Question Detail
Question
The maximum value of f(x) = x³ - 27x + 15 occurs at x = ?
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
To find the maximum value of a function, we first find its derivative and set it to zero to find critical points.Given f(x) = x³ - 27x + 15f'(x) = 3x² - 27Set f'(x) = 0: 3x² - 27 = 0 => 3x² = 27 => x² = 9 => x = ±3.Next, we use the second derivative test to determine if these critical points are maxima or minima.f''(x) = 6xAt x = 3, f''(3) = 6(3) = 18. Since f''(3) > 0, x = 3 is a local minimum.At x = -3, f''(-3) = 6(-3) = -18. Since f''(-3) < 0, x = -3 is a local maximum.Thus, the maximum value occurs at x = -3.
Hint
Recall how to find local maxima and minima using the first and second derivative tests.