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Class 12 (HSC Board)Mathematics & Statistics2026-27 Syllabus

Chapter 2 Applications of Derivatives Ex 2.4 Solutions

Complete Maharashtra State Board Balbharati & Yuvakbharati textbook solutions for Chapter 2 Applications of Derivatives Ex 2.4. Step-by-step solved exercises, numerical problems, and digest answers.

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Balbharti12th Maharashtra State Board Maths Solutions BookPdf Chapter 2 Applications of Derivatives Ex 2.4 Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board 12th Maths Solutions Chapter 2 Applications of Derivatives Ex 2.4

Question 1 Maharashtra Board Solution
Test whether the following functions are increasing or decreasing. (i) f(x) = x3 – 6x2 + 12x – 16, x ∈ R.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
f(x) = x3 – 6x2 + 12x – 16 ∴ f'(x) = (x3 – 6x2 + 12x – 16) = 3x2 – 6 × 2x + 12 × 1 – 0 = 3x2 – 12x + 12 = 3(x2 – 4x + 4) = 3(x – 2)2 ≥ 0 for all x ∈ R ∴ f(x) ≥ 0 for all x ∈ R ∴ f is increasing for all x ∈ R.

(ii) f(x) = 2 – 3x + 3x2– x3, x ∈ R.
Solution:
f(x) = 2 – 3x + 3x2– x3
∴ f'(x) = (2 – 3x + 3x2– x3)
= 0 – 3 × 1 + 3 × 2x – 3x2
= -3 + 6x – 3x2
= -3(x2– 2x + 1)
= -3(x – 1)2≤ 0 for all x ∈ R
∴ f'(x) ≤ 0 for all x ∈ R
∴ f is decreasing for all x ∈ R.

(iii) f(x) = x – , x ∈ R, x ≠ 0.
Solution:
f(x) = x –
f'(x) =
= > 0 for all x ∈ R, x ≠ 0
∴ f'(x) > 0 for all x ∈ R, where x ≠ 0
∴ f is increasing for all x ∈ R, where x ≠ 0.

Question 2 Maharashtra Board Solution
Find the values of x for which the following functions are strictly increasing: (i) f(x) = 2x3 – 3x2 – 12x + 6
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
f(x) = 2x3 – 3x2 – 12x + 6 ∴ f'(x) = (2x3 – 3x2 – 12x + 6) = 2 × 3x2 – 3 × 2x – 12 × 1 + 0 = 6x2 – 6x – 12 = 6(x2 – x – 2) f is strictly increasing if f'(x) > 0 i.e. if 6(x2 – x – 2) > 0 i.e. if x2 – x – 2 > 0 i.e. if x2 – x > 2 i.e. if x2 – x + > 2 + i.e. if i.e. if x – > or x – < i.e. if x > 2 or x < -1 ∴ f is strictly increasing if x < -1 or x > 2.

(ii) f(x) = 3 + 3x – 3x2+ x3
Solution:
f(x) = 3 + 3x – 3x2+ x3
∴ f'(x) = (3 + 3x – 3x2+ x3)
= 0 + 3 × 1 – 3 × 2x + 3x2
= 3 – 6x + 3x2
= 3(x2– 2x + 1)
f is strictly increasing if f'(x) > 0
i.e. if 3(x2– 2x + 1) > 0
i.e. if x2– 2x + 1 > 0
i.e. if (x – 1)2> 0
This is possible if x ∈ R and x ≠ 1
i.e. x ∈ R – {1}
∴ f is strictly increasing if x ∈ R – {1}.

(iii) f(x) = x3– 6x2– 36x + 7
Solution:
f(x) = x3– 6x2– 36x + 7
∴ f'(x) = (x3– 6x2– 36x + 7)
= 3x2– 6 × 2x – 36 × 1 + 0
= 3x2– 12x – 36
= 3(x2– 4x – 12)
f is strictly increasing if f'(x) > 0
i.e. if 3(x2– 4x – 12) > 0
i.e. if x2– 4x – 12 > 0
i.e. if x2– 4x > 12
i.e. if x2– 4x + 4 > 12 + 4
i.e. if (x – 2)2> 16
i.e. if x – 2 > 4 or x – 2 < -4 i.e. if x > 6 or x < -2
∴ f is strictly increasing if x < -2 or x > 6.

