Math 11 Midterm 3 - Review (Solutions) Fall 2021

ˆ Section 4.4
1. A police officer pulls a vehicle over for speeding. As is frequently the case, the
accused denies speeding. The officer smoothly asks where they were coming from
and when they left. He realizes that the driver had been driving for 35 miles when
they were pulled over. If the accused driver claims he left 30 minutes ago, how can
the officer justify his claim if the speed limit is 65 mph?
Here, the officer can use the Mean Value Theorem. First, to satisfy the hypothesis of
the MVT, it is reasonable to assume that the position function for the vehicle is both
continuous and differentiable. After all, vehicles don’t teleport nor can they make
instant changes to their speed (i.e. jumping from 35 to 65 mph instantly). Hence,
the slope between the ”endpoints,” or the vehicles average velocity, is 35/0.5 = 70
mph (30 min = 1/2 hour). Hence, by MVT, the officer is justified in claiming that,
at some point during the 30 minute period, the driver had been driving at 70 mph.
Thus, the driver had been speeding and is issued a citation!
2. Consider the function f (x) = x3 − 4x.
(a) Use the Mean Value Theorem to justify that the derivative, f 0 (x), is zero in the
interval [−2, 2]..
Since f (x) is a polynomial, we know it is both continuous and differentiable
f (2) − f (−2)
everywhere. The slope between the endpoints is m = = 0. Thus,
2 − (−2)
by MVT, there is some point in the interval (−2, 2) where f 0 (x) = 0.
(b) Find the values of x for which f 0 (x) = 0. √ √
Setting f 0 (x) = 3x2 − 4 equal to 0, we get x = ±2/ 3 = ±2 3/3.
3. Consider the following function on the interval [−3, 1].
1
f (x) =
x2
(a) Justify that this does not satisfy one or more of the hypotheses for the Mean
Value Theorem.
Note that f (x) is not defined, and therefore not continuous or differentiable, at
x = 0. This violates both hypotheses of MVT.
(b) Despite this, find the location(s) within the interval corresponding to the conclu-
sion of MVT. Here, f 0 (x) = −2/x3 . Computing the slope √ between the endpoints
yields m = 2/9. Setting these equal, we find that x = − 3 9 ≈ −2.08.
4. Use the Mean Value Theorem to draw a conclusion about the function, f (θ) =
cos θ − θ, over the interval, [0, π/2].
First, in order to use MVT, we must satisfy its hypotheses: continuity and differen-
tiability. To justify that f (θ) is continuous, we note that is the difference of cosine
and a polynomial, both of which are continuous. This ensures f is continuous as
well. For differentiability, we take the derivative, f 0 (θ) = − sin θ − 1, and again
note that it is the difference of sine and a constant, both of which are continuous.
This ensures that f is differentiable, as the derivative is continuous.

1
Math 11 Midterm 3 - Review (Solutions) Fall 2021
Now that the hypotheses of MVT are satisfied, we can go ahead with the conclusion
that it guarantees. We are ensured that the derivative, f 0 (θ), will equal the slope
between the endpoints of the interval at some point inside the interval. Thus, we
will compute this slope.
f (π/2) − f (0) −π/2 − 1 2
msec = = = −1 −
π/2 − 0 π/2 π
2
Hence, by MVT, we are guaranteed that f 0 (θ) = −1 − at some point, θ = c,
π
inside the interval.
ˆ Section 4.5
1. Given the following function, perform the indicated tasks below.
f (x) = x4 + 2x3 − 1

(a) Find and classify all critical points as a local max, local min, or neither.
f 0 (x) = 4x3 + 6x2 yielding (−3/2, −43/16) as a local minimum and (0, −1) as
neither.
(b) Give the intervals where f (x) is increasing and decreasing.
Increasing on (−3/2, 0) ∪ (0, ∞) and decreasing on (−∞, −3/2).
(c) Find all points of inflection for f (x).
f 00 (x) = 12x2 + 12x, yielding (0, −1) and (−1, −2), which are both points of
inflection.
(d) Give the intervals where f (x) is concave up and concave down.
CU on (−∞, −1] ∪ [0, ∞) and CD on [−1, 0].
2. A metallic object floats along in space. Its path, measured relative to a nearby
planet, follows the curve r(t) = t4 − 16t3 + 72t2 − 20 for t ≥ 0.

