What is the <strong>GREATEST</strong> value of the function?

Consider the following for the next two (02) items that follow: Let f(x)=\sqrt{2-x}+\sqrt{2+x}.

  1. A. \sqrt{3}
  2. B. \sqrt{6}
  3. C. \sqrt{8}
  4. D. 4

Correct Answer: C. \sqrt{8}

Explanation

Differentiating the function gives f'(x) = \frac{-1}{2\sqrt{2-x}} + \frac{1}{2\sqrt{2+x}}. Setting f'(x) = 0 yields \sqrt{2-x} = \sqrt{2+x} \implies 2-x = 2+x \implies x = 0. The maximum value occurs at x = 0, giving f(0) = \sqrt{2} + \sqrt{2} = 2\sqrt{2} = \sqrt{8}. Checking the endpoints x = \pm 2 gives f(\pm 2) = \sqrt{4} = 2 = \sqrt{4}, which is smaller.

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