Math Problem Statement

function of g(x)=x(cubed)-4x(squared)

Solution

The given function is:

g(x)=x34x2g(x) = x^3 - 4x^2

Analyzing the Function:

  1. Type of Function: This is a cubic function because the highest degree of xx is 3.

  2. General Behavior:

    • As xx \to \infty, g(x)g(x) \to \infty.
    • As xx \to -\infty, g(x)g(x) \to -\infty.
  3. Zeros of the Function: To find the zeros, set g(x)=0g(x) = 0: x34x2=0x^3 - 4x^2 = 0 Factor out x2x^2: x2(x4)=0x^2(x - 4) = 0 This gives two solutions:

    • x=0x = 0
    • x=4x = 4
  4. Critical Points and Local Extrema: To find the critical points, take the derivative of g(x)g(x): g(x)=3x28xg'(x) = 3x^2 - 8x Set g(x)=0g'(x) = 0 to find the critical points: 3x28x=03x^2 - 8x = 0 Factor out xx: x(3x8)=0x(3x - 8) = 0 This gives:

    • x=0x = 0
    • x=83x = \frac{8}{3}

    These are the critical points. To determine if they are minima or maxima, use the second derivative test.

  5. Second Derivative: The second derivative is: g(x)=6x8g''(x) = 6x - 8 Evaluate at the critical points:

    • g(0)=6(0)8=8g''(0) = 6(0) - 8 = -8 (Negative, so x=0x = 0 is a local maximum)
    • g(83)=6(83)8=168=8g''\left(\frac{8}{3}\right) = 6\left(\frac{8}{3}\right) - 8 = 16 - 8 = 8 (Positive, so x=83x = \frac{8}{3} is a local minimum)

Summary:

  • Zeros: x=0x = 0 and x=4x = 4
  • Local Maximum: At x=0x = 0
  • Local Minimum: At x=83x = \frac{8}{3}

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 relative questions:

  1. What is the behavior of the function as xx \to \infty and xx \to -\infty?
  2. How would you find the inflection points of g(x)g(x)?
  3. Can you graph this function based on its critical points and zeros?
  4. How does the cubic term x3x^3 influence the shape of the graph?
  5. What is the significance of the second derivative test in determining local extrema?

Tip: Understanding how to derive and analyze critical points is key in sketching and interpreting the behavior of cubic functions.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Cubic Functions
Critical Points
Second Derivative Test

Formulas

g(x) = x^3 - 4x^2
g'(x) = 3x^2 - 8x
g''(x) = 6x - 8

Theorems

Factorization Theorem
Second Derivative Test

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (Pre-Calculus/Calculus)