]g(x) .
x→a

type 00 : lim f (x) = 0 and lim g(x) = 0

x→a x→a

type ∞0 : lim f (x) = ∞ and lim g(x) = 0

x→a x→a

type 1∞ : lim f (x) = 1 and lim g(x) = ±∞

x→a x→a

Each of these three cases can be treated either by taking the natural logarithm:

g(x)
let y = [f (x)] then ln y = g(x) ln f (x)

or by writing the function as an exponential:

g(x)
[f (x)] = eg(x) ln f (x)
110 CHAPTER 4. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

(Recall that both of these methods were used in differentiating such functions.) In either method we are led to the
indeterminate product g(x) ln f (x), which is of type 0 · ∞.

Example 25.

Calculate lim+ (1 + sin 4x)cot x

x→0

Solution. First notice that as x → 0+ , we have

(1 + sin 4x) → 1 and cot x → ∞,

so we have an indeterminate of type 1∞ . Let

y = (1 + sin 4x)cot x

Then
ln(1 + sin 4x)
ln y = ln[(1 + sin 4x)cot x ] = cot x · ln(1 + sin 4x) = .
tan x
4 cos 4x
ln(1 + sin 4x) 0 LHR 1+sin 4x
lim ln y = lim =( ) = lim = 4.
x→0+ x→0+ tan x 0 x→0+ sec2 x
So far we have computed the limit of ln y, but what we want is the limit of y. To find this we use the fact that
y = eln y :
lim (1 + sin 4x)cot x = lim y = lim eln y = e4 .
x→0+ x→0+ x→0+

Example 26.

Find lim+ xx .
x→0

Solution. Notice that this limit is indeterminate since 0x = 0 for any x > 0 but x0 = 1 for any x 6= 0. We could
proceed by writing the function as an exponential:

xx = (eln x )x = ex ln x .

Before we used L’Hospital’s Rule to show that limx→0+ x ln x = 0 Therefore

lim xx = lim ex ln x = e0 = 1.
x→0+ x→0+
 3. Introduce Notation Assign a
minimized (let’s call it Q fo
4.3. OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS 111
other unknown quantities a
help to use initials as sugge
4.3 Optimization Problems height, t for time.
Steps in Optimization Problems
4. Express Q in terms of some
5. If Q has been expressed as
1. Understand the Problem. The first step is to read the problem carefully until it is clearly understood. Ask
the given information to fin
yourself: What is the unknown? What are the given quantities? What are the given conditions?
these variables. Then use th
2. Draw a Diagram. In most problems it is useful to draw a diagram and identify the given and required
ables in the expression for
quantities on the diagram.
variable x, say, Q 苷 f 共x兲. W
3. Introduce Notation. Assign a symbol to the quantity that is to be maximized 6. Useor minimized
the methods(let’s call it
of Section
Q for now). Also select symbols for other unknown quantities and label the diagram with these symbols
minimum value of f . In pa
(a, b, c, d, . . . , x, y). It may help to use initials as suggestive symbols-for example, A for area, for h height, t
for time.
the Closed Interval Method

4. Express Q in terms of some of the other symbols from Step 3. EXAMPLE 1 A farmer has 2400
that
5. If Q has been expressed as a function of more than one variable in Step 4, use theborders a straight
given information river.
to find H
308 ■ CHAPTER 4 APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION
relationships (in the form of equations) among these variables. sions
Then use these of the
equations field that
to eliminate all has
but the l
one of the variables in the expression for Q.
3. Introduce Thus,
Notation AssignQ will tobe
a symbol the expressed
quantity that is toas a function
be maximized or of one variable, say,
minimized (let’s call it Q for now). Also select symbols 共a, b, c, . . . , x, y兲 for
Understand
■ function.
Q = f (x). Write the domain of this the problem SOLUTION
other unknown quantities and label the diagram with these symbols. It may
In order to get a feeli
■
help to use initials as suggestive symbols—for example, A for area, h for
height, t for time. Analogy: Try special cases ment with some special cases.
6. Find the absolute maximum or minimum
4. Expressvalue ofoffsome
. In particular, if the
Step 3.domain of f is a closed interval,
■
Q in terms of the
Draw diagramsother symbols from
5. If Q has been expressed as a function of more than one variable in Step 4, use
laying out the 2400 ft of fenci
then the Closed Interval Method can be used.
the given information to find relationships (in the form of equations) among
these variables. Then use these equations to eliminate all but one of the vari-
deep, narrow fields, we get rel
Example 27. ables in the expression for Q. Thus, Q will be expressed as a function of one
variable x, say, Q 苷 f 共x兲. Write the domain of this function. some intermediate configurati
6. Use the methods of Sections 4.2 and 4.3 to find the absolute maximum or
A farmer has 2400 m of fencing and wants
minimum tovalue
fenceof f . off a rectangular
In particular, field
if the domain of f is a that borders
closed interval, then a straight river.
the Closed Interval Method in Section 4.2 can be used.
He needs no fence along the river. What are the dimensions of the field that has the largest area?
EXAMPLE 1 A farmer has 2400 ft of fencing and wants to fence off a rectangular field 1000
that borders a straight river. He needs no fence along the river. What are the dimen-
sions of the field that has the largest area?
■ Understand the problem SOLUTION In order to get a feeling for what is happening in this problem let’s experi-
Solution. In order to getAnalogy:
a feeling
Try specialfor
■ caseswhatment
is with
happening 2200
some special in this
cases. problem,
Figure let’s
1 (not to scale) showsexperiment with
three possible ways of some700
special cases.
■ Draw diagrams laying out the 2400 ft of fencing. We see that when we try shallow, wide fields or
Figure shows three possible ways of100
laying deep,
outnarrow
the fields,
2400wemgetofrelatively
fencing. We Itsee
small areas. 100
that
seems when
plausible weistry shallow, wide fields
that there
some intermediate configuration that produces the largest area.