Question 3 Maharashtra Board Solution
Find the values of x for which the following functions are strictly decreasiong: (i) f(x) = 2x3 – 3x2 – 12x + 6
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
f(x) = 2x3 – 3x2 – 12x + 6 ∴ f'(x) = (2x3 – 3x2 – 12x + 6) = 2 × 3x2 – 3 × 2x – 12 × 1 + 0 = 6x2 – 6x – 12 = 6(x2 – x – 2) f is strictly decreasing if f'(x) < 0 i.e. if 6(x2 – x – 2) < 0 i.e. if x2 – x – 2 < 0 i.e. if x2 – x < 2 i.e. if x2 – x + < 2 + i.e. if i.e. if i.e. if i.e. if -1 < x < 2 ∴ f is strictly decreasing if -1 < x < 2.

(ii) f(x) = x +
Solution:
f(x) = x + , x ≠ 0
∴ f'(x) =
= 1 + 25(-1) x-2
= 1 –
f is is strictly decreasing if f'(x) < 0
i.e. if 1 – < 0
i.e. if 1 <
i.e. if x2< 25
i.e. if -5 < x < 5, x ≠ 0
i.e. if x ∈ (-5, 5) – {0}
∴ f is strictly decreasing if x ∈ (-5, 5) – {0}.

(iii) f(x) = x3– 9x2+ 24x + 12
Solution:
f(x) = x3– 9x2+ 24x + 12
∴ f'(x) = (x3– 9x2+ 24x + 12)
= 3x2– 9 × 2x + 24 × 1 + 0
= 3x2– 18x + 24
= 3(x2– 6x + 8)
f is strictly decreasing if f'(x) < 0
i.e. if 3(x2– 6x + 8) < 0
i.e. if x2– 6x + 8 < 0
i.e. if x2– 6x < -8
i.e. if x2– 6x + 9 < -8 + 9
i.e. if (x – 3)2< 1
i.e. if -1 < x – 3 < 1
i.e. if -1 + 3 < x – 3 + 3 < 1 + 3
i.e. if 2 < x < 4
i.e., if x ∈ (2, 4)
∴ f is strictly decreasing if x ∈ (2, 4)

Question 4 Maharashtra Board Solution
Find the values of x for which the function f(x) = x3 – 12x2 – 144x + 13 (a) increasing (b) decreasing.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
f(x) = x3 – 12x2 – 144x + 13 ∴ f'(x) = (x3 – 12x2 – 144x + 13) = 3x2 – 12 × 2x – 144 × 1 + 0 = 3x2 – 24x – 144 = 3(x2 – 8x – 48)

(a) f is increasing if f'(x) ≥ 0
i.e. if 3(x2– 8x – 48) ≥ 0
i.e. if x2– 8x – 48 ≥ 0
i.e. if x2– 8x ≥ 48
i.e. if x2– 8x + 16 ≥ 48 + 16
i.e. if (x – 4)2≥ 64
i.e. if x – 4 ≥ 8 or x – 4 ≤ -8
i.e. if x > 12 or x ≤ -4
∴ f is increasing if x ≤ -4 or x ≥ 12,
i.e. x ∈ (-∞, -4] ∪ [12, ∞).

(b) f is decreasing if f'(x) ≤ 0
i.e. if 3(x2– 8x – 48) ≤ 0
i.e. if x2– 8x – 48 ≤ 0
i.e. if x2– 8x ≤ 48
i.e. if x2– 8x + 16 ≤ 48 + 16
i.e. if (x – 4)2≤ 64
i.e. if -8 ≤ x – 4 ≤ 8
i.e. if -4 ≤ x ≤ 12
∴ f is decreasing if -4 ≤ x ≤ 12, i.e. x ∈ [-4, 12].

Question 5 Maharashtra Board Solution
Find the values of x for which f(x) = 2x3 – 15x2 – 144x – 7 is (a) strictly increasing (b) strictly decreasing.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
f(x) = 2x3 – 15x2 – 144x – 7 f'(x) = (2x3 – 15x2 – 144x – 7) = 2 × 3x2 – 15 × 2x – 144 × 1 – 0 = 6x2 – 30x – 144 = 6(x2 – 5x – 24) (a) f is strictly increasing if f'(x) > 0 i.e. if 6(x2 – 5x – 24) > 0 i.e. if x2 – 5x – 24 > 0 i.e. if x2 – 5x > 24 i.e. if x2 – 5x + > 24 + i.e. if i.e. if i.e. if x > 8 or x < -3 ∴ f is strictly increasing, if x < -3 or x > 8.

(b) f is strictly decreasing if f'(x) < 0
i.e. if 6(x2– 5x – 24) < 0
i.e. if x2– 5x – 24 < 0
i.e. if x2– 5x < 24
i.e. if x2– 5x + < 24 +
i.e. if
i.e. if
i.e. if
i.e. if -3 < x < 8
∴ f is strictly decreasing, if -3 < x < 8.

