Question

Consider the function f(x)=x^4-4x^3-x^2+12x-2
1. Find the coordinates of the local maximum
2. Find the coordinates of the local minimum
3. Find the coordinates of the minimum of this graph.

Answer 1

To find a local max or local min....take the first derivative of this function...then set that = 0...the values you get are critical points.

then find the second derivative...and plug those critical points into that equation....if the result is >0 then you have a positive concavity which will show you a local MIN

if the result is <0 then you have a negative concavity which will show you a local MAX

Answer 2

can i ask how to find the first derivative and second derivative?

Answer 3

Have you learned about derivatives??

Answer 4

nope

Answer 5

@Jhannybean anyway to do this WITHOUT derivatives??

Answer 6

not sure...

Answer 7

The only way I can think of to do this...is via Calculus...

If this is what level of math you are / will be in...then you should definitely read up about Derivatives @Mktlymb

http://www.themathpage.com/aCalc/rules.htm

is a pretty good link

Answer 8

im taking pre calculus honors. Okay I'll try to figure out by reading that site. Thanks

Answer 9

@jim_thompson5910 I saw you were on....do you know any other ways of approaching this?

Answer 10

the only other way is to use a calculator, but it's odd how Mktlymb hasn't learned about derivatives yet

Answer 11

if you have a TI calculator, they have min/max features in the graph mode which will help you find the local min/max

Answer 12

Thanks @jim_thompson5910 !

Answer 13

yw