1000 400

1000 1000
2200 700 700
100 100
Area=100 · 2200=220,000 ft@ Area=700 · 1000=70

Area = 220 000 m2FIGURE 1

Area=100 · 2200=220,000 ft@ Area=700 · 1000=700,000 ft@
Figure 2 illustrates the gene
Area = 700 000 m2
Area=1000 · 400=400,000 ft@
Area = 400 000 m2
FIGURE 1 Figure 2 illustrates the general case. We wish to maximize the area A of the rect-
angle. Let x and y be the depth
angle. Let x and y be the depth and width of the rectangle (in feet). Then we express
or deep, narrow fields, we get relatively
■ Introduce notation small
A inareas.
terms of x It
andseems
y: plausible that there is some intermediate
configuration
■ Introduce
that produces the largest area. Figure illustrates notation
the general
A in terms of x and y:
A 苷 xy
case. We wish to maximize the area A of the rectangle.
y We want to express A as a function of just one variable, so we eliminate y by
Let x and y be the depth and width of theexpressing
rectangleit in terms x. To do this we
(inofmeters). use the we
Then givenexpress
information A
thatin
the terms
total of x and y
x A x
length of the fencing is 2400 ft. Thus
2x  y 苷 2400
y We want to express A as a fun
From this equation we have y 苷 2400
2x, which gives

FIGURE 2 A 苷 x共2400
2x兲 苷 2400x
2x

expressing it in terms of x. To
2

length
Note that x  0 and x  1200 (otherwise A 0). So the function
x A x that we wishof
to the fencing is 2400 f
maximize is
A共x兲 苷 2400x
2x 2 0  x  1200

The derivative is A 共x兲 苷 2400
4x, so to find the critical numbers we solve the

From this equation we have y

FIGURE 2 A苷x
A = xy.
Note that x  0 and x  1200
maximize is
A共x兲 苷
112 CHAPTER 4. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

We want to express A as a function of just one variable, so we eliminate y by expressing it in terms of x. To do

this we use the given information that the total length of the fencing is 2400 m. Thus

2x + y = 2400.

From this equation we have y = 2400 − 2x which gives

A = x(2400 − 2x) = 2400x − 2x2 .

Note that x ≥ 0 and x ≤ 1200 (otherwise A < 0). So the function that we wish to maximize is

A(x) = 2400x − 2x2 0 ≤ x ≤ 1200

The derivative is A0 (x) = 2400 − 4x, so to find the critical numbers we solve the equation

2400 − 4x = 0

which gives x = 600. The maximum value of A must occur either at this critical number or at an endpoint of the
interval. Since A(0) = 0, A(600) = 720000 and A(1200) = 0, the Closed Interval Method gives the maximum value
SECTION
SECTION
4.64.6
O
as A(600) = 720000. [Alternatively, we could have observed that A00 (x) = −4 < 0 for all x, so A is always concave
SECTION 4.6 OP
downward and the local maximum at x = 600 must be an absolute maximum.] Thus, the rectangular field should
Module
Module 4.64.6
takes
takes
youyou through equation
through equation
be 600 m deep and 1200 m wide.
eight
eight Module
additional
additional 4.6 takes
optimization you
optimization through equation 2400


