Exercise image

Let's analyze the problem inside the green rectangle:
We are given the function:

f(x)=x26x8lnxf(x) = x^2 - 6x - 8 \ln x

The task is: To determine for which values of xx the derivative of the function f(x)f(x) is equal to zero.
That is, solve for xx such that f(x)=0f'(x) = 0.

Step-by-Step Plan

Step 1: Find the Derivative f(x)f'(x)

  • Take the derivative of each term:
    • The derivative of x2x^2 is 2x2x.
    • The derivative of 6x-6x is 6-6.
    • The derivative of 8lnx-8 \ln x is 81x-8 \cdot \frac{1}{x}.

Step 2: Write Down the Expression for f(x)f'(x)

  • Combine all derivatives to get one expression.

Step 3: Set f(x)f'(x) Equal to Zero and Solve

  • Set the entire derivative expression to zero, and solve for xx.
  • Show every step of simplification.

Step 4: Verify Logarithmic Domain

  • Remember that lnx\ln x is defined only for x>0x > 0.

Let's proceed step by step.


Step 1: Find the derivative of f(x)f(x).

f(x)=x26x8lnxf(x) = x^2 - 6x - 8 \ln x

f(x)=ddx(x2)ddx(6x)ddx(8lnx)f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx} (x^2) - \frac{d}{dx} (6x) - \frac{d}{dx} (8 \ln x)

The derivative is:

f(x)=2x68xf'(x) = 2x - 6 - \frac{8}{x}

Step 2: Set the derivative equal to zero and write the equation:

2x68x=02x - 6 - \frac{8}{x} = 0

Step 3: Solve for xx

Let's solve this equation step by step.

First, move 8x-\frac{8}{x} to the other side:

2x6=8x2x - 6 = \frac{8}{x}

Now, multiply both sides by xx to clear the fraction (x>0x > 0 because of lnx\ln x):

x(2x6)=8x(2x - 6) = 8 2x26x=82x^2 - 6x = 8

Next, subtract 8 from both sides:

2x26x8=02x^2 - 6x - 8 = 0

Now, let's solve this quadratic equation for xx:

2x26x8=02x^2 - 6x - 8 = 0

Let's find the values of xx. The quadratic equation gives us two solutions:

x=1andx=4x = -1 \quad \text{and} \quad x = 4

Step 4: Check the domain: Recall that f(x)f(x) includes lnx\ln x, so x>0x > 0.

  • x=1x = -1 is not allowed.
  • x=4x = 4 is allowed.

Final Answer:
The value of xx for which the derivative of the function f(x)=x26x8lnxf(x) = x^2 - 6x - 8 \ln x is zero:

x=4\boxed{x = 4}