MODULE 5

M A XI M A A N D M I N I M A

C U RV E S K E TC H I N G

L’ H O P I TA L’ S R U L E

N E WTO N ’ S M E TH O D
MODULE 5
M A XI M A A N D M I N I M A
 INCREASING AND DECREASING

Let 𝑓 be a function defined on some interval.

Then for any two numbers 𝑥! and 𝑥" in the
interval, 𝑓 is increasing on the interval if
Graphs a, b, and c are increasing functions
𝑓 𝑥! < 𝑓(𝑥" ) whenever 𝑥! < 𝑥" ,
Graphs d, e, and f are decreasing functions
and 𝑓 is decreasing on the interval if

𝑓 𝑥! > 𝑓(𝑥" ) whenever 𝑥! < 𝑥"

INCREASING AND DECREASING
Where is this function increasing? Where is it decreasing?

𝑓 is increasing 𝑓 is decreasing 𝑓 is increasing 𝑓 is decreasing

on −∞, −4 on −4,0 on 4,6 on 6, ∞

𝑓 is neither increasing
nor decreasing on 0,4
I N T E R M S O F TA N G E N T L I N E S

The slope of the tangent line will be positive when the cart moves uphill and 𝑓 is increasing

The slope of the tangent line will be negative when the cart moves downhill and 𝑓 is decreasing

The slope of the tangent line will be 0 at “peaks” and “valleys”

INTERVALS WHERE 𝒇 IS
INCREASING AND DECREASING
Suppose a function 𝑓 has a derivative at each point in an open interval.

1. If 𝑓 ! 𝑥 > 0 for each 𝑥 in the interval, then 𝑓 is increasing on the interval

2. If 𝑓 ! 𝑥 < 0 for each 𝑥 in the interval, then 𝑓 is decreasing on the interval
3. If 𝑓 ! 𝑥 = 0 for each 𝑥 in the interval, then 𝑓 is constant on the interval*

*Note: The 3rd condition must be true for each 𝑥 in the interval, not a single point

The slope of the tangent line tells us whether the function is increasing, decreasing, or zero.

𝑚 > 0 ⟹ increasing
𝑚 < 0 ⟹ decreasing
𝑚 = 0 ⟹ constant*
CRITICAL NUMBERS
The derivative 𝑓′(𝑥) can only change signs from positive to negative (or negative
to positive) at points where 𝑓 ! 𝑥 = 0 and at points where 𝑓′(𝑥) does not exist

The critical numbers for a function 𝑓 are those numbers 𝑐 in the domain of 𝑓 for which 𝑓 ! 𝑐 = 0 or 𝑓′(𝑐) does not exist.

A critical point is a point whose 𝑥-coordinate is the critical number 𝑐 and whose 𝑦-coordinate is 𝑓(𝑐)
 Find the intervals where the following function is increasing or decreasing
and locate all points where the tangent line is horizontal. Graph the function.

𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 # + 3𝑥 " − 9𝑥 + 4
Step 3: Graph the function

Plot critical points (−3,31) and (1, −1)

Also plot points for the test values:
−4,24 , 0,4 , and (2,6)
Step 1: Find all critical numbers
Step 2: Create a number line indicating Use the information about where the
critical numbers and choose test points function is increasing and decreasing
𝑓 $ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 " + 6𝑥 − 9
Note: The sign of 𝑓′ can only change
3𝑥 " + 6𝑥 − 9 = 0 signs at critical numbers, so we only
need to test one point on each interval
3 𝑥 " + 2𝑥 − 3 = 0

3 𝑥+3 𝑥−1 =0

𝑥 = −3 or 𝑥=1

The tangent line is horizontal at (−3, 31) and (1, −1)

These x-values determine three intervals

to test the sign of the derivative:
𝑓 is increasing on −∞, −3 and 1, ∞
−∞, −3 , −3,1 , and 1, ∞
𝑓 is decreasing on −3,1
 EXAMPLE
The percent of concentration of a drug in the bloodstream 𝑡 hours after the drug is administered is given by

4𝑡
𝐾 𝑡 =
3𝑡 " + 27

for 𝑡 ≥ 0. On what time intervals is the concentration of the drug increasing? On what intervals is it decreasing?

