Math Problem Statement

Suppose f is continuous on [-2, 2] and differentiable on (-2, 2) such that f(-2) = 5 and |f'(x)| ≤ 2 for all x in (-2, 2). What will be the largest possible value of f(2)?

Solution

The problem in the image reads:

Question 1 (a):

Suppose ff is continuous on [2,2][-2, 2] and differentiable on (2,2)(-2, 2) such that f(2)=5f(-2) = 5 and f(x)2|f'(x)| \leq 2 for all x(2,2)x \in (-2, 2). What will be the largest possible value of f(2)f(2)?


Solution Approach:

The problem uses information about the derivative f(x)f'(x), and asks for the largest possible value of f(2)f(2). This can be solved using differential inequalities and estimating the change in the function value based on the bound on f(x)|f'(x)|.

  1. We are given that f(x)2|f'(x)| \leq 2 for all xx in (2,2)(-2, 2). This means that the slope of the function (the rate of change) is bounded by 2. In other words, the function can increase or decrease by at most 2 units for each unit of change in xx.

  2. The function starts at f(2)=5f(-2) = 5. We need to find the largest possible value of f(2)f(2).

  3. Since the maximum rate of change of f(x)f(x) is 22, the most f(x)f(x) can increase as xx moves from 2-2 to 22 is 4×2=84 \times 2 = 8 units (as the distance between 2-2 and 22 is 4).

  4. Therefore, the largest possible value of f(2)f(2) is: f(2)=f(2)+8=5+8=13f(2) = f(-2) + 8 = 5 + 8 = 13

Thus, the largest possible value of f(2)f(2) is 13\boxed{13}.


Do you need more details or have any other questions?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What would the smallest possible value of f(2)f(2) be, given the same conditions?
  2. How would the solution change if the bound on f(x)|f'(x)| was reduced to 1 instead of 2?
  3. Why is the continuity and differentiability of ff on the given intervals important in this problem?
  4. Can you generalize this method to estimate the maximum value of a function if the bound on the derivative changes over the interval?
  5. How does this problem relate to the Mean Value Theorem?

Tip: Always look at the derivative constraints when estimating function values; they provide a clue about how fast or slow the function can change.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Differentiation
Differential Inequalities

Formulas

Maximum change in a function: Δf = f'(x) * Δx

Theorems

Mean Value Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Calculus