(a) Find all the times, t, when the object is stationary relative to the planet.
r0 (t) = 4t3 − 48t2 + 144t, yielding t = 0 and t = 6.
(b) For what intervals is the object moving away from the planet? Toward the
planet?
Away: (0, 6) ∪ (6, ∞)
Toward: None, since r0 (t) ≥ 0 for t ≥ 0.
(c) Find all the times, t, when the object has constant velocity motion.
r00 (t) = 12t2 − 96t + 144, yielding t = 2 and t = 6.
(d) For what intervals is the object speeding up? Slowing down?
Speeding up: [0, 2] ∪ [6, ∞)
Slowing down: [2, 6].

2
Math 11 Midterm 3 - Review (Solutions) Fall 2021
3. A chemical reaction converts Substance Q to Substance Y. The rate of the conver-
sion, R(x), in grams/sec, is given by
R(x) = kx (Q0 − x) .
Here x is the amount of Substance Q present after a fixed amount of time has
passed, Q0 is the initial amount of Substance Q, and k is a positive constant.
(a) For what values of x is the rate nonnegative?
Here we seek when R(x) ≥ 0. This yields 0 ≤ x ≤ Q0 .
(b) For what values of x is the rate a maximum? What is this rate?
R0 (x) = kQ0 − 2kx, yielding x = Q0 /2. Hence the maximum rate is R(Q0 /2) =
kQ20 /4.
4. Fans in a set of bleachers of a cross-country car race watches intently as their
favorite racers come roaring by. If the stands are positioned on a particular corner
of the route, the distance between the fans and the cars can be modeled by the
25
function, r(t) = 50 − , for t ≥ 0, with r and t measured in meters and seconds,
t+1
respectively. An intrepid fan, who recently completed a Calculus course, computes
the velocity of the cars (relative to the bleachers). They find that, at a certain
moment, the vehicles are traveling at a measly 1 m/s. When does this occur?
What is the vehicles’ acceleration at this same moment?
To find when the cars’ velocity (relative to the bleachers) is 1 m/s, we must calculate
the derivative of r(t).
25
v(t) = r0 (t) =
(t + 1)2
Setting this equal to 1, we find that t = 4 seconds. The vehicles’ acceleration can
be found by taking the second derivative of r(t).
50
a(t) = r00 (t) = −
(t + 1)3
Evaluating this at t = 4, we get a(4) = −2/5 m/s2 .

3
Math 11 Midterm 3 - Review (Solutions) Fall 2021
ˆ Section 4.6
1. A population of insects is very dynamic, depending on many variables. A simple
model for a particular species of insect is found to be as given.
3 − t2 + t6
p(t) =
t5 − 2t + 1
What happens to this population in the long run, i.e. will it die out (extinction),
boom (grow indefinitely), or settle into an equilibrium (stability)? Justify your
claim with the appropriate mathematics. If the result is equilibrium, then give the
value of the stable population.
The fate of this insect population can be determined by the end behavior of the
function, p(t). In other words, we compute the limit, lim p(t). In other words, we
t→∞
need the following.
3 − t2 + t6 3 − t2 + t6 1/t6
lim = lim ·
t→∞ t5 − 2t + 1 t→∞ t5 − 2t + 1 1/t6

3 t2 t6
6
− +
= lim t5 t6 t6
t→∞ t 2t 1
6
− 6 + 6
t t t
3 t
6
− 4 +1
= lim t t
t→∞ 1 2 1
− 5+ 6
t t t
Notice that the denominator’s terms all will go to zero as t → ∞. This implies
that the limit will be either +∞ or −∞. To determine which it is, we focus on the
dominant term in the numerator, 1, and the dominant term in the denominator,
1/t. Since these are both positive, we know that this limit will go to ∞. Hence,
this insect population will boom and grow indefinitely.
2. An electron moving through a magnetic field is driven due to the energy imparted
to it by the field it is passing through. The path taken by the electron is given by
the following function, measured in millimeters from the source of the field.
√
4t8 + 16t2 − 1
x(t) =
2t4 + 3
What can be said about the ultimate trajectory of the electron? Is it ejected from
the field, does it settle into a stable trajectory, or is it pulled into the source of the
magnetic field? Justify your claim with the appropriate mathematics. If the result
is stability, then give the value of this equilibrium distance.
As we are interested in the long term trajectory of the electron, we need to compute

