Math Problem Statement

Consider the function f(x) = 10x^3 + 30x^2 - 240x + 30. Find all values for which the derivative of f is zero.

Solution

Let's solve the given problem from your photo.

The function is:

f(x)=10x3+30x2240x+30f(x) = 10x^3 + 30x^2 - 240x + 30

The question asks to find the values of xx where the derivative of f(x)f(x) is zero, i.e., we need to solve f(x)=0f'(x) = 0.

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

To find f(x)f'(x), differentiate f(x)f(x) with respect to xx:

f(x)=ddx(10x3)+ddx(30x2)ddx(240x)+ddx(30)f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx}(10x^3) + \frac{d}{dx}(30x^2) - \frac{d}{dx} (240x) + \frac{d}{dx}(30)

This gives:

f(x)=30x2+60x240f'(x) = 30x^2 + 60x - 240

Step 2: Set the derivative equal to zero

Now, we solve the equation:

30x2+60x240=030x^2 + 60x - 240 = 0

Step 3: Simplify the equation

Divide the entire equation by 30 to simplify:

x2+2x8=0x^2 + 2x - 8 = 0

Step 4: Solve the quadratic equation

Use the quadratic formula:

x=b±b24ac2ax = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

Here, a=1a = 1, b=2b = 2, and c=8c = -8. Substituting these into the formula:

x=2±224(1)(8)2(1)x = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{2^2 - 4(1)(-8)}}{2(1)} x=2±4+322x = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{4 + 32}}{2} x=2±362x = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{36}}{2} x=2±62x = \frac{-2 \pm 6}{2}

So, the two solutions are:

x=2+62=2orx=262=4x = \frac{-2 + 6}{2} = 2 \quad \text{or} \quad x = \frac{-2 - 6}{2} = -4

Step 5: Final answer

The values of xx where the derivative is zero are:

x=2,4x = 2, -4

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Related questions:

  1. How can we verify if x=2x = 2 and x=4x = -4 are indeed the critical points?
  2. What is the significance of the second derivative in determining whether these points are maxima, minima, or points of inflection?
  3. How do we solve higher-order polynomial derivatives?
  4. Could you explain how the quadratic formula works in different cases, such as when the discriminant is negative?
  5. How do we factor quadratic equations without using the quadratic formula?

Tip: Always simplify equations before applying methods like the quadratic formula for easier calculations!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Calculus
Derivatives
Quadratic Equations

Formulas

Derivative of a polynomial: d/dx [ax^n] = n*ax^(n-1)
Quadratic equation: ax^2 + bx + c = 0
Quadratic formula: x = [-b ± sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)] / 2a

Theorems

Power rule for differentiation
Quadratic formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 11-12 (Calculus)