To analyze the function \( f(x) = \frac{1}{5}x^5 - \frac{5}{3}x^3 + 6x \), we can find its critical points, determine intervals of increase and decrease, and identify any local maxima or minima. Here's how you can approach it:
Step 1: Find the First Derivative
The first step is to find the derivative of the function, \( f'(x) \).
\[ f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{1}{5}x^5\right) - \frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{5}{3}x^3\right) + \frac{d}{dx}(6x) \]
\[ f'(x) = x^4 - 5x^2 + 6 \]
Step 2: Set the First Derivative to Zero
Next, set the first derivative equal to zero to find critical points.
\[ x^4 - 5x^2 + 6 = 0 \]
Let \( u = x^2 \), then the equation becomes:
\[ u^2 - 5u + 6 = 0 \]
Step 3: Factor or Use the Quadratic Formula
This factors to:
\[ (u - 2)(u - 3) = 0 \]
Thus, \( u = 2 \) or \( u = 3 \).
Now reverting back to \( x \):
\[ x^2 = 2 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = \pm\sqrt{2} \] \[ x^2 = 3 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = \pm\sqrt{3} \]
Step 4: Identify Intervals of Increase and Decrease
Now, we need to determine the sign of \( f'(x) \) in the intervals defined by our critical points \( -\sqrt{3}, -\sqrt{2}, \sqrt{2}, \sqrt{3} \).
Choose a test point from each interval:
- \( (-\infty, -\sqrt{3}) \)
- \( (-\sqrt{3}, -\sqrt{2}) \)
- \( (-\sqrt{2}, \sqrt{2}) \)
- \( (\sqrt{2}, \sqrt{3}) \)
- \( (\sqrt{3}, \infty) \)
Evaluate \( f'(x) \) for each test point in the intervals.
Step 5: Find Second Derivative (Optional for Concavity)
To determine the concavity and locate inflection points, find the second derivative \( f''(x) \):
\[ f''(x) = 4x^3 - 10x \]
Setting \( f''(x) = 0 \) helps find points of inflection:
\[ 4x(x^2 - \frac{5}{2}) = 0 \]
This yields:
- \( x = 0 \)
- \( x = \pm\sqrt{\frac{5}{2}} \)
Summary of Results
- Critical Points: \( x = \pm\sqrt{2}, \pm\sqrt{3} \)
- Local Maxima/Minima: Evaluate \( f(x) \) at critical points and use the first derivative test.
- Intervals of Increase/Decrease: Based on the sign of \( f'(x) \).
Further Analysis
You can proceed by calculating values at the critical points to determine local maxima and minima, plotting \( f(x) \), and examining the behavior at the endpoints if you're interested in global behavior.