Question 6 Maharashtra Board Solution
Find the values of x for which f(x) = is (a) strictly increasing (b) strictly decreasing.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
f(x) =

(a) f is strictly increasing if f'(x) > 0
i.e. if > 0
i.e. if 1 – x2> 0 ……..[∵ (x2+ 1)2> 0]
i.e. if 1 > x2
i.e. if x2< 1
i.e. if -1 < x < 1
∴ f is strictly increasing if -1 < x < 1

(b) f is strictly decreasing if f'(x) < 0
i.e. if < 0
i.e. if 1 – x2< 0 ……..[∵ (x2+ 1)2> 0]
i.e. if 1 < x2i.e. if x2> 1
i.e. if x > 1 or x < -1
∴ f is strictly decreasing if x < -1 or x > 1
i.e. x ∈ (-∞, -1) ∪ (1, ∞).

Question 7 Maharashtra Board Solution
Show that f(x) = 3x + is increasing in (, 1) and decreasing in (, )
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
f(x) = 3x +

Question 8 Maharashtra Board Solution
Show that f(x) = x – cos x is increasing for all x.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
f(x) = x – cos x ∴ f'(x) = (x – cos x) = 1 – (-sin x) = 1 + sin x Now, -1 ≤ sin x ≤ 1 for all x ∈ R ∴ -1 + 1 ≤ 1 + sin x ≤ 1 for all x ∈ R ∴ 0 ≤ f'(x) ≤ 1 for all x ∈ R ∴ f'(x) ≥ 0 for all x ∈ R ∴ f is increasing for all x.
Question 9 Maharashtra Board Solution
Find the maximum and minimum of the following functions: (i) y = 5x3 + 2x2 – 3x
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:

(ii) f(x) = 2x3– 21x2+ 36x – 20
Solution:
f(x) = 2x3– 21x2+ 36x – 20
∴ f'(x) = (2x3– 21x2+ 36x – 20)
= 2 × 3x2– 21 × 2x + 36 × 1 – 0
= 6x2– 42x + 36
and f”(x) = (6x2– 42x + 36)
= 6 × 2x – 42 × 1 + 0
= 12x – 42
f'(x) = 0 gives 6x2– 42x + 36 = 0
∴ x2– 7x + 6 = 0
∴ (x – 1)(x – 6) = 0
the roots of f'(x) = 0 are x1= 1 and x2= 6.

Method 1 (Second Derivative Test):
(a) f”(1) = 12(1) – 42 = -30 < 0
∴ by the second derivative test, f has maximum at x = 1
and maximum value of f at x = 1
f(1) = 2(1)3– 21(1)2+ 36(1) – 20
= 2 – 21 + 36 – 20
= -3

(b) f”(6) = 12(6) – 42 = 30 > 0
∴ by the second derivative test, f has minimum at x = 6
and minimum value of f at x = 6
f(6) = 2(6)3– 21(6)2+ 36(6) – 20
= 432 – 756 + 216 – 20
= -128.
Hence, the function f has maximum value -3 at x = 1 and minimum value -128 at x = 6.

Method 2 (First Derivative Test):
(a) f'(x) = 6(x – 1)(x – 6)
Consider x = 1
Let h be a small positive number. Then
f'(1 – h) = 6(1 – h – 1)(1 – h – 6)
= 6(-h)(-5 – h)
= 6h(5 + h)> 0
and f'(1 + h) = 6(1 + h – 1)(1 + h – 6)
= 6h(h – 5) < 0, as h is small positive number.
∴ by the first derivative test, f has maximum at x = 1 and maximum value of f at x = 1
f(1) = 2(1)3– 21(1)2+ 36(1) – 20
= 2 – 21 + 36 – 20
= -3

(b) f'(x) = 6(x – 1)(x – 6)
Consider x = 6
Let h be a small positive number. Then
f'(6 – h) = 6(6 – h – 1)(6 – h – 6)
= 6(5 – h)(-h)
= -6h(5 – h) < 0, as h is small positive number
and f'(6 + h) = 6(6 + h – 1)(6 + h – 6) = 6(5 + h)(h) > 0
∴ by the first derivative test, f has minimum at x = 6
and minimum value of f at x = 6
f(6) = 2(6)3– 21(6)2+ 36(6) – 20
= 432 – 756 + 216 – 20
= -128
Hence, the function f has maximum value -3 at x = 1
and minimum value -128 at x = 6.

