Question

local minimum of x^4-5x^2+4

Answer 1

Giving you an Energetic and Warm Welcome to Open Study ............. Sir/Ma'am @shelbbss

Answer 2

@shelbbss: Why don't we begin with a simpler example?

How would you go about applying calculus (derivatives) to determine the coordinates of the local minimum of y=(x-1)^2? How would you show, using the 2nd derivative, that you actually do have alocal minimum at that point?

show your work here, please.

Answer 3

Show your Working Ma'am @shelbbss

Answer 4

To help you get started, @shelbbss,

1) Find the first derivative of y=(x-1)^2.
2) Find the second derivative.
3) What do we do with the first derivative to determine the critical value?
4) How do we use the 2nd derivative to determine whether the concavity of the graph is upward or downward at that critical value?
5) Supposing that the concavity were downward: what would that tell you about the critical point?

Answer 5

hey thanks but I figured it out!