# Functions

• Sep 16th 2010, 06:45 PM
dvmasaka
Functions
Maximum and minimum value of the function f(x)=1/2x^3-x^2
on the interval: -1 ≤x ≤1
• Sep 16th 2010, 07:06 PM
acevipa
What function are you talking about?

$f(x)=\frac{1}{2x^3-x^2}$ or $f(x)=\frac{1}{2x^3}-x^2$
• Sep 16th 2010, 09:47 PM
dvmasaka
I am talking about the function

0.5 of x^3 - x^2
• Sep 16th 2010, 09:57 PM
pickslides
Quote:

Originally Posted by dvmasaka
I am talking about the function

0.5 of x^3 - x^2

This really didn't help.

$0.5\times (x^3 - x^2)$ or $(x^3 - x^2)^{0.5}$ or $\frac{1}{2 (x^3 - x^2)}$ or ....
• Sep 17th 2010, 01:11 AM
HallsofIvy
I am going to assume you mean (1/2)x^3- x^2 just because it is simplest. Your notation is still ambiguous.

Now, what have you learned about this? Do you know this theorem: "A function takes on it maximum and minimum values on an interval in one these places:
1) at the endpoints of the interval
2) where the derivative does not exist
3) where the derivative is 0.

If I have the right function, it is a polynomial and its derivative always exists. Can you find the derivative?