Maximum, Minimum, and Applications

Maximum or minimum [3]. (a) Determine whether the following function [/(x)] presents a maximum or a minimum, (b) What is the value of x that maximizes or minimizes they(x) function  

As suggested in the warm-up example, we will first plot a graph to find the shape of the curve and a tentative solution. Then we will use the Solver tool to confirm the graphic solution or get a more accurate solution. 

According to the graphical solution,/(x) presents a minimum value for x = 1.25. 

As explained in the warm-up example, we first choose a cell for v (D9) and assign it a value of 0. Then we write the function in cell G9. Now click on Data and then Solver. In the Solver tool box we set the objective function (G9), choose minimum, Min, then in By Changing Variable Cells, we select D9 and finally click on Solve to get (Fig. 11.26) 

Showing the same result as was obtained with the graphical solution, x = 1.25 and/(x) = —0.25. 

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