MAXIMA AND MINIMA Derivative Tests

The derivative test helps to find the maxima and

Maxima and minima in calculus are found by using minima of any function. Usually, the first-order
the concept of derivatives. As we know, the derivative and second-order derivative tests are
concept of the derivatives gives us information used. Let us have a look in detail.
regarding the gradient/slope of the function, we
locate the points where the gradient is zero, and First Order Derivative Test
these points are called turning points/stationary Let f be the function defined in an open interval I.
points. These are points associated with the largest And f be continuous at critical point c in I such that
or smallest values (locally) of the function. f’(c) = 0.
1. If f’(x) changes sign from positive to negative as x
increases through point c, then c is the point of
Maxima and Minima Points local maxima, and the f(c) is the maximum value.
2. If f’(x) changes sign from negative to positive as x
The figure for the curve with stationary points is increases through point c, then c is the point of
shown below. Thus, it can be seen from the figure local minima, and the f(c) is the minimum value.
that before the slope becomes zero, it was 3. If f’(x) doesn’t change sign as x increases through
negative; after it gets zero, it becomes positive. It c, then c is neither a point of local nor a point of
can be said dy/dx is -ve before the stationary point local maxima. It will be called the point of
dy/dx is +ve after the stationary point. Hence, it can inflection.
be said that d2 y/dx2 is positive at the stationary
point shown below. Therefore, it can be said Second Derivative Test
wherever the double derivative is positive, it is the Let f be the function defined on an interval I, and it
point of minima. Vice versa, wherever the double is two times differentiable at c.
derivative is negative is the point of maxima on the i. x = c will be point of local maxima if f'(c) = 0
curve. This is also known as the second derivative and f”(c)<0. Then, f(c) will be having local
test. maximum value.
ii. x = c will be point of local minima if f'(c) = 0
and f”(c) > 0. Then, f(c) will be having local
minimum value.
iii. When both f'(c) = 0 and f”(c) = 0, the test
fails, and the first derivative test will give you
the value of local maxima and minima.

Properties of maxima and minima

1. If f(x) is a continuous function in its domain,
Let f be a function defined on an open interval I. then at least one maximum or one minimum
Let f be continuous at a critical point c in I. should lie between equal values of f(x).
If f'(x) does not change sign as x increases through 2. Maxima and minima occur alternately, i.e.,
c, then c is neither a point of local maxima nor a between two minima, there is one maxima
point of local minima. Such a point is called a point and vice versa.
of inflection. 3. If f(x) tends to infinity as x tends to a or b and
f’(x) = 0 only for one value x, i.e., c between
Stationary Points vs Turning Points a and b, then f(c) is the minimum and the
Stationary points are the points where the slope of least value. If f(x) tends to – ∞ as x tends to
the graph becomes zero. In other words, the a or b, then f(c) is the maximum and the
tangent of the function becomes horizontal, and highest value.
dy/dx = 0. All the stationary points, A, B and C, are
given in the figure shown below. And the points in Solved Examples on Maxima and Minima
which the function changes its path, if it was going Question 1: Find the turning points of the function y
upward; it will go downward and vice versa, i.e., = 4x3 + 12x2 + 12x + 10.
points A and B are turning points since the curve Answer: For turning points dy/dx = 0.
changes its path. But point C is not a turning point, dy/dx = 12x2 + 24x + 12 = 0
although the graph is flat for a short period of time => 3x2 + 6x + 3 = 0
but continues to go down from left to right. => (x + 1)(3x + 1) = 0
=> x= -1 and x = (-1)/3
Second derivative test:
At x = -1 :
d2 y/dx2 = 24x + 24 = 24(-1) + 24 = -24 + 24 = 0.
Hence x = -1 is the point of inflection, it is a non-
turning point.
At x = (-1)/3:
d2y/dx2 = 24x + 24 = 24((-1)/3) + 24 = -8 + 24 = 16.
Hence x = (-1)/3 is a point of minima, it is a turning
point.

