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For the function f(x)=x1/xf(x) = x^{1/x}, x>0x > 0, which of the following are correct?

(A) x=0x = 0 is the only point where extremum may occur.

(B) The given function is maximum at x=ex = e.

(C) The function has no extreme value for x>0x > 0.

(D) The maximum value of the function f(x)f(x) is e1/ee^{1/e}.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Solution

Correct Option: 4

Given the function f(x)=x1/xf(x) = x^{1/x} for x>0x > 0.

Taking natural logarithm on both sides:

lnf(x)=ln(x1/x)\ln f(x) = \ln(x^{1/x})

lnf(x)=1xlnx\ln f(x) = \frac{1}{x} \cdot \ln x

lnf(x)=lnxx\ln f(x) = \frac{\ln x}{x}


Differentiating both sides with respect to xx:

f(x)f(x)=1xxlnx1x2\frac{f'(x)}{f(x)} = \frac{\frac{1}{x} \cdot x - \ln x \cdot 1}{x^2}

f(x)f(x)=1lnxx2\frac{f'(x)}{f(x)} = \frac{1 - \ln x}{x^2}

f(x)=x1/x1lnxx2f'(x) = x^{1/x} \cdot \frac{1 - \ln x}{x^2}


Setting f(x)=0f'(x) = 0:

x1/x1lnxx2=0x^{1/x} \cdot \frac{1 - \ln x}{x^2} = 0

Since x1/x>0x^{1/x} > 0 and x2>0x^2 > 0 for all x>0x > 0:

1lnx=01 - \ln x = 0

lnx=1\ln x = 1

x=ex = e

The only critical point is x=ex = e.


For x<ex < e: lnx<1\ln x < 1, so 1lnx>01 - \ln x > 0, thus f(x)>0f'(x) > 0 (function is increasing)

For x>ex > e: lnx>1\ln x > 1, so 1lnx<01 - \ln x < 0, thus f(x)<0f'(x) < 0 (function is decreasing)

Therefore, x=ex = e is a maximum point.


The maximum value:

f(e)=e1/ef(e) = e^{1/e}


(A) x=0x = 0 is not in the domain. The extremum occurs at x=ex = e. Incorrect.

(B) The function is maximum at x=ex = e. Correct.

(C) The function has a maximum at x=ex = e. Incorrect.

(D) The maximum value is e1/ee^{1/e}. Correct.


Statements (B) and (D) are correct.

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