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AP Calculus AB Unit 5.4: Relative Extrema

Practice AP Calculus Unit 5.4 questions on using critical points and first-derivative behavior to determine relative maxima and minima.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2025
Course
AP Calculus AB

5.4 Using the First Derivative Test to Determine Relative (Local) Extrema question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

The depth of seawater at a location can be modeled by the function H that satisfies the differential equation dHdt=12(H1)cos(t2)\frac{d H}{d t}=\frac{1}{2}(H-1) \cos \left(\frac{t}{2}\right), where H(t) is measured in feet and t is measured in hours after noon ( t=0 ). It is known that H(0)=4.

For 0<t<5, it can be shown that H(t)>1. Find the value of t, for 0<t<5, at which H has a critical point. Determine whether the critical point corresponds to a relative minimum, a relative maximum, or neither a relative minimum nor a relative maximum of the depth of seawater at the location. Justify your answer.

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