Question 2: Find the local maxima and minima of

the function f(x) = 3x4 + 4x3 – 12x2 + 12.
Answer:
For stationary points, f'(x) = 0. ⇒ x = 6 or x = 1 are the possible points of minima or
f'(x)= 12x3 + 12x2 – 24x = 0 maxima.
=> 12x(x2 + x – 2) = 0 Let us test the function at each of these points.
=> 12x(x – 1)(x + 2) = 0 f’’(x) = 12x-42
=> Hence, x = 0, x = 1 and x = -2 At x = 1, f’’(1) = 12-42 = -30 <0
Second derivative test: Therefore x = 1 is a point of the local maximum.
f”(x) = 36x2 + 24x – 24 The maximum value is f(1) = 2-21+36-15 = 2
f”(x) = 12(3x2 + 2x – 2) At x= 6, f’’(x) = 12×6-42 = 30> 0
At x = -2 Therefore, x = 6 is a point of the local minimum.
f”(-2) = 12(3(-2)2 + 2(-2) – 2) = 12 (12 – 4 – 2) = 12(6) = The local minimum value is f(6) = 2(6)3-21(6)2+36(6)-
72 > 0 15
At x = 0 = 2×216-21×36+216-15
f”(0) = 12(3(0)2 + 2(0) – 2) = 12(-2) = -24 < 0 = 432-756+216-15 = -123
At x = 1
f”(1) = 12(3(1)2 + 2(1) – 2) = 12(3+2-2) = 12(3) = 36 > 0 WORDED PROBLEMS
Therefore, by the second derivative test, x=0 is the Steps in Solving the Maxima Minima Problems
point of local maxima, while x = -2 and x = 1 are the 1. Identify the variable to be maximized or
points of local minima. minimized
2. Express this variable in terms of the other
Question 3: Prove that the radius of the right circular relevant variable/s
cylinder of the greatest curved surface area, which 3. If the function shall consist of more than one
can be inscribed in a given cone, is half of that of variable expressed it in terms of one variable
the cone. using the conditions in the problem
Answer: 4. Differentiate and equate the derivative to
Let r and h be the radius and height of the right zero
circular cylinder inscribed in a given cone of radius Examples
R and height H. Let S be the curved surface area of 1. A rectangle field is to be fenced into four
the cylinder. equal parts. What is the size of the largest
S = 2πrh field that can be fenced this way with a
h = H(R – r)/R fencing length of 1500 feet if the division is
So S = 2πrH(R – r)/R to be parallel to one side?
= (2πH/R)(rR – r2) 2. A rectangular box having a square base
Differentiate w.r.t.r and open at the top is to have a capacity
dS/dr = (2πH/R)(R – 2r) of 16823 cc. Find the height of the box to
For maxima or minima, use at least amount of material.
dS/dr =0 3. Three sides of a trapezoid are each 8 m
=> (2πH/R)(R – 2r) = 0 long. How long is the 4th side, when the area
=> R – 2r = 0 of the trapezoid has the greatest value?
=> R = 2r 4. Divide 120 into two parts so that the product
=> r = R/2 of one and the square of the other is
d2S/dr2 = (2πH/R)(0 – 2) maximum. Find the numbers.
= -4πH/R (negative)
So, for r = R/2, S is the maximum. Maxima-Minima using Trigonometric Functions
1. A wall is 4m high is 3 m from a building. Find
Question 4: A stone is thrown in the air. Its height at
the length of the shortest ladder that will
any time t is given by h = -5t2+10t+4.
Find its maximum height. reach the building when one end rests on
Solution: the ground outside the wall.
Given h = -5t2+10t+4 2. A trapezoidal gutter is to be made from a
dh/dt = -10t+10 strop of metal 22 cm.wide by bending up
Now find when dh/dt = 0 the edges. If the base is 14 cm wide, what
dh/dt = 0 ⇒ -10t+10 = 0 width across the top gives the greatest
⇒ -10t = -10
carrying capacity?
t = 10/10 = 1
Height at t = 1 is given by h = -5×12+10×1+4 3. A weight W is dragged along the ground by
= -5+10+4 a force P. If the coefficient of friction is C.
=9 find the direction of P for minimum P.
Hence, the maximum height is 9 m. 4. A cow is tethered by a perfectly smooth
rope, a slip nose in the rope being thrown
over a large square post. If the cow pulls the
Question 5: Find the maxima and minima for f(x) =
rope taut in the direction shown in figure, at
2x3-21x2+36x-15
Solution: what angle will the rope leave the post?
We have f(x) = 2x3-21x2+36x-15
f’(x) = 6x2-42x+36
Now find the points where f’(x) = 0
f’(x) = 0 ⇒ 6x2-42x+36 = 0
⇒ x2-7x+6 = 0
⇒ (x-6)(x-1) = 0
Assignment
1. Find the maxima and minima for f(x) = 2x3-
21x2+36x-15
2. A gutter having a triangular cross section is
to be made by bending a strip of tin in
middle. Find the angle between the sides
when the carrying capacity is maximum.
3. A man in a motorboat at A receives a
message at noon calling him to B. A bus
making 40 kph leaves C bound for B at 1:00
PM. If AC is 30 km, what would be the speed
of the boat to enable the man to catch the
bus?