If the function f (x) = x^3 +3 (a-7)x^2+3 (a^2-9)x-1 has positive poin...
Finding the Range of a for a Positive Point of Maximum in f(x)
Understanding the Problem
We are given the function f(x) = x^3 - 3(a-7)x^2 + 3(a^2-9)x - 1 and we need to find the range of a for which the function has a positive point of maximum.
Understanding the Concept of Point of Maximum
Before we proceed with the solution, let's first understand what a point of maximum means. A point of maximum is a point on a function where the function attains its highest value. In other words, it is a point where the function changes from increasing to decreasing. Mathematically, a point of maximum can be found by taking the derivative of the function and setting it equal to zero.
Finding the Derivative of f(x)
Let's find the derivative of the function f(x) in order to find the points of maximum.
f(x) = x^3 - 3(a-7)x^2 + 3(a^2-9)x - 1
f'(x) = 3x^2 - 6(a-7)x + 3(a^2-9)
Setting f'(x) equal to zero, we get:
3x^2 - 6(a-7)x + 3(a^2-9) = 0
Simplifying this equation by dividing both sides by 3, we get:
x^2 - 2(a-7)x + (a^2-9) = 0
Finding the Discriminant
In order to find the range of a for which the function has a positive point of maximum, we need to find the discriminant of the above quadratic equation. The discriminant is given by:
b^2 - 4ac
where a, b, and c are the coefficients of the quadratic equation. In this case, a = 1, b = -2(a-7), and c = a^2-9.
Substituting these values in the formula for the discriminant, we get:
(-2(a-7))^2 - 4(1)(a^2-9)
Simplifying this expression, we get:
4a^2 - 56a + 199
Using the Discriminant to Find the Range of a
In order for the function to have a positive point of maximum, the discriminant must be greater than zero. So we need to solve the inequality:
4a^2 - 56a + 199 > 0
We can factorize this inequality as:
(2a - 17)(2a - 23) > 0
Solving this inequality, we get:
a < 8.5="" or="" a="" /> 11.5
Therefore, the range of a for which the function has a positive point of maximum is:
a ∈ (-∞, 8.5) ∪ (11.5, ∞)
Conclusion
In summary, we were given a function f(x) and we needed to find the range of a for which the function has a positive point of maximum. We found the derivative of the function, set it equal to