How do you find the critical numbers for 9x^3 - 25x^2 to determine the maximum and minimum?

1 Answer
Mar 10, 2018

x=0 & x=50/27

Explanation:

Critical points = Where the derivative equals zero

If f(x)=9x^3-25x^2

then f'(x)=27x^2-50x by the Power Rule

Equate it to zero: 27x^2-50x=0

This is a quadratic equation with c=0 so if we divide x from both sides we get:

x(27x-50)=0

27x-50=0 Don't forget! Since we divided by x, x=0 is also a critical point.

Add 50 to both sides.

27x=50

Divide by 27 from both sides.

x=50/27