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Ch. 4 - Applications of the Derivative
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 4, Problem 4.2.52b

{Use of Tech} Let f(x) = ln((x+1)/(x-1)) and g(x) = ln ((x+1)/(x-1)).
b. Sketch graphs of f and g to show that these functions do not differ by a constant.

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Identify the functions: Both f(x) and g(x) are given as f(x) = ln((x+1)/(x-1)) and g(x) = ln((x+1)/(x-1)). Notice that they are identical, which suggests they should be the same function.
Understand the concept: If two functions differ by a constant, their graphs will be vertically shifted versions of each other. This means that for all x in their domain, f(x) = g(x) + C, where C is a constant.
Determine the domain: The domain of both functions is x > 1 and x < -1, since the argument of the logarithm, (x+1)/(x-1), must be positive.
Sketch the graph: Plot the graph of f(x) = ln((x+1)/(x-1)) over its domain. Since f(x) and g(x) are identical, their graphs will overlap completely, indicating they do not differ by a constant.
Conclude from the graph: Since the graphs of f(x) and g(x) are identical and overlap completely, it confirms that they do not differ by a constant. If they did, one graph would be a vertical shift of the other.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Natural Logarithm

The natural logarithm, denoted as ln(x), is the logarithm to the base e, where e is approximately 2.71828. It is a fundamental function in calculus, particularly in relation to growth rates and areas under curves. Understanding the properties of the natural logarithm, such as its domain and range, is essential for analyzing functions like f(x) and g(x).
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Derivative of the Natural Logarithmic Function

Graphing Functions

Graphing functions involves plotting points on a coordinate system to visualize their behavior. For functions f(x) and g(x), sketching their graphs helps to identify key features such as intercepts, asymptotes, and overall shape. This visual representation is crucial for determining whether two functions differ by a constant, as it allows for direct comparison of their outputs across the same input values.
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Graph of Sine and Cosine Function

Difference of Functions

The difference of two functions, f(x) and g(x), is expressed as f(x) - g(x). If this difference is a constant for all x in the domain, it indicates that the two functions are parallel and differ only by that constant. In the context of the given functions, analyzing their difference will reveal whether they maintain a consistent vertical shift or if they diverge in behavior.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

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b. Find the position of the object for all relevant times. 

A payload is released at an elevation of 400 m from a hot-air balloon that is rising at a rate of 10 m/s.

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Textbook Question

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b. Does either g or h have a local extreme value at x = 2? Explain.

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Textbook Question

Cylinder in a cone A right circular cylinder is placed inside a cone of radius R and height H so that the base of the cylinder lies on the base of the cone.


b. Find the dimensions of the cylinder with maximum lateral surface area (area of the curved surface).

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{Use of Tech} Demand functions and elasticity Economists use demand functions to describe how much of a commodity can be sold at varying prices. For example, the demand function D(p) = 500 - 10p says that at a price of p = 10, a quantity of D(10) = 400 units of the commodity can be sold. The elasticity E = dD/dp p/D of the demand gives the approximate percent change in the demand for every 1% change in the price. (See Section 3.6 or the Guided Project Elasticity in Economics for more on demand functions and elasticity.)


b. If the price is \$12 and increases by 4.5%, what is the approximate percent change in the demand? 

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{Use of Tech} Every second counts You must get from a point P on the straight shore of a lake to a stranded swimmer who is 50 from a point Q on the shore that is 50 m from you (see figure). Assuming that you can swim at a speed of 2 m/s and run at a speed of 4 m/s, the goal of this exercise is to determine the point along the shore, x meters from Q, where you should stop running and start swimming to reach the swimmer in the minimum time. <IMAGE>


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