Math Problem Statement

If f(x) = x^3 - 1.5x^2 - 6x + 20, find analytically all values of x for which f'(x) = 0.

Solution

We are given the function:

f(x)=x31.5x26x+20f(x) = x^3 - 1.5x^2 - 6x + 20

We need to find the values of xx where f(x)=0f'(x) = 0. Here's how we can proceed analytically:

Step 1: Find f(x)f'(x)

Differentiate the function with respect to xx:

f(x)=ddx(x31.5x26x+20)f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx}\left(x^3 - 1.5x^2 - 6x + 20\right)

Using the power rule for differentiation: f(x)=3x23x6f'(x) = 3x^2 - 3x - 6

Step 2: Set f(x)=0f'(x) = 0

We now set the derivative equal to zero and solve for xx:

3x23x6=03x^2 - 3x - 6 = 0

Divide through by 3 to simplify the equation:

x2x2=0x^2 - x - 2 = 0

Step 3: Solve the quadratic equation

Now solve the quadratic equation:

x2x2=0x^2 - x - 2 = 0

Factor the quadratic:

(x2)(x+1)=0(x - 2)(x + 1) = 0

This gives the solutions:

x=2orx=1x = 2 \quad \text{or} \quad x = -1

Final Answer:

The values of xx where f(x)=0f'(x) = 0 are x=1x = -1 and x=2x = 2, in increasing order.

Would you like any further details on the steps?

Here are five related questions to expand on this:

  1. How do you find the derivative of more complex functions like trigonometric or exponential ones?
  2. What is the geometric significance of finding where f(x)=0f'(x) = 0?
  3. Can every cubic function have exactly two real critical points?
  4. How does the power rule for differentiation generalize to polynomials of higher degree?
  5. What if the quadratic equation couldn't be factored? How would you solve it then?

Tip: For quadratics that don't factor easily, the quadratic formula b±b24ac2a\frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} is a reliable method to find the roots.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differentiation
Cubic Functions
Quadratic Equations

Formulas

Power rule for differentiation: d/dx(x^n) = nx^(n-1)
Quadratic formula: x = [-b ± sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)] / 2a

Theorems

Quadratic formula theorem
Factorization of quadratics

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12