2400 苷苷
4x4x 00
problems,
problems,
including eight
including additional
animations
animations optimization
of of
thethe 2400
4x 苷 0
Example 28.
physical
physical
problems, including animations of the which
situations.
situations.
which
gives
givesx苷x苷600. The
600 . The
maximum
maximum value
value
of of
AAmum
physical situations.
which gives x 苷 600. The maximum value of A mus
number
number
numberor or
at at
or at an endpoint
anan
endpoint
endpointof of
thethe
interval.
interval.
Since
SinceA共0兲
A共
A cylindrical can is to be made to hold 1 L of oil. Find the dimensionsand
that
and will
A共1200兲 苷苷
minimize
A共1200兲 0苷, 0the cost of
theClosed of theInterval
interval. Since A共0兲
and A共1200兲 0, ,the
the Closed
ClosedInterval
Interval Method
Method
Method gives
givt
gives
the metal to manufacture the can. A共600兲
A共600兲苷 苷
720,000
720,000
A共600兲 苷 720,000.. .
[Alternatively,
[Alternatively, wewe
[Alternatively, could
we could
couldhave
have
haveobserved
observed
observed that
that
that A共x
A
A共x兲
alwaysalways
always concave
concave
concave downward
downward
downward and
and
and the
thethelocal
local
localmaximum
maximum
maximum a
maximum.]
maximum.]
maximum.]
Solution. Draw the diagram as in Figure with height h and radius r. In order to minimize
Thus, the
the cost of the
rectangular metal,
field should bebe
600 ftft deep
Thus,
Thus,
thethe
rectangular
rectangularfield
field
should
shouldbe 600
600 ft dea
deep
EXAMPLE 2 A cylindrical can is to be made to hold 1
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
that 2will
2Aminimize
A
cylindrical
cylindrical
the can
can
cost is
of is
to
theto
bebe
made
made
metal to to
hold
hold
to manufactu1
that
that
will
will
minimize
minimize
thethe
cost
cost
of of
thethe
metal
metal
to to
manufact
manufa
SOLUTION Draw the diagram as in Figure 3, where r is
h SOLUTION
SOLUTION
(bothDrawDraw
in thethe
diagram
diagram
centimeters). as as
In orderin to
in
Figure
Figure
minimize3, 3,
where
where
the costr oi
h h (both total
(bothin in surface area ofInthe
centimeters).
centimeters). In cylinder
order
order to to(top,
minimizebottom,
minimize and
thethe
costsid
co
total the
total sides
surface
surface are
area made
areaof of from
thethe a rectangular
cylinder
cylinder (top,
(top, sheet
bottom, with
bottom, dim
and
and s
surface area is
r thethe
sides
sidesarearemade
made from
from a rectangular
a rectangular sheet
sheetwith
with
dim
surface
surface area
areais is A 苷 2 r 2  2 rh
r r 3
FIGURE
To eliminate
we minimize the total surface area of the cylinder (top, bottom, and sides). From Figure we see thath wethe
use sides
the fact 苷苷
A that
are A 2r
2the r 
2 2
volume22isrh
g
3
FIGURE
FIGURE3 2πr
3 and h. So the surface area is
2πr be 1000 cm . Thus
made from a rectangular sheet with dimensions
r
ToTo
eliminate
eliminate h weh weuseuse
thethe factfact
that
that
 rthe
2 the
h苷 volume
volume
1000 is
3 3
2πr2πr be be
1000
1000cm cm. Thus
. Thus
which gives h 苷 1000兾共 r 2 兲. Substitution of this int
 r2hr 2苷
冉 冊
r r h苷 1000
1000
h 1000
which
which
gives
givesh苷 h苷 1000兾共A苷r22r兲.2rSubstitution
1000兾共
2
 2 r
兲. Substitution 苷this
2in
rof
2 ofthis

h h
苷苷
AA 22r r 
22r r
A共r兲 苷 2 r 
冉冉 冊冊
Therefore, the function that 2we2 want to 1000
minimize
1000 is
2
r2 2
r
2000
苷苷
2
Area 2{πr@} Area (2πr)h r
Therefore,
Therefore,
thethe
function
function
that
that
wewe
want
want
to to
minimize
minimize
is
FIGURE 4 To find the critical numbers, we differentiate:
2000
2000
A共r兲 苷苷
A共r兲 22r2 r2000
2
 4共 r
Area
Area
2{πr@}
2{πr@} Area
Area
(2πr)h
(2πr)h A 共r兲 苷 4 r
2 苷r r
r
FIGURE
FIGURE
4 4 ToTo
find
find
thethe
critical
critical
numbers,
numbers,
wewedifferentiate:
differentiate:
y Then A 共r兲 苷 0 when  r 3 苷 500, so the only critical
Since the domain of A is 共0, 兲, we2000
can’t
2000 the
use 4共 4共a
A 共r兲
cerning endpoints. But 共r兲
Awe 4observe
苷can
苷 4r