4
Math 11 Midterm 3 - Review (Solutions) Fall 2021
the end behavior of x(t) as t → ∞.
√ √
4t8 + 16t2 − 1 4t8 + 16t2 − 1 1/t4
lim = lim ·
t→∞ 2t4 + 3 t→∞ 2t4 + 3 1/t4
r
4t8 16t2 1
8
+ 8 − 8 √
= lim t t t (Recall t4 = t8 )
4
t→∞ 2t 3
4
+
r t t4
16 1
4+ 6 − 8
= lim t t
t→∞ 3
2+ 4
√ t
4+0+0
=
2+0
=1
Hence, we can see that the electron will settle into a stable orbit 1 mm from the
source of the field.
3. In a certain financial institute, the value of a certain type of account obeys the
function below.
1.2x2 + 5x + 3200
r(x) =
2.7x + 3.2e0.5x
Here, x is the number of months elapsed and r is in dollars. Find the initial
amount invested in this account. What will happen to the value of this account if
no funds are every withdrawn or deposited? Justify your claim with the appropriate
mathematics.
The initial amount invested can be found by looking at x = 0. Hence, r(0) =
3200/3.2 = $1000.
For the value of this long-term investment, we compute the end behavior of this
function, i.e. lim r(x). Here it is prudent to note that there is an exponential in
x→∞
the denominator and nowhere else. We know that these are dominant functions for
large values of their exponent. Hence, this will control the behavior of the function
as x grows. Since lim e0.5x = ∞, this is causing the denominator of r(x) to grow
x→∞
unchecked. Therefore we find that lim r(x) = 0.
x→∞
4. A particular trending post’s average views is determined to be governed by the
function below.
300t + e−2t
V (t) = 2
t − 2t + 2
If V is the number of views over t days, then what is the long-term expectation for
this post? Justify your claim with the appropriate mathematics.
For long-term behavior, we need the end behavior of V (t), i.e. lim V (t). First, as
t→∞

5
Math 11 Midterm 3 - Review (Solutions) Fall 2021
there is a mix of functions, we seek the dominant function. In this case, the expo-
nential is NOT the dominant function. This is because of the negative exponent,
making this exponential a decreasing function, with a limit of 0 as t → ∞. Thus,
we can then perform the following.
300t + e−2t
lim V (t) = lim
t→∞ t→∞ t2 − 2t + 2
300t + 0
= lim 2
t→∞ t − 2t + 2
300t 1/t2
= lim 2 ·
t→∞ t − 2t + 2 1/t2
300
= lim t
t→∞ 2 2
1− + 2
t t
0
= =0
1

ˆ Section 4.8
1. A solution, y(x), to a particular type of equation over the interval (0, ∞) is found
1 − cos x
to be y(x) = . It is clear that this solution is undefined at x = 0. What
x
is the behavior of this solution as we approach the singularity, x = 0?
Here, it is clear we need to compute the limiting behavior of this solution as it
approaches the singularity at x = 0, i.e. lim+ y(x). We see that both lim+ 1 −
x→0 x→0
cos x = 1 − cos 0 = 1 − 1 = 0 and lim+ x = 0. Thus, this is of the indeterminate
x→0
form “0/0”, and L’Hopital’s rule applies.
1 − cos x (1 − cos x)0
lim+ = lim+ L0 Hopital0 s rule
x→0 x x→0 (x)0
sin x
= lim+
x→0 1
=0
Therefore, the solution’s behavior as it approaches the singularity, x = 0, is y = 0.

2. A subpopulation of plant, isolated from the main population, is found to obey the
function below, describing the number of individuals.
e2τ − τ + 1
N (τ ) =
2 + e2τ
What is the ultimate fate of this subpopulation of plants? Justify your claim with
the appropriate mathematics.

