Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals3h 25m
5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives
Intro to Extrema
Problem 4.1.41
Textbook Question
Locating critical points Find the critical points of the following functions. Assume a is a nonzero constant.
ƒ(t) = 1/5 t⁵ - a⁴t

1
Start by finding the derivative of the function ƒ(t) = (1/5)t⁵ - a⁴t with respect to t. Use the power rule for differentiation.
Set the derivative equal to zero to find the critical points. This means solving the equation ƒ'(t) = 0.
Factor the resulting equation if possible to simplify the process of finding the roots.
Solve for t to find the values of t that correspond to the critical points.
Verify the nature of the critical points by using the second derivative test or analyzing the sign of the first derivative around the critical points.
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
4mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Watch next
Master Finding Extrema Graphically with a bite sized video explanation from Callie
Start learning