4 3𝑡 " + 27 − 4𝑡(6𝑡) 108 − 12𝑡 " = 0

𝐾$ 𝑡 = 12 9 − 𝑡 " = 0
3𝑡 " + 27 "

12𝑡 " + 108 − 24𝑡 " 12 3 + 𝑡 3 − 𝑡 = 0

=
3𝑡 " + 27 "
𝑡 = ±3 but 𝑡 ≥ 0, so 𝑡 = 3
108 − 12𝑡 "
= Choose a test point in (0, 3) and (3, ∞)
3𝑡 " + 27 "
If 𝑡 = 2, then 𝐾 $ 𝑡 > 0 so 𝐾 is increasing on (0, 3)
Denominator is never 0. Set the
numerator equal to 0 and solve. If 𝑡 = 4, then 𝐾 $ 𝑡 < 0 so 𝐾 is decreasing on (3, ∞)

The concentration of the drug is increasing for the first 3 hours then decreases after that
 M OT I VAT I O N F O R R E L AT I V E
EXTREMA
Suppose that the manufacturer of a product would like to find the best time within a 30-second commercial to present the name of the product.
After extensive experimentation, the research group has determined the function to represent the percent of full attention that a viewer devotes to
the commercial is given by

𝑓 𝑡 = −0.15𝑡 " + 6𝑡 + 20, 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 30

where 𝑓 represents the percent of viewer’s attention and 𝑡 is time in seconds

The goal is to find the time at which the viewer’s attention is at a maximum

Consider 𝑓 $ 𝑡 = −0.3𝑡 + 6

𝑓 $ 𝑡 > 0 when
𝑓 $ 𝑡 < 0 when
−0.3𝑡 + 6 > 0
−0.3𝑡 + 6 < 0
−0.3𝑡 > −6
𝑡 > 20
𝑡 < 20

Positive derivative for 𝑡 < 20 implies 𝑓 Negative derivative for 𝑡 > 20 implies
is increasing for the first 20 seconds 𝑓 is decreasing after 20 seconds

This suggests the product name should be announced at 20 seconds into the
commercial. At that time, the viewer will devote 𝑓 20 = 80% of their attention
R E L AT I V E E X T R E M A
Let 𝑐 be a number in the domain of a function 𝑓. Then 𝑓(𝑐) is a relative (or
local) maximum for 𝑓 if there exists an open interval (𝑎, 𝑏) containing 𝑐 such
that

𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 𝑓(𝑐)

for all 𝑥 in (𝑎, 𝑏)

Likewise, 𝑓(𝑐) is a relative (or local) minimum for 𝑓 if there exists an open
interval (𝑎, 𝑏) containing 𝑐 such that

𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 𝑓(𝑐)

for all 𝑥 in (𝑎, 𝑏)

If 𝑐 is an endpoint of the domain of 𝑓, we only consider the half-open interval that is in the domain
1 ST D E R I V AT I V E T E S T
Suppose all critical numbers have been found for some function 𝑓

How is it possible to tell from the equation of the function whether these
critical numbers produce relative maxima, relative minima, or neither?

The graph shows tangent lines to the left of a relative maximum have
positive slopes and to the right they have negative slopes

Similarly, the slopes of the tangent lines to the left of a relative

minimum are negative and positive to the right

First Derivative Test

Let 𝑐 be a critical number for a function 𝑓. Suppose that 𝑓 is continuous on (𝑎, 𝑏) and differentiable on
(𝑎, 𝑏) except possibly at 𝑐, and that 𝑐 is the only critical number for 𝑓 on (𝑎, 𝑏).

1. 𝑓(𝑐) is a relative maximum of 𝑓 if 𝑓 $ 𝑥 > 0 on the interval (𝑎, 𝑐) and 𝑓 $ 𝑥 < 0 on the interval (𝑐, 𝑏).
2. 𝑓(𝑐) is a relative minimum of 𝑓 if 𝑓 $ 𝑥 < 0 on the interval (𝑎, 𝑐) and 𝑓 $ 𝑥 > 0 on the interval (𝑐, 𝑏).
EXAMPLE
Find all relative extrema for the following function as well as where the function is increasing and decreasing