6
Math 11 Midterm 3 - Review (Solutions) Fall 2021
Here we seek the end behavior for the function describing the number of individuals
in this population of plants, i.e. lim N (τ ). We also note that lim e2τ − τ + 1 = ∞
τ →∞ τ →∞
and lim 2 + e2τ = ∞, indicating this is of the indeterminate form “∞/∞”. Thus,
τ →∞
we will apply L’Hopital’s rule.
0
e2τ − τ + 1 (e2τ − τ + 1)
lim = lim 0 L0 Hopital0 s rule
τ →∞ 2 + e2τ τ →∞ 2τ
(2 + e )
2e2τ − 1
= lim of the form “∞/∞”
τ →∞ 2e2τ
0
(2e2τ − 1)
= lim 2τ 0 L0 Hopital0 s rule
τ →∞ (2e )
4e2τ
= lim 2τ
τ →∞ 4e
=1
2
3. A store notices that shopping trends seem to obey the function, N (t) = (ln t)1/t ,
where N is the number of shoppers and t is the number of hours after its seasonal
opening. If this is assumed to be the case, what is the long-term number of shoppers
in the store?
Here, we notice that this is of the indeterminate form “∞0 ,” so L’Hoptial’s Rule is
applicable.
2
L = lim (ln t)1/t
t→∞
h  2
i
⇒ ln L = lim ln (ln t)1/t
t→∞
 
1
= lim 2 ln(ln t))
t→∞ t

ln(ln t))
= lim
t→∞ t2
1 1
·
= lim ln t t L0 Hopital0 s rule
t→∞ 2t
1
= lim 2
t→∞ 2t ln t
=0
Note that the evaluation of the limit at the end is based on the fact that ln t → ∞
as t → ∞. To finish,
h we recall
i that we set the limit above equal to L and took the
log, i.e. ln L = ln lim N (t) = 0. Therefore, our final answer is L = e0 = 1.
t→∞
4. A certain physical phenomenon takes in an input parameter, α. This complex
process, after a fixed amount of time, produces the output L(α) = α1/α . If one
were to be able to increase this parameter, α, for this system indefinitely, what

7
Math 11 Midterm 3 - Review (Solutions) Fall 2021
would the end result of the output, L, be?
Here, allowing the parameter, α, to increase indefinitely is the same as ascertaining
the end behavior of L, i.e. lim L(α). It is prudent to now notice that this limit
α→∞
is of the indeterminate form “∞0 ”. Hence, we will apply L’Hopital’s rule. First,
however, we must use the natural log to get to one of the two basic indeterminate
forms, “0/0” or “∞/∞” by setting the desired limit equal to, in this case, K.

ln K = lim ln α1/α


α→∞
1
= lim ln α
α→∞ α
ln α
= lim of the form “∞/∞”
α→∞ α
(ln α)0
= lim L0 Hopital0 s rule
α→∞ (α)0

1/α
= lim
α→∞ 1
=0

We finish this off by solving for K, yielding K = e0 = 1.

ˆ Section 4.7
1. A farmer is seeking to enclose a plot of land with fencing (shown below), with the
cutout section having dimensions of 1/4 the height, h, and 1/2 the base, b, of the
overall plot. Given that the area of this plot of land is 1400 yd2 and the cost of
fencing is $10 per yard, find the minimum cost to fence this plot.

To get the objective function here, we need only calculate the cost of the fencing at
$10 per yard. Since the fence is only on the perimeter of the land, we compute the
perimeter, P = 2h + 2b = 2(h + b), and multiply that by 10. Thus, the objective
function is C = 20(h + b).

