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Multiple Choice
Find the critical points of the given function. f(x)=2−x2
A
x=0
B
x=0,x=2,x=−2
C
x=0,x=2
D
No critical points
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Recall that critical points occur where the derivative of the function is either zero or undefined. Start by finding the derivative of the given function f(x) = √(2 - x²).
Step 2: Use the chain rule to differentiate f(x). The derivative of √(2 - x²) is (1/2)(2 - x²)^(-1/2) multiplied by the derivative of the inner function (2 - x²), which is -2x.
Step 3: Simplify the derivative. The result is f'(x) = -x / √(2 - x²).
Step 4: Set the derivative equal to zero to find where the slope of the tangent line is zero. Solve -x / √(2 - x²) = 0. This occurs when x = 0.
Step 5: Determine where the derivative is undefined. The derivative is undefined when the denominator √(2 - x²) = 0, which happens when 2 - x² = 0. Solve for x to find x = ±√2. Therefore, the critical points are x = 0, x = √2, and x = -√2.