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Will the function \( f(x)=\frac{12 x^{3}}{x^{2}-5 \dot{x}} \) be changing more rapidly at \( x=1 \). or \( x=-4 \) ? Why? Use the paperclip button below to attach files.

Ask by Washington Reese. in the United States
Jan 25,2025

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Answer

The function \( f(x) = \frac{12x^{3}}{x^{2} - 5x} \) changes more rapidly at \( x = -4 \) than at \( x = 1 \) because the derivative at \( x = -4 \) is larger in magnitude.

Solution

To determine whether the function \( f(x) = \frac{12x^{3}}{x^{2} - 5x} \) is changing more rapidly at \( x = 1 \) or \( x = -4 \), we'll analyze its rate of change by computing its derivative and evaluating it at these points. ### Step 1: Simplify the Function First, simplify the denominator: \[ f(x) = \frac{12x^{3}}{x^{2} - 5x} = \frac{12x^{3}}{x(x - 5)} \] ### Step 2: Compute the Derivative We'll use the quotient rule for differentiation, which states: \[ \frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{u}{v}\right) = \frac{u'v - uv'}{v^2} \] Let \( u = 12x^{3} \) and \( v = x^{2} - 5x \). Then: \[ u' = 36x^{2} \] \[ v' = 2x - 5 \] Applying the quotient rule: \[ f'(x) = \frac{36x^{2}(x^{2} - 5x) - 12x^{3}(2x - 5)}{(x^{2} - 5x)^2} \] Simplify the numerator: \[ 36x^{2}(x^{2} - 5x) = 36x^{4} - 180x^{3} \] \[ 12x^{3}(2x - 5) = 24x^{4} - 60x^{3} \] Subtracting the second part from the first: \[ 36x^{4} - 180x^{3} - (24x^{4} - 60x^{3}) = 12x^{4} - 120x^{3} \] Factor out common terms: \[ 12x^{3}(x - 10) \] So, the derivative simplifies to: \[ f'(x) = \frac{12x^{3}(x - 10)}{(x(x - 5))^2} = \frac{12x(x - 10)}{(x - 5)^2} \] ### Step 3: Evaluate the Derivative at \( x = 1 \) and \( x = -4 \) **At \( x = 1 \):** \[ f'(1) = \frac{12 \times 1 \times (1 - 10)}{(1 - 5)^2} = \frac{12 \times (-9)}{16} = \frac{-108}{16} = -6.75 \] **At \( x = -4 \):** \[ f'(-4) = \frac{12 \times (-4) \times (-4 - 10)}{(-4 - 5)^2} = \frac{12 \times (-4) \times (-14)}{81} = \frac{672}{81} \approx 8.296 \] ### Step 4: Compare the Rates of Change - **At \( x = 1 \):** The derivative is **-6.75**. - **At \( x = -4 \):** The derivative is approximately **8.296**. Since the **magnitude** of the derivative at \( x = -4 \) (approximately 8.296) is greater than that at \( x = 1 \) (6.75), the function \( f(x) \) is **changing more rapidly at \( x = -4 \)**. ### Conclusion The function \( f(x) = \frac{12x^{3}}{x^{2} - 5x} \) is changing more rapidly at \( x = -4 \) compared to \( x = 1 \) because the absolute value of the derivative at \( x = -4 \) is greater than at \( x = 1 \).

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Extra Insights

To determine how rapidly the function \( f(x)=\frac{12 x^{3}}{x^{2}-5 x} \) is changing at \( x=1 \) and \( x=-4 \), we need to analyze the derivative \( f'(x) \). The rate of change of the function is indicated by the absolute value of the derivative. First, let's find the first derivative using the quotient rule. After simplifying, we can evaluate \( f'(1) \) and \( f'(-4) \) to discover which point corresponds to a greater rate of change. Generally, the function's growth rate is often correlated with the magnitude of its slope; hence, by comparing \( |f'(1)| \) and \( |f'(-4)| \), we can conclude which point exhibits a steeper inclination. Next, for a detailed exploration, you might consider graphing the function or utilizing numerical computation tools to visualize the behavior of \( f(x) \) around these points—it's like watching a thrilling race, with colorful curves showing their speed! The derivative evaluations will reveal the secret of which point truly zips along faster. Enjoy the mathematics ride!

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