𝑓 𝑥 = 6𝑥 "⁄# − 4𝑥
According to the 1st derivative test, 𝑓 has a relative
4 minimum at 𝑥 = 0 and a relative maximum at 𝑥 = 1
𝑓 $ 𝑥 = 4𝑥 &!⁄# − 4 = −4
𝑥 !⁄#
𝑓 is increasing on the interval (0, 1)
The derivative does not exist at 𝑥 = 0, and is decreasing on the intervals
so 0 is a critical number (−∞, 0) and 1, ∞

4
−4=0
𝑥 !⁄#

4
=4
𝑥 !⁄#

4 = 4𝑥 !⁄#
1 = 𝑥 !⁄#
1=𝑥

Test points in the intervals −∞, 0 , 0, 1 , and 1, ∞

ABSOLUTE EXTREMA
Let 𝑓 be a function defined on some interval. Let 𝑐 be a number in the interval. Then 𝑓(𝑐) is the absolute maximum of 𝑓 on the
interval if 𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 𝑓(𝑐) for all 𝑥 in the interval and 𝑓(𝑐) is the absolute minimum of 𝑓 on the interval if 𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 𝑓(𝑐) for all 𝑥 in the interval

𝑓 𝑥! = absolute maximum 𝑓 𝑥! = absolute minimum 𝑓 𝑥! = relative minimum

𝑓 𝑥" = absolute minimum 𝑓 𝑥" = absolute maximum 𝑓 𝑥" = relative maximum
𝑓 𝑥# = relative maximum 𝑓 𝑥# = absolute minimum
𝑓 𝑥' = absolute maximum
𝑓 𝑥( = relative minimum
 EXTREME VALUE THEOREM
A function 𝑓 that is continuous on a closed interval [𝑎, 𝑏] will have both an absolute maximum and an absolute minimum on the interval

Finding Absolute Extrema

To find absolute extrema for a function 𝑓 on a closed interval [𝑎, 𝑏]:

1. Find all critical numbers for 𝑓 in (𝑎, 𝑏)

2. Evaluate 𝑓 for all critical numbers in (𝑎, 𝑏)
3. Evaluate 𝑓 at the end points 𝑎 and 𝑏
4. The largest value found in step 2 or 3 is the absolute maximum for 𝑓 on [𝑎, 𝑏] and the smallest value found is the absolute minimum for 𝑓 on [𝑎, 𝑏]

The miles per gallon of a certain car at a speed of 𝑥 mph can be modeled by 2
𝑀$ 𝑥 = − 𝑥+2
45
1 "
𝑀 𝑥 =− 𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 20, 30 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 65 2
45 − 𝑥+2=0
45
Find the absolute maximum and absolute minimum miles per gallon and the
speeds at which they occur 𝑥 = 45

𝑀 30 = 20
The absolute minimum is 16.1 mpg, which occurs at 65 mph
𝑀 45 = 25
The absolute maximum is 25 mpg, which occurs at 45 mph
𝑀 65 ≈ 16.1
 MEAN VALUE THEOREM
Let 𝑓 be continuous on the closed interval [𝑎, 𝑏] and differentiable over the
Given a function that is continuous on the closed interval and
open interval (𝑎, 𝑏). Then, there exists at least one number 𝑐 in (𝑎, 𝑏) such that
differentiable on the open interval, we can find a number in the
open interval where the slope of the tangent at that number is
𝑓 𝑏 − 𝑓(𝑎)
𝑓$ 𝑐 = equal to the slope of the secant line connecting the endpoints.
𝑏−𝑎

𝑓 5 − 𝑓(0) 0 − 400
Suppose an object is dropped from a height of 400 ft. Its position at 𝑠)*+ = = = −80
5−0 5
𝑡 seconds is 𝑠 𝑡 = −16𝑡 " + 400, for 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 5. Find the time 𝑡 when
the instantaneous velocity of the object equals its average velocity. We need to find 𝑡 such that 𝑠 $ 𝑡 = −32𝑡 = −80
Note: 𝑓 is continuous and differentiable everywhere −32𝑡 = −80
𝑡 = 2.5

Rolle’s Theorem

Let 𝑓 be continuous on the closed interval [𝑎, 𝑏] and differentiable over the open interval (𝑎, 𝑏) 𝑓 is continuous and differentiable everywhere.
such that 𝑓 𝑎 = 𝑓(𝑏). Then there exists at least one number 𝑐 in (𝑎, 𝑏) such that 𝑓 $ 𝑐 = 0.
𝑓 1 = −12 = 𝑓(3)

