Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1 Professor: Dr. Jenny C.

Cano

MODULE 7
APPLICATIONS OF DERIVATIVES
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. SOLVE THE RELATIVE MAXIMA, RELATIVE MINIMA, AND POINTS OF
INFLECTION USING THE FIRST AND SECOND DERIVATIVE TESTS.
2. DETERMINE IF A FUNCTION IS CONCAVE UPWARD OR DOWNWARD ON
AN INTERVAL.
3. SOLVE WORD PROBLEMS INVOLVING MAXIMA AND MINIMA.
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

RELATIVE EXTREMA
Relative extrema are the relative maximum
and relative minimum of the function 𝑓. They
occur at 𝑥 in the graph of 𝑓 where 𝑓 has
horizontal tangent line at 𝑥.
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

FIRST DERIVATIVE TEST

(i) If 𝑓 is increasing 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 > 0 on some interval on the left of 𝑥0 with 𝑥0 as endpoint of this
interval, and if 𝑓 is decreasing 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 < 0 on some interval on the right of 𝑥0 with 𝑥0 as
endpoint of this interval, then 𝑓 has a relative maximum at 𝑥0 if it is continuous there.
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

FIRST DERIVATIVE TEST

(ii) If 𝑓 is decreasing 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 < 0 on some interval on the left of 𝑥0 with 𝑥0 as endpoint of this
interval, and if 𝑓 is increasing 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 > 0 on some interval on the right of 𝑥0 with 𝑥0 as endpoint of
this interval, then 𝑓 has a relative minimum at 𝑥0 if it is continuous there.
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

RELATIVE VS. ABSOLUTE

Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

FINDING RELATIVE EXTREMA

USING FIRST DERIVATIVE TEST
Consider the example in previous module:

Note, 𝑓 is increasing on the left of 𝑥 = 1 and decreasing on its right.

Thus, 𝑓 has a relative maximum at 𝑥 = 1
Specifically, 𝑓 1 = 2(1)3 −12 1 2 + 18 1 + 2 = 10 is the relative maximum value of 𝑓 and hence,
the relative maximum point is (1,10).
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

FINDING RELATIVE EXTREMA

USING FIRST DERIVATIVE TEST
Consider the previous example:

Also, 𝑓 is decreasing on the left of 𝑥 = 3 and increasing on its right.

Thus, 𝑓 has a relative minimum at 𝑥 = 3.
Specifically, 𝑓 3 = 2(3)3 −12 3 2 + 18 3 + 2 = 2 is the relative minimum value of 𝑓 and hence,
the relative minimum point is (3, 2).
EXERCISE 1

What is the relative maximum value of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 + 2?

Answer: 4
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

CONCAVITY TEST & POINT OF INFLECTION

A point 𝑥0 , 𝑓 𝑥0 on a curve is point of

inflection if 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥0 = 0 at that point and if
the graph is concave upward on one side of
𝑥0 and concave downward on the other side.
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

CONCAVITY TEST & POINT OF INFLECTION

Consider the example in the previous module:

So, 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 12𝑥 − 24.

Next, find the point of inflection by setting 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 0 and solve for 𝑥.

So, 12𝑥 − 24 = 0 → 𝑥 = 2
Then,
𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 18𝑥 + 2 → 𝑓 2 = 2 2 3 − 12 2 2 + 18 2 + 2 = 6
Hence, the point of inflection is (2, 6).
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

CONCAVITY TEST & POINT OF INFLECTION

Note: 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 18𝑥 + 2 and 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 12𝑥 − 24

Interval Test Point Sign of 𝒇′′ (𝒙) Conclusion

(−∞, 2) 0 − 𝑓 is concave
downward
(2, ∞) 3 + 𝑓 is concave
upward
EXERCISE 2

What is the point of inflection of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 + 2?

