Problems on Maxima and Minima

In most cases, you will need to draw a diagram:

1. Introduce the two variables from which the function is to be formed.

Examples

1. An enclosure is to be built adjoining a barn, as in the diagram. The walls of the barn meet at 135°, and
117 metres of fencing is available for the enclosure, so that 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 117 where 𝑥 and 𝑦 are as shown in
the diagram.

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(i) Show that the shaded area of the enclosure in square metres is given by 𝐴 = 117𝑥 − 2 𝑥 2
(ii) Show that the largest area of the enclosure occurs when 𝑦 = 2𝑥.

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2. An open rectangular box is to be made by cutting square corners out of a square piece of cardboard
60cm × 60cm and folding up the sides.
What is the maximum volume of the box and what are its dimensions then?

60 cm

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3. Find the dimensions of a cylindrical can of greatest volume that can be made from 600𝜋cm2 of sheet
metal.

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4. The cost 𝐶, in dollars per hour, of running a boat depends on the speed 𝑉 km/h of the boat according to
the formula 𝐶 = 500 + 40𝑉 + 5𝑉 2 . On a trip from port 𝐴 to port 𝐵, what speed will minimise the total
cost of the trip.

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5. A surfboard is in the shape of a rectangle and semicircle, as shown. The perimeter is to be 4 m.
Find the maximum area of the surfboard, correct to 2 decimal places.

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6. Two cars are travelling along roads that intersect at right angles to one another. One starts
200 km away and travels towards the intersection at 80 km/h while the other starts at 120 km away
and travels towards the intersection at 60km/h.

a) Show that they distance apart after 𝑡 hours is given by

𝑑 2 = 10 000𝑡 2 − 46 400𝑡 + 54 400

b) Hence find the minimum distance apart.

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Primitive Functions

This section reverses the process of differentiation.

Consider the following:

𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 In all cases 𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 + 3
𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2 noting that the constant
𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5 terms disappears.

So, for any curve of the type 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 𝐶 where 𝐶 is a constant

𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 + 3

Therefore, in general the primitive of a function can be found by reversing the differentiation process and
introducing the constant 𝐶.

𝑑 𝑛+1
We know that (𝑥 ) = (𝑛 + 1)𝑥 𝑛
𝑑𝑥

Suppose 𝑛 ≠ −1
𝑑𝑦
So, if = 𝑥𝑛
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 𝑛+1
then 𝑦= +𝐶 for some constant 𝐶.
𝑛+1

Rule: Increase the index by 1 and divide by this new index and add a constant.

Examples

Find the primitive of:

(a) 𝑥3 + 𝑥2 + 𝑥 + 1

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(b) 5𝑥 3 + 7

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(c) Find primitives of (i) (ii) √𝑥
𝑥2

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We know that

𝑑
(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)𝑛+1 = 𝑎(𝑛 + 1)(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)𝑛
𝑑𝑥

so we can now reverse this process

Suppose 𝑛 ≠ −1

𝑑𝑦 (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)𝑛+1
If = (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)𝑛 then 𝑦 = +𝐶
𝑑𝑥 𝑎(𝑛 + 1)
for some constant 𝐶.

Rule: Increase the index by 1 and divide by the new index and by the coefficient of 𝑥 and add a constant.

Examples

1. Find primitives of

(a) (3𝑥 + 1)4

(b) (1 − 3𝑥)6

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 1
(c)
(𝑥 + 1)2

(d) √𝑥 + 1

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Applications of the Primitive Function

Example

1. The gradient function of a curve is 3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 1 and the curve passes through the point (2, 13). Find the
equation of the curve.

𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
2. Find the equation of the curve 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) given that 2 = 6 + 2𝑥 and when 𝑥 = 2, = 20.
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Also, when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 2.

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3. Given that 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = (2𝑥 − 1)2 , and 𝑓(0) = 𝑓(1) = 0, find 𝑓(2).

4. Sketch the primitive function (the original function) given the derivative function below.

𝑥1 𝑥2 𝑥

𝑥2 𝑥
𝑥1

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