Verify that 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 " − 8𝑥 − 6 satisfies the conditions of Rolle’s Theorem 𝑓 $ 𝑥 = 4𝑥 − 8

on the interval [1,3] and find all points 𝑐 guaranteed by Rolle’s Theorem. 4𝑥 − 8 = 0
𝑥=2
MODULE 5
C U RV E S K E TC H I N G
CONCAVITY OF A GRAPH

A function is concave upward on an interval

(𝑎, 𝑏) if the graph of the function lies above
its tangent line at each point of (𝑎, 𝑏)

A function is concave downward on an

interval (𝑎, 𝑏) if the graph of the function lies
below its tangent line at each point of (𝑎, 𝑏)

An inflection point is where the graph changes concavity

TEST FOR CONCAVITY
Let 𝑓 be a function such that the derivatives 𝑓′ and 𝑓′′ exist at all points in an interval (𝑎, 𝑏). Then 𝑓 is concave
upward on (𝑎, 𝑏) if 𝑓 $$ 𝑥 > 0 for all 𝑥 in (𝑎, 𝑏) and concave downward on (𝑎, 𝑏) if 𝑓 $$ 𝑥 < 0 for all 𝑥 in (𝑎, 𝑏).

Find all intervals where 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 ' − 8𝑥 # + 18𝑥 " is concave upward or downward and find all inflection points.

𝑓 $ 𝑥 = 4𝑥 # − 24𝑥 " + 36𝑥

𝑓 $$ 𝑥 = 12𝑥 " − 48𝑥 + 36

12𝑥 " − 48𝑥 + 36 = 0

12 𝑥 " − 4𝑥 + 3 = 0

12 𝑥 − 1 𝑥 − 3 = 0
𝑓 is concave upward on (−∞, 1) and (3, ∞) and concave downward on (1, 3)
𝑥 = 1 or 𝑥 = 3
𝑓′′ changes sign at 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = 3 𝑓 1 = 11 and 𝑓 3 = 27
Test points on the intervals −∞, 1 , 1, 3 , and (3, ∞)
Inflection points are (1, 11) and (3, 27)
2 ND D E R I VAT I V E T E S T

Let 𝑓′′ exist on some open interval containing 𝑐, (except possibly at 𝑐 itself) and let 𝑓 $ 𝑐 = 0.

1. If 𝑓 $$ 𝑐 > 0, then 𝑓(𝑐) is a relative minimum.

2. If 𝑓 $$ 𝑐 < 0, then 𝑓(𝑐) is a relative maximum.
3. If 𝑓 $$ 𝑐 = 0 or does not exist, then the test gives no information, so the 1st derivative test
should be used.
 ASYMPTOTES
Horizontal asymptotes

If lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝐿 or lim 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝐿, the line 𝑦 = 𝐿 is a horizontal asymptote of 𝑓 Vertical asymptotes

,→. ,→&.

These will occur in a rational function at points

where the denominator (but not the numerator) is
Determine the horizontal asymptote, if any, of the function zero

2𝑥 " + 1
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥"
Oblique asymptotes
1
2+ " 1
lim 𝑥 = lim 2 + " = 2 These occur in a rational function when the
,→. 1 ,→. 𝑥
degree of the numerator is larger than the degree
of the denominator
1
2+ 1
lim 𝑥 " = lim 2+ =2
,→&. 1 ,→&. 𝑥"

𝑦 = 2 is a horizontal asymptote
 CURVE SKETCHING
,! /!
Graph 𝑓 𝑥 =
,

Step 1: Determine the domain Step 3: Determine any asymptotes Step 4: Investigate symmetry

The only restriction is 𝑥 ≠ 0, so the domain is Horizontal asymptotes (none):

