Business Calculus - Math 1329 - Section 4.4 - Applications of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Doug Ray
6 Apr 202020:32
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThis video script delves into the application of exponential and logarithmic functions, focusing on the analysis of the function f(x) = x * e^(3x). The presenter explores the function's zeros, end behavior, and uses calculus to find extrema, which are applicable in real-world scenarios. The function's graph is characterized by its behavior at negative infinity and a horizontal asymptote at positive infinity. The derivative and second derivative are calculated to determine the function's increasing/decreasing nature and concavity, leading to the identification of a maximum and an inflection point. The script also addresses an optimization problem involving the present value of land, using continuous compound interest to determine the optimal time to sell for maximizing profit. The problem is solved using derivatives to find the critical point that represents the maximum present value, which is found to be after 100 years.

Takeaways
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ The function f(x) = x * e^(3x) has a zero at x = 0 and exhibits different end behaviors: it goes to negative infinity on the left and approaches 0 (horizontal asymptote) on the right.
  • ๐Ÿงฎ To analyze the end behavior of functions, take limits as x approaches positive and negative infinity, which can be evaluated using L'Hรดpital's rule for indeterminate forms.
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ The first derivative of f(x) = x * e^(-3x) is found by applying the product rule and can be factored to find critical points.
  • ๐Ÿ” Setting the first derivative equal to zero gives critical points which help determine intervals of increase or decrease.
  • โœ๏ธ A sign chart for the first derivative indicates that there is a maximum at x = 1/3 due to the change from positive to negative.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ The second derivative test is used to find points of inflection; setting the second derivative to zero and solving for x gives the inflection point at x = 2/3.
  • ๐Ÿ“š The concept of continuous compound interest is used to derive the present value function P(T) = V(T) * e^(-RT), where V(T) is the future value function and R is the interest rate.
  • ๐Ÿ’ก To maximize the present value of an asset, take the derivative of the present value function and find its critical points.
  • ๐Ÿ”ข For the land valuation problem, the critical point occurs at T = 100 years, indicating that Bob should sell the land after 100 years to maximize its present value.
  • ๐Ÿ“˜ A sign chart for the derivative of the present value function confirms that the critical point found is indeed a maximum.
  • ๐Ÿž The application of exponential and logarithmic functions along with calculus can be used to solve real-world problems, such as optimizing the sale time of an asset to maximize its present value.
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Understanding the behavior of complex functions through calculus helps in predicting and optimizing outcomes in various scenarios.
Q & A
  • What is the function f(x) discussed in the transcript?

    -The function f(x) discussed is f(x) = x * e^(3x).

  • What is the first step in analyzing the function f(x)?

    -The first step is to find the zeros of the function, which occurs when f(x) equals 0.

  • What does setting x * e^(-3x) equal to 0 yield in terms of solutions?

    -It yields that x equals 0, since e^(-3x) cannot equal 0 for any real number x.

  • How does the function behave as x approaches negative infinity?

    -As x approaches negative infinity, the function approaches negative infinity as well.

  • What is the horizontal asymptote of the function as x approaches positive infinity?

    -The horizontal asymptote is y = 0 as x approaches positive infinity.

  • How is the derivative of f(x) = x * e^(-3x) found?

    -The derivative is found using the product rule, resulting in f'(x) = (1 - 3x) * e^(-3x).

  • What does the second derivative of f(x) tell us about the function's concavity?

    -The second derivative tells us that the function is concave down before x = 1/3 and concave up after x = 1/3, indicating an inflection point at x = 1/3.

  • What is the significance of the inflection point in the context of the function's graph?

    -The inflection point at x = 2/3 indicates a change in the concavity of the function, from concave down to concave up.

  • In the context of Bob's land, what is the formula for the present value (P) of a future value (V) with continuous compounding?

    -The formula for the present value is P = V * e^(-RT), where R is the interest rate and T is the time in years.

  • What is the critical value for T that maximizes the present value of Bob's land?

    -The critical value for T that maximizes the present value is T = 100 years.

  • What is the conclusion for Bob regarding the best time to sell his land to maximize its present value?

    -The conclusion is that Bob should sell the land in 100 years to maximize its present value.

Outlines
00:00
๐Ÿ“ˆ Analyzing Complex Functions with Calculus

The video begins by introducing section 4.4, focusing on the application of exponential and logarithmic functions. The host aims to explore the graphs of more complex functions, not just basic exponentials and logarithms, and plans to use calculus to find extrema of these functions for real-world applications. The first problem involves the function f(x) = x * e^(3x). The zeros of the function are determined, revealing that x = 0 is the only zero, indicating the graph passes through the origin. The end behavior of the function is analyzed by examining the limits as x approaches negative and positive infinity, leading to conclusions about the graph's behavior at the ends. The use of L'Hรดpital's rule is mentioned for evaluating limits of the form โˆž/โˆž.

05:01
๐Ÿงฎ Derivatives and End Behavior of Functions

The host calculates the first derivative of the given function and uses it to find critical points where the derivative is zero. By analyzing the sign of the derivative, a sign chart is created to determine the intervals where the function is increasing or decreasing, and to identify a maximum point at x = 1/3. The second derivative is then taken to determine concavity and find an inflection point at x = 2/3. Using this information, a rough sketch of the function's graph is outlined, showing the function's behavior from negative infinity to its horizontal asymptote at zero on the right side.

