Math Problem Statement

For what value of x does the function f(x) = e^(x^4/4 + 10px) have a critical point?

Solution

The problem asks to find the value of xx for which the function f(x)=ex4/4+10pxf(x) = e^{x^4/4 + 10px} has a critical point, and the answer should include pp.

Step 1: Find the first derivative of f(x)f(x)

To locate critical points, we need to take the derivative of f(x)f(x) and set it equal to zero. First, differentiate the function f(x)f(x).

f(x)=ex4/4+10pxf(x) = e^{x^4/4 + 10px}

Using the chain rule, the derivative is:

f(x)=ex4/4+10pxddx(x44+10px)f'(x) = e^{x^4/4 + 10px} \cdot \frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{x^4}{4} + 10px\right)

Now differentiate the exponent x44+10px\frac{x^4}{4} + 10px:

ddx(x44+10px)=x3+10p\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{x^4}{4} + 10px\right) = x^3 + 10p

Thus, the first derivative becomes:

f(x)=ex4/4+10px(x3+10p)f'(x) = e^{x^4/4 + 10px} \cdot (x^3 + 10p)

Step 2: Set the derivative equal to zero

To find the critical points, set f(x)=0f'(x) = 0:

ex4/4+10px(x3+10p)=0e^{x^4/4 + 10px} \cdot (x^3 + 10p) = 0

Since the exponential function is never zero, we have:

x3+10p=0x^3 + 10p = 0

Step 3: Solve for xx

Solve the equation x3+10p=0x^3 + 10p = 0 for xx:

x3=10px^3 = -10p

x=10p3x = \sqrt[3]{-10p}

Final Answer:

The value of xx for which f(x)f(x) has a critical point is:

x=10p3x = \sqrt[3]{-10p}

Would you like more details or have any questions?


Here are 5 follow-up questions related to this problem:

  1. What is the significance of a critical point in the context of a function?
  2. How would you check if the critical point found is a maximum, minimum, or saddle point?
  3. How does the value of pp affect the location of the critical point?
  4. What happens to the critical point when p=0p = 0?
  5. How would the second derivative of f(x)f(x) help in analyzing the nature of the critical point?

Tip: To find whether the critical point is a maximum or minimum, use the second derivative test by checking the sign of f(x)f''(x) at the critical point.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivatives
Critical Points

Formulas

f'(x) = e^(x^4/4 + 10px) * (x^3 + 10p)
x^3 + 10p = 0

Theorems

First Derivative Test

Suitable Grade Level

College-level Calculus