(iii) f(x) = x3– 9x2+ 24x
Solution:
f(x) = x3– 9x2+ 24x
∴ f'(x) = (x3– 9x2+ 24x)
= 3x2– 9 × 2x + 24 × 1
= 3x2– 18x + 24
and f”(x) = (3x2– 18x + 24)
= 3 × 2x – 18 × 1 + 0
= 6x – 18
f'(x) = 0 gives 3x2– 18x + 24 = 0
∴ x2– 6x + 8 = 0
∴ (x – 2)(x – 4) = 0
∴ the roots of f'(x) = 0 are x1= 2 and x2= 4.

(a) f”(2) = 6(2) – 18 = -6 < 0
∴ by the second derivative test, f has maximum at x = 2
and maximum value of f at x = 2
f(2) = (2)3– 9(2)2+ 24(2)
= 8 – 36 + 48
= 20

(b) f”(4) = 6(4) – 18 = 6 > 0
∴ by the second derivative test, f has minimum at x = 4
and minimum value of f at x = 4
f(4) = (4)3– 9(4)2+ 24(4)
= 64 – 144 + 96
= 16
Hence, the function f has maximum value 20 at x = 2 and minimum value 16 at x = 4.

(iv) f(x) = x2+
Solution:

(v) f(x) = x log x
Solution:

(vi) f(x) =
Solution:

Question 10 Maharashtra Board Solution
Divide the number 30 into two parts such that their product is maximum.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Let the first part of 30 be x. Then the second part is 30 – x. ∴ their product = x(30 – x) = 30x – x2 = f(x) ……(Say) ∴ f'(x) = (30x – x2) = 30 × 1 – 2x = 30 – 2x and f”(x) = (30 – 2x) = 0 – 2 × 1 = -2 The root of the equation f(x) = 0, i.e. 30 – 2x = 0 is x = 15 and f”(15) = -2 < 0 ∴ by the second derivative test, f is maximum at x = 15. Hence, the required parts of 30 are 15 and 15.
Question 11 Maharashtra Board Solution
Divide the number 20 into two parts such that the sum of their squares is minimum.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Let the first part of 20 be x. Then the second part is 20 – x. ∴ sum of their squares = x2 + (20 – x)2 = f(x) …… (Say) ∴ f'(x) = [x2 + (20 – x)2] = 2x + 2(20 – x). (20 – x) = 2x + 2(20 – x) × (0 – 1) = 2x – 40 + 2x = 4x – 40 and f”(x) = (4x – 40) = 4 × 1 – 0 = 4 The root of the equation f'(x) = 0, i.e. 4x – 40 = 0 is x = 10 and f”(10) = 4 > 0 ∴ by the second derivative test, f is minimum at x = 10. Hence, the required parts of 20 are 10 and 10.
Question 12 Maharashtra Board Solution
A wire of length 36 meters is bent in the form of a rectangle. Find its dimensions if the area of the rectangle is maximum.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Let x metres and y metres be the length and breadth of the rectangle. Then its perimeter is 2(x + y) = 36 x + y = 18 y = 18 – x Area of the rectangle = xy = x (18 – x) Let f(x) = x(18 – x) = 18x – x2 ∴ f'(x) = (18x – x2) = 18 – 2x and f”(x) = (18 – 2x) = 0 – 2 × 1 = -2 Now, f'(x) = 0, if 18 – 2x = 0 i.e. if x = 9 and f”(9) = -2 < 0 ∴ by the second derivative test, f has maximum value at x = 9. When x = 9, y = 18 – 9 = 9 ∴ x = 9 cm, y = 9 cm ∴ the rectangle is a square of side 9 metres.
Question 13 Maharashtra Board Solution
A ball is thrown in the air. Its height at any time t is given by h = 3 + 14t – 5t2. Find the maximum height it can reach.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
The height h at any t is given by h = 3 + 14t – 5t2 Hence, the maximum height the ball can reach = 12.8 units.

Question 14 Maharashtra Board Solution
Find the largest size of a rectangle that can be inscribed in a semicircle of radius 1 unit, so that two vertices lie on the diameter.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Let ABCD be the rectangle inscribed in a semicircle of radius 1 unit such that the vertices A and B lie on the diameter. Let AB = DC = x and BC = AD = y. Let O be the centre of the semicircle. Join OC and OD. Then OC = OD = radius = 1. Also, AD = BC and m∠A = m∠B = 90°. ∴ OA = OB ∴ OB = AB = In right angled triangle OBC, OB2 + BC2 = OC2 Hence, the area of the rectangle is maximum (i.e. rectangle has the largest size) when its length is √2 units and breadth is unit.

