Homework 4 Math 241/242 Fall 2008

OLD SKILLS:

Solve the following two differential equations. The first is review with slightly changed notation; the second will require some thinking.

NEW SKILLS:

Open a new workbook, make yourself a function f(x)=x^2 and two cells labeled x and y=f(x) with any starting value for x. pull up tools->solver (if this does not work go to add-ins and add it). Study the dialog box that appears. Minimize your f.

Now make f(x) = (x^3 – 3*x^2 + 2*x +1) * exp(-x). Find all minima and maxima of this function.