−∞, 0 ∪ 0, ∞ 𝑓 −𝑥 ≠ 𝑓(𝑥) so 𝑓 is not symmetric
Limits at −∞ and ∞ become about the y-axis.
very large in magnitude
𝑓 −𝑥 = −𝑓(𝑥) so 𝑓 is symmetric
Step 2: Determine intercepts about the origin
Vertical asymptotes:
Since 𝑥 = 0 is not in the domain, there is no y-intercept.
The vertical line 𝑥 = 0 is a vertical asymptote
If 𝑦 = 0, then
𝑥" + 1 Oblique asymptotes:
=0
𝑥
1
𝑥 " = −1 𝑓 𝑥 =𝑥+ ≈𝑥
𝑥
but 𝑥 " > 0, so there is no x-intercept for very large values of 𝑥. The line 𝑦 = 𝑥 is an
oblique asymptote
CURVE SKETCHING
,! /!
Graph 𝑓 𝑥 =
,

Step 5: Find 𝑓′(𝑥) and critical points. Note where 𝑓′(𝑥)

does not exist, but 𝑓(𝑥) does. Find relative extrema and
determine where 𝑓 is increasing and decreasing.

1
𝑓$ 𝑥 = 1 −
𝑥"

1
1− =0
𝑥"

𝑥" = 1 By the 1st derivative test, 𝑓 has a relative maximum of 𝑓 −1 = −2

𝑥" − 1 = 0 when 𝑥 = −1 and a relative minimum of 𝑓 1 = 2 when 𝑥 = 1
𝑥+1 𝑥−1 =0

𝑥 = −1 or 𝑥 = 1

Critical numbers are 𝑥 = −1, 0, and 1

 CURVE SKETCHING
,! /!
Graph 𝑓 𝑥 =
,

Step 6: Find 𝑓′′(𝑥) and locate potential inflection points

and determine where 𝑓′′(𝑥) does not exist. Determine
where 𝑓 is concave upward or concave downward

2
𝑓 $$ 𝑥 =
𝑥#

which is never equal to 0 and does not exist when 𝑥 = 0

𝑓 $$ 𝑥 < 0 when 𝑥 < 0, so 𝑓 is concave downward on −∞, 0

𝑓 $$ 𝑥 > 0 when 𝑥 > 0, so 𝑓 is concave upward on 0, ∞

There may be a change of concavity, but not an
inflection point when 𝑥 = 0 since 𝑓(0) is not defined
CURVE SKETCHING
,! /!
Graph 𝑓 𝑥 =
,

Summary:

* The domain of 𝑓 is (−∞, 0) ∪ (0, ∞)

* No intercepts
* Asymptotes are the lines 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦 = 𝑥
* Symmetric about the origin
* Critical points are (−1, −2) and (1, 2)
* 𝑓 is increasing on (−∞, −1) and (1, ∞) and decreasing on (−1,0) and (0, 1)
* 𝑓 has a relative maximum at (−1, −2) and relative minimum at (1, 2)
* 𝑓 is concave downward on −∞, 0 and concave upward on (0, ∞)

Step 7: Plot important points and asymptotes

Step 8: Connect points with a smooth curve using the correct concavity

Step 9: Check with technology

MODULE 5
L’ H O P I TA L’ S R U L E
I N D E T E R M I N A T E F O R M 𝟎 ⁄𝟎
Suppose we wish to analyze the behavior of the function
ln 𝑥
𝐹 𝑥 =
𝑥−1
If we are interested in how 𝐹 behaves near 1, we would want to calculate the value of the limit
ln 𝑥
lim
"→$ 𝑥 − 1

We cannot apply the limit law for quotients since the limit of the denominator is 0. The limit does exist, but the value is not
obvious since both the numerator and denominator approach 0 and 0⁄0 is not defined.

In general, if we have a limit of the form

𝑓(𝑥)
lim
"→% 𝑔(𝑥)

where both 𝑓(𝑥) → 0 and 𝑔(𝑥) → 0 as 𝑥 → 𝑎, then this limit may or may not exist and is called an indeterminate form of type 0⁄0.
I N D E T E R M I N A T E F O R M ∞ ⁄∞
Another possibility in which the value of a limit may not be obvious would occur when we look for a horizontal asymptote of 𝐹
and need to evaluate
ln 𝑥
lim
"→& 𝑥 − 1

Both the numerator and the denominator become large as 𝑥 → ∞.

