How do you find the critical points for f(x) = x - 3ln(x) and the local max and min?

1 Answer
Oct 20, 2016

(3,3-3ln3)

Explanation:

f(x) = x - 3lnx

Differentiating wrt x:
f'(x)=1-3/x

Differentiating again wrt x:
f''(x) = -3/x^2(-1) = 3/x^2, (>0 AA x in RR)

At critical points, f'(x) = 0 => 1-3/x = 0
:. 3/x = 1
x = 3

f(3) = 3-3ln3
f''(3) >0

Hence, there is one critical point (3,3-3ln3) which is a minimum.

graph{x-3lnx [-10, 10, -5, 5]}