To make this a function of just one variable, we will use the known area of 1400 yd2
and will need to figure out how much of the rectangle’s area is missing. Labeling the

8
Math 11 Midterm 3 - Review (Solutions) Fall 2021
1 1
cutout piece’s base and height with b and h, respectively (shown above, right),
2 4
1 1 1
we can compute the area of the missing piece as h · b = bh. Thus, we get the
4 2 8
7
constraint, 1400 = bh. Solving this for b, we find that b = 1600/h. Inserting this
8  
1600
into the objective then yields C(h) = 20 h + , which we then will minimize.
h
 
0 1600
To minimize this, we find the derivative, C (h) = 20 1 − 2 , and set it equal
h
to zero, resulting in the critical value of h = 40. Note that this lay within the
interval of interest, which has range 0 ≤ h < ∞. A first (or second) derivative test
shows that this is a local minimum, with value C(40) = 1600. Then end behavior
as h → 0 yields C → ∞, and the other end behavior, h → ∞, yields C → ∞ as
well. Thus, the local minimum of $1600 is the global minimum as well.
2. A low orbit satellite’s altitude is governed by h(t) = 200 + 6 sin(πt/2), with h in
kilometers and t in seconds. The velocity of the satellite is dependent on both its
altitude and the amount of fuel it carries according to v = 2h + 8 sin(πt/2) + 4. At
what point during the interval [0, 2] does the satellite have its maximum velocity?
What is this velocity?
Substituting h into v, we get

v(t) = 404 + 20 sin(πt/2).

Differentiating yields v 0 (t) = 10π cos(πt/2), which setting this equal to zero yields
t = 1 and t = 3. The second solution is outside of the time interval of interest,
so we discard it. Hence, we find that (1, 424) is a local maximum. Checking the
endpoints, we get (0, 404) and (2, 404). Hence, the global max is (1, 424) and the
global mins are (0, 404) and (2, 404). As we seek the maximum velocity, we see this
occurs when t = 1 seconds with a velocity of v(1) = 424 km/sec.
3. The change in temperature (in degrees), T , of a patient’s injection site is related
to the amount (in mL) of drug injected, D, and C, which is a variable related to
the density of the skin. They obey the relationship T = (C + D/2)D. The liquid
injection affects the overall density of the site relating the skin density parameter,
C, to the amount of drug present, D, by the equation −3C + D2 = 6. What
dosage minimizes this temperature change? What is this minimum change in the
temperature, T ?
Solving the second equation for C and substituting into the first, we get
1 1
T (D) = −2D + D2 + D3 .
2 3
This gives T 0 (D) = −2 + D + D2 , yielding D = 1 and D = −2. Note that
the negative value for D is unrealistic and must be discarded. So, we compute
T (1) = −7/6 deg/mL.We then compare this to the end behaviors at D = 0 and

9
Math 11 Midterm 3 - Review (Solutions) Fall 2021
D → ∞, which are T (0) = 0 and lim T (D) = +∞, respectively. This justifies
D→∞
that T (1) = −7/6 deg/mL is the global minimum.
4. A grass fire burns in an approximate circle. Firefighters, spraying the fire, can affect
the area of the fire (in sq. meters) according A = πr2 − 4πt2 , with t in minutes and
r in meters. It is also observed that the radius of the fire changed linearly, obeying
r = t + 3. Find the maximum area the fire can achieve under these conditions.
Substituting the second equation into the first, we find

A(t) = π(t + 3)2 − 4πt2 .

So, A0 (t) = −6πt + 6π, yielding t = 1. Hence, the maximum area is A(1) = 12π
m2 . We then compare this to the end behaviors at t = 0 and t → ∞, which are
A(0) = 9π and lim t → ∞A(t) = −∞, respectively. This justifies that A(1) = 12π
m2 is the global maximum.
5. A detector measures p a positron moving through an electromagnetic field along
a path given by r = (x + 4)2 + y 2 . Here, x and y correspond to the particle’s
location, (x, y), and r√the distance from the detector. The field strength is governed
by the equation y − 3x = 0. Find the minimum distance from the detector that
the positron achieves. √ √
We first solve the second equation, y − 3x = 0, for y. This yields y = 3x, which
we substitute into the objective function for r. This yields the below function in
the single variable, x.
p
r(x) = (x + 4)2 + 3x2
√
= 4x2 + 8x + 16
√
= 2 x2 + 2x + 4
Taking its derivative gives the following.
2x + 2
r0 (x) = √
x2+ 2x + 4
Setting this equal to 0, we find that the only value is x = −1.
We must now test this value, to ensure it represents a minimum. Using the first
derivative√test will yield
√ such √ results. Hence, we have a local minimum value of
r(−1) = 9 + 3 = 12 = 2 3. In this situation, since x is basically its usual
coordinate self, we find there are no limitations on its value. In other words, the
interval for x in this context is (−∞, ∞). We must compare the local minimum
with these end behavior values to ensure this is the global minimum. We can see
that both end behaviors, lim r(x) and lim r(x), are ∞. This then justifies that
x→∞ x→−∞ √
the global minimum distance the positron gets to the detector is r(−1) = 2 3
units.