In general, if we have a limit of the form

𝑓(𝑥)
lim
"→% 𝑔(𝑥)

where both 𝑓(𝑥) → ∞ (or −∞) and 𝑔(𝑥) → ∞ (or −∞), then this limit may or may not exist and is called an indeterminate form of
type ∞⁄∞.
L’ H O P I TA L’ S R U L E
Suppose 𝑓 and 𝑔 are differentiable and 𝑔′(𝑥) ≠ 0 near 𝑎 (except possibly at 𝑎). Suppose that

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 0

"→% "→%

or that lim 𝑓(𝑥) = ±∞ and lim 𝑔(𝑥) = ±∞

"→% "→%

In particular, we have an indeterminate form of type 0⁄0 or ∞⁄∞.

Then
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓′(𝑥)
lim = lim
"→% 𝑔(𝑥) "→% 𝑔′(𝑥)

if the limit on the right side exists (or is ±∞)

EXAMPLE
Calculate
ln 𝑥
lim
"→$ 𝑥 − 1

Since

lim ln 𝑥 = 0 and lim 𝑥 − 1 = 0

"→$ "→$

we can apply L’Hopital’s Rule:

𝑑
ln 𝑥 (ln 𝑥) 1⁄𝑥 1
lim = lim 𝑑𝑥 = lim = lim = 1
"→$ 𝑥 − 1 "→$ 𝑑 "→$ 1 "→$ 𝑥
(𝑥 − 1)
𝑑𝑥
EXAMPLE
Calculate
𝑒"
lim
"→& 𝑥 '

Since

lim 𝑒 " = ∞ and lim 𝑥 ' = ∞

"→& "→&

we can apply L’Hopital’s Rule (twice):

𝑑 "
𝑒" (𝑒 ) 𝑒" 𝑒"
lim = lim 𝑑𝑥 = lim = lim =∞
"→& 𝑥 ' "→& 𝑑 ' "→& 2𝑥 "→& 2
(𝑥 )
𝑑𝑥
MODULE 5
N E WTO N ’ S M E TH O D
M OT I VAT I O N
Suppose we want to solve 𝑓 𝑥 = 0 where 𝑓 is a polynomial.

If the degree of the polynomial is high enough, common formulas will not work.

One approach is to use Newton’s Method:

1. Begin with an initial estimate, say 𝑥( .

2. Sketch the tangent line to 𝑓 at 𝑥( .

3. If 𝑓(𝑥( ) ≠ 0, then this tangent line intersects the 𝑥-axis at some point, say (𝑥$ , 0).

4. Now let 𝑥$ be the next approximation to the actual root and sketch the tangent line at 𝑥$ , 𝑓(𝑥$ ) .

5. If 𝑓(𝑥$ ) ≠ 0, then this tangent line intersects the 𝑥-axis at some point 𝑥' , 0 .

6. Now let 𝑥' be the next approximation and continue the process.
NEWTON’S METHOD
The equation of the tangent line at 𝑥( is given by:
𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥( + 𝑓′(𝑥( )(𝑥 − 𝑥( )

Therefore, 𝑥$ must satisfy

𝑓 𝑥( + 𝑓 ! 𝑥( 𝑥$ − 𝑥( = 0

Solving this for 𝑥$ , we have

𝑓(𝑥( )
𝑥$ = 𝑥( −
𝑓′(𝑥( )

Similarly
𝑓(𝑥$ )
𝑥' = 𝑥$ −
𝑓′(𝑥$ )
In general
𝑓 𝑥)*$
𝑥) = 𝑥)*$ −
𝑓′ 𝑥)*$
EXAMPLE
!
Use Newton’s Method to find 2 correct to eight decimal places.
!
Notice finding 2 is equivalent to finding the positive root of the equation 𝑥 + − 2 = 0, so we let 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 + − 2.

Then 𝑓 ! 𝑥 = 6𝑥 , and the general formula for Newton’s Method is

+
𝑥)*$ −2
𝑥) = 𝑥)*$ − ,
6𝑥)*$

If we choose 𝑥( = 1 as the initial approximation, we have

𝑥$ ≈ 1.16666667
𝑥' ≈ 1.12644368
𝑥- ≈ 1.12249707
𝑥. ≈ 1.12246205
𝑥, ≈ 1.12246205
!
Since 𝑥. and 𝑥, agree to eight decimal places, we conclude that 2 ≈ 1.12246205.
QUESTIONS?