SOLUTION: Hi, I'm trying to find the absolute minimum and maximum values of {{{ f(x) = e^(-x^2) }}} when {{{ -4 <= x <= 3 }}}. I started by finding the derivative, but I'm struggling when I
Question 1153545: Hi, I'm trying to find the absolute minimum and maximum values of when . I started by finding the derivative, but I'm struggling when I set the derivative equal to 0. I can find decimal values with my calculator, but need the exact form. Can someone walk me through it?
Thanks!! Answer by ikleyn(52894) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Plot y = e^(-x^2)
From the plot, you can see that e^(-x^2) is an even function (which is very clear from the formula).
First derivative is -2x*e^(-x^2), and when you equate it to zero, you easily will find the critical point x= 0.