r
that 苷苷 0
2 2A 共r兲
3 r r
 physical situations.
which gives x 苷 600. The maxim
number or at an endpoint of the in
4.3. OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS and A共1200兲 苷 0, the Closed
113 Inte
A共600兲 苷 720,000.
[Alternatively, we could have o
2
A = 2πr + 2πrh always concave downward and th
maximum.]
To eliminate h we use the fact that the volume is given as 1 L which we take to be 1000 cm3 . the
Thus, Thusrectangular field sho

πr2 h = 1000 EXAMPLE 2 A cylindrical can is to

that will minimize the cost of the
which gives
1000 SOLUTION Draw the diagram as in F
h= .
(πr2 )h (both in centimeters). In order to
Substitution of this into the expression for Agives total surface area of the cylinder (
the sides are made from a rectang
 
2
A = 2πr + 2πr
1000
r = 2πr2 +
2000
.
surface area is
πr2 r A
FIGURE is
Therefore, the function that we want to minimize 3
To eliminate h we use the fact
2000 2πr be 1000 cm3. Thus
A(r) = 2πr2 + r > 0.
r r

To find the critical numbers, we differentiate which gives h 苷 1000兾共 r 2 兲. Sub

2000 4(πr3 − 500) h
A0 (r) = 4πr −
r2
=
r2 A 苷 2 r 2 
q
Then A0 (r) = 0 when πr3 = 500. So the only critical number is r = 3 500 Therefore, the function that we w
π . Since the domain of A is (0, ∞) we can’t
q
use the argument of previous example concerning endpoints. But we can observe that A0 (r) < 0 for r < 3 500 π and
q A共r兲 苷
A0 (r) > 0 for r > 3 500 Area 2{πr@} Area (2πr)h
π , so A is decreasing for all r to the left of the critical number and increasing for all r to the
q
right. Thus, r = 3 500 FIGURE 4 To find the critical numbers, we d
π must give rise to an absolute minimum. Alternatively, we could argue that A(r) → ∞
as r → 0+ and A(r) → ∞ as r → ∞, so there q must be a minimum value of A(r) which must occur at the critical
number. The value of h corresponding to r = 3 500
π
A 共r兲 苷 4

y Then A 共r兲 苷 0 when  r 3 苷 500,

Since the domain of A is 共0,
cerning endpoints. But we can ob
1000 y=A(r) for r  s3
500兾, so A is decreasi
increasing for all r to the right. T
minimum.
[Alternatively, we could argue
so there must be a minimum valu
0 r
10 See Figure 5.]
The value of h corresponding t
FIGURE 5
1000 1000
r
3 500
1000
h= = =2 = 2r. h苷 苷
▲2 In theπ(500/π)
πr Applied 2/3
Project on page
π 318 r 2
we investigate the most economical
shape for a can by taking into account
q Thus, to minimize the cost of the
Thus, to minimize the cost of the can, the radius should be 3 500 cm and the height should be equal to twice the
other manufacturing costs.
π height should be equal to twice th
radius, namely, the diameter.
 absolute minimum value o

114 CHAPTER 4. APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

NOTE 2 An alternative method
●

differentiation. Let’s look at Exam

the same equations
First Derivative Test for Absolute Extreme Values A 苷 2 r 2
Suppose that c is a critical number of a continuous function f defined on an interval. but instead of eliminating h, we
to r:
(a) If f 0 (x) > 0 for all x < c and f 0 (x) < 0 for all x > c, then f (c) is the absolute maximum value of f .
A 苷 4 r  2h
(b) If f 0 (x) < 0 for all x < c and f 0 (x) > 0 for all x > c, then f (c) is the absolute minimum value of f .
The minimum occurs at a critical
Example 29. equations

2r  h 
Find the point on the parabola y 2 = 2x that is closest to the point (1, 4).
and subtraction gives 2r
h 苷 0

EXAMPLE 3 Find the point on the

Solution. y SOLUTION The distance between th

(1, 4)
¥=2x d苷

The distance between the point (x, y) and the point (See Figure 6.) But if 共x, y兲 lies o
(x, y) for d becomes
(1, 4) is 1 But
d苷s
p
d = (x − 1)2 + (y − 4)2 . 0 1 2 3 4 x

(Alternatively, we could have sub

Instead of minimizing d, we mini

if, (x, y) lies on the parabola, then x = y 2 /2 so the expression for dbecomes d 2 苷 f 共y
FIGURE 6
s 2 (You should convince yourself th
1 2 the minimum of d 2, but d 2 is easi
d= y −1 + (y − 4)2 .
2
f 共y兲 苷 2( 12 y
√
(Alternatively, we could have substituted y = 2x to get d in terms of x alone.) Instead of minimizing
so f 共y兲 苷 d, 0we
when y 苷 2. Observ
minimize its square:
2 y  2 , so by the First Derivative
when y 苷 2. (O

1 minimum occurs
d2 = f (y) = y 2 − 1 + (y − 4)2 .
2
(You should convince yourself that the minimum of d occurs at the same point as the minimum of d2 , but d2 is
easier to work with.) Differentiating, we obtain
 
1 2
f 0 (y) = 2 y − 1 y + 2(y − 4) = y 3 − 8
2

so f 0 (y) = 0 when y = 2. Observe that f 0 (y) < 0 when y < 2 and f 0 (y) > 0 when y > 2. So by the First Derivative
Test for Absolute Extreme Values, the absolute minimum occurs when y = 2. (Or we could simply say that because
of the geometric nature of the problem, it’s obvious that there is a closest point but not a farthest point.) The
corresponding value of x is x = y 2 /2 = 2. Thus, the point on y 2 = 2x closest to (1, 4) is (2, 2).
4.3. OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS 115

Example 30.
312 ■ CHAPTER 4 APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION
Find the area of the largest rectangle that can be inscribed in a semicircle of radius r.

EXAMPLE 5 Find the area of the largest

of radius r.
Solution. Let’s take the semicircle to be the upper half of the circle x2 + y 2 = r2 with center the origin. Then the
Resources / Module 5 SOLUTION 1 Let’s take the semicircle to b
word inscribed means that the rectangle has two/ Max
vertices on the semicircle and two vertices on the x-axis as shown
and Min
with center the origin. Then the word i
in Figure. Let (x, y) be the vertex that lies in the /first
Start of Max and MinThen th rectangle has sides of lengths 2x and y,
quadrant.
vertices on the semicircle and two verti
y Let 共x, y兲 be the vertex that lies in th
of lengths 2x and y, so its area is
A

(x, y) To eliminate y we use the fact that 共x, y

2x y y 苷 sr 2
x 2. Thus
A苷
_r 0 r x
The domain of this function is 0  x 
so its area is FIGURE 9
A = 2xy. A 苷 2 sr 2
x 2

√
To eliminate y we use the fact that (x, y) lies on the circle x2 + y 2 = r2 and so y = r2 − x2 . Thus
which is 0 when 2x 2 苷 r 2, that is, x 苷
p maximum value of A since A共0兲 苷 0 a
A = 2x r2 − x2 .
inscribed rectangle is
The domain of this function is 0 ≤ x ≤ r. Its derivative is
p
A0 = 2 r 2 − x 2 − √
2x2 2(r2 − 2x2 )
= √
A 冉 冊
r
s2
苷2

r 2 − x2 r 2 − x2
SOLUTION 2 A simpler solution is possibl
√
gives abemaximum
which is 0 when 2x2 = r2 , that is, x = r/ 2 (since x ≥ 0). this value of x Let the anglevalue
shownof in Figure 10.
A since
A(0) = 0 and A(r) = 0. Therefore, the area of the largest inscribed
r rectangle is
rN¨ A共 兲 苷 共2r cos  兲共r sin 

We know that sin 2 has a maximum v

r
r ¨ 2 r2
 
r
A √ = 2√ r − = r2 .
2 2 2 A共 兲 has a maximum value of r 2 and it
r Ł¨
Notice that this trigonometric solutio
FIGURE 10 didn’t need to use calculus at all.

4.6 Exercises ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1. Consider the following problem: Find two numbers whose alway

sum is 23 and whose product is a maximum. estima
(a) Make a table of values, like the following one, so that (b) Use c
the sum of the numbers in the first two columns is your a

First number Second number Product 2. Find two

uct is a m
1 22 22
2 21 42 3. Find two
3 20 60 sum is a m
. . .
. . . 4. Find a po
. . .
its recipro