What are the critical values, if any, of f(x)=x^3 + 6x^2 − 135xf(x)=x3+6x2135x?

1 Answer
Nov 19, 2015

-99 and 55.

Explanation:

A critical number for a function ff, is a number in the domain of ff at which either the derivative of ff is 00 or it fails to exist.

For f(x)=x^3 + 6x^2 − 135xf(x)=x3+6x2135x, the domain is (-oo,oo)(,) and

f'(x) = 3x^2+12x-136.

This f'(x) exists for all numbers.

f'(x)=0 at -9 and at 5, both of which are in the domain of f, so both are critical numbers for f.

To solve f'(x)=0, use the quadratic formula or factor:

3x^2+12x-136 = 3(x^2+4x-45) = 3(x+9)(x-5)