Show that the function given by $f(x) = \frac{\log x}{x}$ has a maximum at $x = e$.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) The given function is $f(x) = \frac{\log x}{x}$.
First,we find the first derivative $f'(x)$ using the quotient rule:
$f'(x) = \frac{x(\frac{1}{x}) - \log x(1)}{x^2} = \frac{1 - \log x}{x^2}$.
To find the critical points,set $f'(x) = 0$:
$1 - \log x = 0 \Rightarrow \log x = 1 \Rightarrow x = e$.
Next,we find the second derivative $f''(x)$:
$f''(x) = \frac{x^2(-\frac{1}{x}) - (1 - \log x)(2x)}{x^4} = \frac{-x - 2x + 2x \log x}{x^4} = \frac{-3x + 2x \log x}{x^4} = \frac{2 \log x - 3}{x^3}$.
Now,evaluate $f''(x)$ at $x = e$:
$f''(e) = \frac{2 \log e - 3}{e^3} = \frac{2(1) - 3}{e^3} = \frac{-1}{e^3}$.
Since $f''(e) = \frac{-1}{e^3} < 0$,by the second derivative test,the function $f(x)$ has a local maximum at $x = e$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

If $x=-2$ and $x=4$ are the extreme points of $y=x^3-\alpha x^2-\beta x+5$,then

Find the maximum value of $2x^{3}-24x+107$ in the interval $[1,3]$. Also,find the maximum value of the same function in the interval $[-3,-1]$.

Difficult
View Solution

The maximum area of a rectangle that can be inscribed in a circle of radius $2 \text{ unit}$ is (in square unit)

Consider all rectangles lying in the region $\left\{( x , y ) \in R \times R : 0 \leq x \leq \frac{\pi}{2} \text{ and } 0 \leq y \leq 2 \sin (2 x )\right\}$ and having one side on the $x$-axis. The area of the rectangle which has the maximum perimeter among all such rectangles is

If $\frac{dy}{dx} = (x - 1)^3 (x - 2)^4$,then $y$ has:

Difficult
View Solution

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo