Log-Based Optimization Problem

00:00 7 marks

  • Exam Style - Paper 2
  • HL
  • Tier 4
  • Second derivative test
  • Logarithmic functions
  • Optimization using calculus
  • Differentiation of logarithmic functions

Consider the function \(f(x) = \ln(2x) – x\) defined for \(x > 0\).

(a) Express \(f(x)\) in a form that separates the constant from the variable-dependent logarithm using logarithmic properties.

(b) Differentiate \(f(x)\) with respect to \(x\).

(c) Determine the value of \(x\) that maximizes \(f(x)\) and verify that this critical point corresponds to a maximum.

Part a

3 minutes 2 marks

Question

Rewrite \(f(x) = \ln(2x) – x\) using the identity \(\ln(ab) = \ln(a) + \ln(b)\) to separate the constant term from the logarithmic term involving \(x\).



Hint Hint

Hint

Separate \(\ln(2x)\) into \(\ln(2)\) and \(\ln(x)\).

  • Answer Answer

Complete Answer

\(f(x) = \ln(2) + \ln(x) – x\)

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  • Answer Explanation Answer Explanation

Part b

3 minutes 2 marks

Question

Differentiate the reformulated function \(f(x) = \ln(2) + \ln(x) – x\) with respect to \(x\).



Hint Hint

Hint

Recall that the derivative of a constant is 0 and that \(\frac{d}{dx}[\ln(x)] = \frac{1}{x}\).

  • Answer Answer

Complete Answer

\(f'(x) = \frac{1}{x} – 1\)

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  • Answer Explanation Answer Explanation

Part c

4 minutes 3 marks

Question

Determine the value of \(x\) that maximizes \(f(x)\) by setting \(f'(x) = 0\), and verify the result using the second derivative test.



Hint Hint

Hint

Set \(\frac{1}{x} – 1 = 0\) to solve for \(x\) and then compute \(f”(x)\).

  • Answer Answer

Complete Answer

\(x = 1\)

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