Math Problem Statement

Find the exact global maximum and minimum values of the function f(t) = 5t / (3 + t^2) if its domain is all real numbers.

Solution

Let's solve the given problem step-by-step.

Problem Recap:

We are asked to find the exact global maximum and minimum values for the function: f(t)=5t3+t2f(t) = \frac{5t}{3 + t^2} over all real numbers tt.


Step 1: Find the derivative f(t)f'(t)

We use the quotient rule for differentiation: ddt(u(t)v(t))=u(t)v(t)u(t)v(t)[v(t)]2\frac{d}{dt} \left( \frac{u(t)}{v(t)} \right) = \frac{u'(t) v(t) - u(t) v'(t)}{[v(t)]^2} where u(t)=5tu(t) = 5t and v(t)=3+t2v(t) = 3 + t^2.

  1. u(t)=5u'(t) = 5
  2. v(t)=2tv'(t) = 2t

Now, apply the quotient rule: f(t)=5(3+t2)5t(2t)(3+t2)2f'(t) = \frac{5(3 + t^2) - 5t(2t)}{(3 + t^2)^2} Simplify the numerator: 5(3+t2)10t2=15+5t210t2=155t25(3 + t^2) - 10t^2 = 15 + 5t^2 - 10t^2 = 15 - 5t^2 So: f(t)=155t2(3+t2)2f'(t) = \frac{15 - 5t^2}{(3 + t^2)^2}


Step 2: Find critical points by setting f(t)=0f'(t) = 0

We need to solve: 155t2=015 - 5t^2 = 0 5t2=15t2=3t=±35t^2 = 15 \quad \Rightarrow \quad t^2 = 3 \quad \Rightarrow \quad t = \pm \sqrt{3} So, the critical points are t=3t = \sqrt{3} and t=3t = -\sqrt{3}.


Step 3: Evaluate f(t)f(t) at the critical points and at the limits t±t \to \pm \infty

  1. At t=3t = \sqrt{3}: f(3)=533+(3)2=533+3=536f(\sqrt{3}) = \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{3 + (\sqrt{3})^2} = \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{3 + 3} = \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{6}

  2. At t=3t = -\sqrt{3}: f(3)=5(3)3+(3)2=536f(-\sqrt{3}) = \frac{5(-\sqrt{3})}{3 + (\sqrt{3})^2} = \frac{-5\sqrt{3}}{6}

  3. As t±t \to \pm \infty: limt±f(t)=limt±5t3+t2=0\lim_{t \to \pm \infty} f(t) = \lim_{t \to \pm \infty} \frac{5t}{3 + t^2} = 0 So, the function approaches 0 as tt grows very large or very small.


Step 4: Determine the global maximum and minimum

  • f(3)=536f(\sqrt{3}) = \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{6} is the global maximum.
  • f(3)=536f(-\sqrt{3}) = -\frac{5\sqrt{3}}{6} is the global minimum.

Final Answer

  • Global maximum at t=3t = \sqrt{3}: 536\frac{5\sqrt{3}}{6}.
  • Global minimum at t=3t = -\sqrt{3}: 536-\frac{5\sqrt{3}}{6}.

Do you have any further questions or need more details?

Here are five related questions to explore:

  1. How does the quotient rule for derivatives work?
  2. What is the significance of critical points in calculus?
  3. Why do we evaluate limits at tt \to \infty for global extrema?
  4. How do you know if a critical point is a maximum or minimum?
  5. Can the global extrema change if the domain is restricted?

Tip: To confirm extrema, you could also use the second derivative test.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivatives
Quotient Rule
Limits
Critical Points

Formulas

Quotient Rule for Derivatives: (u/v)' = (u'v - uv') / v^2

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Limits at Infinity

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or early college