STATIONARY POINTS. EXERCISES
Analysis
 

EXERCISE 1

1) Study the stationary points of the function f(x)=x4-2x3+1
  • Find f'(x) and solve the equation: f'(x)=0

  • Find f''(x) and its value for the solutions of f'(x)=0

  • If f''(x) also has a value of zero for any of the values obtained then find f'''

The graph of y=f'(x) is drawn in the window.

  • Where does f'(x) cut the X-axis?

Change the value of the "derivative" in the top part of the window. The graphs of the derivative indicated (2 for f '', 3 for f ''' etc) will then be drawn.

  • Note the value of successive derivatives when f'(x)=0

The graph of y=f(x) will appear as you change the value of x in the window for you to check your results.

 

EXERCISE 2

2) Study the stationary points of the function  f(x)=x4ex
  • Find f'(x) and solve the equation: f'(x)=0

  • Find f''(x) and its value for the solutions of f'(x)=0

  • If f''(x) also has a value of zero for any of the values obtained then find f''' and, if necessary, any successive derivatives.

Change the value of the "derivative" to 1,2,3 etc, as explained above. The graphs of the relavant derivatives will be drawn for you to solve the exercise graphically.

  • Where does f'(x) cut the X-axis?

  • Note the value of successive derivatives when f'(x)=0

The graph of y=f(x) will appear as you change the value of x in the window for you to check your results.


     
       
  María José García Cebrian
 
Spanish Ministry of Education. Year 2001
 
 

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