10:04
๐Ÿž๏ธ Optimizing Land Value with Continuous Compounding

The video presents a problem involving Bob, who owns land with a future value given by V(T) = 12,000 * e^(โˆšT) dollars, with the interest rate at 5% compounded continuously. The goal is to determine the optimal time for Bob to sell the land to maximize its present value. The formula for present value with continuous compounding is derived and applied to create a function P(T) for the present value of the land. By taking the derivative of this function and finding critical points, the host determines that the present value is maximized after 100 years, suggesting that Bob should consider selling the land at that time for the highest present value.

15:06
๐ŸŽ“ Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The video concludes with a summary of the key points discussed, emphasizing the importance of understanding the behavior of complex functions and how to maximize present value in financial contexts. The host thanks the viewers for watching and hints at future topics to be covered in the next session.

Mindmap
Keywords
๐Ÿ’กExponential Functions
Exponential functions are mathematical functions where the variable is in the exponent. They are characterized by a rapid increase or decrease depending on the base of the exponent. In the video, exponential functions are used to model the growth of Bob's land value over time, with the formula f(x) = x * e^(3x), which is a key part of analyzing the behavior of the graph and solving the problem.
๐Ÿ’กLogarithmic Functions
Logarithmic functions are the inverse of exponential functions, used to calculate the power to which a number must be raised to produce a given value. They are essential in the video for analyzing the behavior of complex functions and are used alongside calculus to find extrema of functions, which are critical points that can indicate maximum or minimum values.
๐Ÿ’กDerivatives
Derivatives in calculus represent the rate at which a function is changing at a given point. They are used in the video to find the critical points of the function f(x) = x * e^(-3x), which are necessary to determine the maximum and minimum values of the function and understand its behavior.
๐Ÿ’กExtrema
Extrema are the points on a function where it reaches a highest (maximum) or lowest (minimum) value. The video discusses finding the extrema of the given function using calculus, which is crucial for understanding the function's behavior and for real-world applications such as optimizing the sale of Bob's land.
๐Ÿ’กHorizontal Asymptote
A horizontal asymptote is a horizontal line that a function approaches as the function's input (x) approaches positive or negative infinity. In the video, it is mentioned that the function f(x) has a horizontal asymptote at y=0 on the right side, which indicates the function's end behavior as x increases without bound.
๐Ÿ’กContinuous Compound Interest
Continuous compound interest is a method of calculating interest where the interest is added to the principal continuously, rather than at discrete intervals. It is represented by the formula V = P * e^(rt), where V is the future value, P is the principal, r is the interest rate, and t is time. In the video, this concept is applied to determine the present value of Bob's land using the formula P = V/e^(RT).
๐Ÿ’กPresent Value
Present value is the current worth of a future sum of money or stream of cash flows given a specified rate of return. In the context of the video, the present value is used to determine when Bob should sell his land to maximize its worth, taking into account the continuous compound interest and prevailing interest rates.
๐Ÿ’กOptimization
Optimization is the process of finding the best solution to a problem, often by maximizing or minimizing a particular objective function. In the video, optimization is used to find the point in time at which the present value of Bob's land is maximized, which is a key part of the problem-solving process.
๐Ÿ’กLimit
In calculus, a limit is a value that a function or sequence approaches as the input (or index) approaches some value. The video discusses finding limits as x approaches positive or negative infinity to understand the end behavior of the function f(x) = x * e^(-3x).
๐Ÿ’กL'Hรดpital's Rule
L'Hรดpital's Rule is a technique in calculus for finding limits of indeterminate forms like 0/0 or โˆž/โˆž. The video uses this rule to evaluate the limit as x approaches infinity of the function x * e^(-3x), which is in the indeterminate form โˆž/โˆž.
๐Ÿ’กInflection Point
An inflection point is a point on a curve at which the concavity changes. In the video, it is determined that the function f(x) has an inflection point at x = 2/3, which is found by analyzing the second derivative of the function.
Highlights

The function f(x) = x * e^(3x) is explored, with its graph and behavior analyzed using calculus.

The zeros of the function are found, revealing the function passes through the origin.

The end behavior of the function is determined, showing it approaches negative infinity on the left and levels off to 0 on the right, indicating a horizontal asymptote.

L'Hรดpital's rule is applied to evaluate the limit of the function as x approaches infinity.

The derivative of the function is taken to find intervals of increase and decrease, and to identify extrema.

A sign chart is constructed to analyze the behavior of the function, indicating a maximum at x = 1/3.

The second derivative is calculated to determine concavity and locate an inflection point at x = 2/3.

A sketch of the function's graph is described, illustrating its shape and key features.

An optimization problem is presented involving the present value of land owned by Bob, with future value given by V(T) = 12,000 * e^(sqrt(T)) dollars.

The concept of continuous compound interest is used to formulate an equation for the present value of the land.

The present value function P(T) is derived and simplified to maximize Bob's return on selling the land.

The derivative of the present value function is taken to find critical points for optimization.

A critical value at T = 100 years is identified as the point to maximize the present value of the land.

A sign chart confirms the critical point as an absolute maximum, advising Bob to wait 100 years for the maximum present value.

Practical implications of the optimization problem are discussed, considering the time frame and potential beneficiaries.

The video concludes with a summary of the findings and a prompt to join the next session.

Transcripts
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