Answer: (0, 2)
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

SECOND DERIVATIVE TEST

FOR RELATIVE EXTREMA

Assume that 𝑓 has a second derivative (𝑓 ′′ is continuous), and that 𝑥0 is a critical value of 𝑓
(𝑓 ′ 𝑥0 = 0). Then,
(i) If 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥0 < 0, then 𝑓 has a relative maximum at 𝑥0 .
(ii) If 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥0 > 0, then 𝑓 has a relative minimum at 𝑥0 .
(iii) If 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥0 = 0, then the test fails.
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

DISCUSS THE RELATIVE EXTREMA, POINTS OF INFLECTION, AND

INTERVALS WHERE 𝒇 IS CONCAVE UPWARD, CONCAVE DOWNWARD,
INCREASING OR DECREASING.

𝑥 4 −6𝑥 2
Given function: 𝑓 𝑥 =
4
Solution:
𝑥 4 − 6𝑥 2
𝑓 𝑥 = → 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 → 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 3
4
3
The critical values are 𝑥 − 3𝑥 = 0 → 𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 3 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = − 3.
By the Second Derivative Test,
𝑓 ′′ 0 < 0 implies that 𝑥 = 0 corresponds to relative maximum, and
𝑓 ′′ 3 > 0 & 𝑓 ′′ − 3 > 0 imply that 𝑥 = 3 and 𝑥 = − 3 correspond to relative minimum.
Hence, the relative maximum value of 𝑓 is 𝑓 0 = 0 and the relative minimum value of 𝑓 is
( 3)4 −6( 3)2 (− 3)4 −6(− 3)2 9
𝑓 3 = =𝑓 − 3 = =− .
4 4 4
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

DISCUSS THE RELATIVE EXTREMA, POINTS OF INFLECTION, AND

INTERVALS WHERE 𝒇 IS CONCAVE UPWARD, CONCAVE DOWNWARD,
INCREASING OR DECREASING.

𝑥 4 −6𝑥 2
Given function: 𝑓 𝑥 =
4
Solution:
𝑥 4 − 6𝑥 2
𝑓 𝑥 = → 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 → 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 3
4
3
The critical values are 𝑥 − 3𝑥 = 0 → 𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 3 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = − 3.
For the points of inflection,
3𝑥 2 − 3 = 0 → 𝑥 = 1 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −1
Now,
1−6 5
𝑓 1 = 𝑓(−1) = =−
4 4
5 5
So, 1, − 4 & −1, − 4 are the points of inflection.
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

DISCUSS THE RELATIVE EXTREMA, POINTS OF INFLECTION, AND

INTERVALS WHERE 𝒇 IS CONCAVE UPWARD, CONCAVE DOWNWARD,
INCREASING OR DECREASING.

𝑥 4 −6𝑥 2
Given function: 𝑓 𝑥 =
4

Solution:
Since the critical values are 0, 3 & − 3, use the intervals

−∞, − 3 , − 3, 0 , 0, 3 , & 3, ∞ for test of increasing and decreasing.

From the second derivative, 𝑥 = 1 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −1.

So, we use the intervals −∞, −1 , −1, 1 , & (1, ∞) for concavity test.
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

DISCUSS THE RELATIVE EXTREMA, POINTS OF INFLECTION, AND

INTERVALS WHERE 𝒇 IS CONCAVE UPWARD, CONCAVE DOWNWARD,
INCREASING OR DECREASING.

𝑥 4 −6𝑥 2
Given function: 𝑓 𝑥 = Note: 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 & 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 − 3
4
Solution: Interval Test Point Sign of 𝒇′ (𝒙) Sign of 𝒇′′ (𝒙) Conclusion
−∞, − 3 −2 − 𝑓 is decreasing
− 3, 0 −1 + 𝑓 is increasing
0, 3 1 − 𝑓 is decreasing
3, ∞ 2 + 𝑓 is increasing
−∞, −1 −2 + 𝑓 is concave upward
−1, 1 0 − 𝑓 is concave downward
(1, ∞) 2 + 𝑓 is concave upward
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

36 − 2𝑥 24 − 2𝑥 𝑥 ≥ 0

So, the domain is the intersection of 36 − 2𝑥 ≥ 0, 24 − 2𝑥 ≥ 0, and 𝑥 ≥ 0.