10
Math 11 Midterm 3 - Review (Solutions) Fall 2021
ˆ Section 5.1 and 5.2

1. Use a left sum with 4 rectangles to calculate the distance traveled by a vehicle with
a velocity function (in mph) v(t) = 5 + 20t2 over the first two hours.
AL = 45 miles
2. Compute the left and right sums for the area between the function, f (x) = 2−0.5x2 ,
and the x-axis over the interval [−1, 2] using 3 rectangles.
AL = 5 and AR = 7/2.
3. Using sigma notation, express the area below f (x) = sin x over the interval [0, π/2]
(the Riemann sum) using N rectangles.
N −1 N
X π  πn  X π  πn 
AL = sin or AR = sin
n=0
2N 2N n=1
2N 2N
4. Consider the function, f (x) = 1 − x3 , over the interval [−1, 1].
(a) Write the Riemann sum for f (x) in sigma notation. NOTE: You do not need to
calculate the sum; just write the expression in terms of the number of rectangles,
N.
−1
N
"  3 #  
X 2n 2
AL = 1 − −1 +
n=0
N N
Note that the sum could be also expressed as a right sum, using AR . This would
only modify the limits on the summation from n = 0 to N − 1 to n = 1 to N .
(b) Write the definite integral for the limit of this Riemann sum.
Z 1
lim AL = (1 − x3 ) dx
N →∞ −1

R4 R 10 R4
5. Suppose that 0 f (x) dx = 7, 0 g(x) dx = −5, and 0 g(x) dx = −2, evalutate
the following.
Z 10
(a) g(x) dx = −3
4
Z 4
(b) [−2f (x) + 3g(x)] dx = −20
0

11
Math 11 Midterm 3 - Review (Solutions) Fall 2021
6. Given the graph in the figure below, showing the velocities of two motorboats (in
miles per minute), answer the following. Boat 1 starts at t = 0, and Boat 2 begins
at t = 2/3.
(a) Which boat has travelled farther after 2 minutes? Justify.
A1 = 2, and A2 = 4/3. Boat 1 has travelled farther.
(b) Which boat has travelled farther at the end of 4 minutes? Justify.
A1 = 8, and A2 = 25/3. Boat 2 has travelled farther.

7. Given the graph of f (x), below, compute the indicated definite integrals.

Z 3 Z 11
(a) f (x) dx = 3/2 (c) f (x) dx = −3/2
Z0 8 Z8 11
(b) f (x) dx = 2 (d) f (x) dx = 2
3 0

12
Math 11 Midterm 3 - Review (Solutions) Fall 2021
ˆ Section 5.3

1. Consider the following functions, F (x) = (x + 1)e−x and f (x) = −xe−x .

(a) Show that F (x) is an antiderivative of f (x). Show that F 0 (x) = f (x).
(b) Use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to evaluate
Z 0
f (x) dx = 1.
−1

(c) If the units of f (x) are yards per minute, then what are the units for F (x)?
Yards.

2. An aqueduct has water flowing though it, supplying a nearby village. Recent sur-
veys of the duct have shown that  πthe
 flow of water throughout the day can be
modeled by Q(t) = 50 + 2π cos t , with t measured in hours after midnight
12
3
(12:00 AM) and Q in m /hr. A young engineer figures that this would yield the
total amount of water π delivered
 to the town, at some time t, by the function,
V (t) = 50t + 24 sin t . Confirm that this is indeed the correct function to pre-
12
dict the total amount of water delivered. Use this function, V (t), to compute the
total amount of water delivered to the town from midnight to noon.
First, we confirm that V 0 (t) = Q(t), which is does (though you must show this!).
Second we now use this and FTC to compute the definite integral below.
Z 12
Q(t) dt = V (12) − V (0) = 600 − 0 = 600 m3
0

13