Hence, Domain = [0, 12].
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

2
𝑉 10 − 2 7 = 4(10 − 2 7)3 −120 10 − 2 7 + 864 10 − 2 7
= 1,825.2966 𝑖𝑛3
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

A window with a semicircular top and a rectangular bottom will be built. If there are 12 meters of
framing materials available, what should be the dimensions of the window that will let in the most light?
Solution:
Step 1: Let 𝑟 be the radius of the semicircular top and let ℎ be the height of the rectangular bottom.
Recall the formulas of the areas of a semicircle and a rectangle.
1 2
𝐴𝑠𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒 = 𝜋𝑟
2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 2𝑟ℎ
So, the sum of the areas is
1
𝐴𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤 = 𝜋𝑟 2 + 2𝑟ℎ
2
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

A window with a semicircular top and a rectangular bottom will be built. If there are 12 meters of
framing materials available, what should be the dimensions of the window that will let in the most light?
Solution:
Step 2: We will solve for ℎ in terms of 𝑟 so that 𝐴𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤 is a function of area in terms of radius.
Since 12 meters of framing materials are available, we use the perimeter and get
12 = 2𝑟 + 2ℎ + 𝜋𝑟
Thus,
1
ℎ = 6 − 𝑟 − 𝜋𝑟
2
Substituting to 𝐴𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤 , we have
1 2 1 2
1 2
𝐴𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤 = 𝐴 𝑟 = 𝜋𝑟 + 2𝑟 6 − 𝑟 − 𝜋𝑟 = 12𝑟 − 2𝑟 − 𝜋𝑟
2 2 2
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

A window with a semicircular top and a rectangular bottom will be built. If there are 12 meters of
framing materials available, what should be the dimensions of the window that will let in the most light?
Solution:
1
Step 3: Since 𝐴 𝑟 = 12𝑟 − 2𝑟 2 − 2 𝜋𝑟 2 , we get 𝐴′ 𝑟 = 12 − 4𝑟 − 𝜋𝑟.
Then, solving for the critical value by solving 𝐴′ 𝑟 = 0, we get
12
𝑟=
4+𝜋
′′
Now, 𝐴 𝑟 = −4 − 𝜋 < 0.
This implies that the function 𝐴(𝑟) is concave downward.
12
So, 𝐴(𝑟) is maximum at the critical value 𝑟 = 4+𝜋 meters.
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

APPLICATION OF MAXIMA AND MINIMA

A window with a semicircular top and a rectangular bottom will be built. If there are 12 meters of
framing materials available, what should be the dimensions of the window that will let in the most light?
Solution:
12 1
Step 4: Substitute 𝑟 = 4+𝜋 meters into the equation ℎ = 6 − 𝑟 − 2 𝜋𝑟 to find height ℎ.
Thus,
12 1 12 12
ℎ =6− − 𝜋 =
4+𝜋 2 4+𝜋 4+𝜋

Step 5: Therefore, the window will let in the most light when
𝟏𝟐
𝒓 = 𝒉 = 𝟒+𝝅 meters
Now, it’s your turn!
Saint Paul University Surigao Calculus 1

SOLVE THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS:

1. What is the relative maximum value of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 + 3)?
2. What is the relative minimum value of 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 + 5?
3. What is the point of inflection of 𝑓 𝑥 = (𝑥 + 2)3 ?
𝑥3
4. What is the interval for which 𝑓 𝑥 = − 3𝑥 is concave upward?
4

5. What are the dimensions of the rectangular lot that can be enclosed using 1,000
meters of fencing material and whose area is as large as possible?
6. A box will be built by cutting equal squares from the corners and turning up the sides
of a square piece of cardboard. Find the volume of the largest box that may be
created when the area of the cardboard is 81 square inches.