Question 15 Maharashtra Board Solution
An open cylindrical tank whose base is a circle is to be constructed of metal sheet so as to contain a volume of πa3 cu cm of water. Find the dimensions so that the quantity of the metal sheet required is minimum.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Let x be the radius of the base, h be the height, V be the volume and S be the total surface area of the cylindrical tank. Then V = πa3 … (Given) ∴ πx2h = πa3 ∴ h = ……..(1) Now, S = 2πxh + πx2 ∴ by the second derivative test, S is minimum when x = a When x = a, from (1) h = = a Hence, the quantity of metal sheet is minimum when radius height = a cm.

Question 16 Maharashtra Board Solution
The perimeter of a triangle is 10 cm. If one of the sides is 4 cm. What are the other two sides of the triangle for its maximum area?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Let ABC be the triangle such that the side BC = a = 4 cm. Also, the perimeter of the triangle is 10 cm. i.e. a + b + c = 10 ∴ 2s = 10 ∴ s = 5 Also, 4 + b + c = 10 ∴ b + c = 6 ∴ b = 6 – c Let ∆ be the area of the triangle. ∴ by the second derivative test, ∆ is maximum when c = 3. When c = 3, b = 6 – c = 6 – 3 = 3 Hence, the area of the triangle is maximum when the other two sides are 3 cm and 3 cm.

Question 17 Maharashtra Board Solution
A box with a square base is to have an open top. The surface area of the box is 192 sq cm. What should be its dimensions in order that the volume is largest?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Let x cm be the side of square base and h cm be its height. Then x2 + 4xh = 192 ∴ h = …… (1) Let V be the volume of the box. ∴ by the second derivative test, V is maximum at x = 8. If x = 8, h = = 4 Hence, the volume of the box is largest, when the side of square base is 8 cm and its height is 4 cm.

Question 18 Maharashtra Board Solution
The profit function P (x) of a firm, selling x items per day is given by P(x) = (150 – x)x – 1625. Find the number of items the firm should manufacture to get maximum profit. Find the maximum profit.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Profit function P (x) is given by P(x) = (150 – x)x – 1625 = 150x – x2 -1625 ∴ P'(x) = (150x – x2 – 1625) = 150 × 1 – 2x – 0 = 150 – 2x and P”(x) = (150 – 2x) = 0 – 2 × 1 = -2 Now, P'(x) = 0 gives, 150 – 2x = 0 ∴ x = 75 and P”(75) = -2 < 0 ∴ by the second derivative test, P(x) is maximum when x = 75 Maximum profit = P(75) = (150 – 75)75 – 1625 = 75 × 75 – 1625 = 4000 Hence, the profit will be maximum, if the manufacturer manufactures 75 items and the maximum profit is 4000.
Question 19 Maharashtra Board Solution
Find two numbers whose sum is 15 and when the square of one multiplied by the cube of the other is maximum.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Let the two numbers be x and y. Then x + y = 15 ∴ y = 15 – x Let P is the product of square of y and cube of x. Then P = x3y2 = x3(15 – x)2 = x3(225 – 30x + x2) = x5 – 30x4 + 225x3 ∴ = (x5 – 30x4 + 225x3) = 5x4 – 30 × 4x3 + 225 × 3x2 = 5x4 – 120x3 + 675x2 and = (5x4 – 120x3 + 675x2) = 5 × 4x3 – 120 × 3x2 + 675 × 2x = 20x3 – 360x2 + 1350x = 10x(2x2 – 36x + 135) Now, = 0 gives 5x4 – 120x3 + 675x2 = 0 ∴ 5x2(x2 – 24x +135) = 0 ∴ 5x2(x2 – 15x – 9x + 135) = 0 ∴ 5x2[x(x – 15) – 9(x – 35)] = 0 ∴ 5x2(x – 15)(x – 9) = 0 ∴ the roots of = 0 are x1 = 0, x2 = 15 and x3 = 9 If x = 0, then y = 15 – 0 = 15 If x = 15, then y = 15 – 15 = 0 In both cases, product x3y2 is zero, which is not maximum. ∴ x ≠ 0 and x ≠ 15 ∴ x = 6 Now, = 10(6)[2(6)2 – 36 × 6 + 135] = 60[72 – 216 + 135] = 60(-9) = -540 < 0 ∴ P is maximum when x = 6 If x = 6, then y = 15 – 6 = 9 Hence, the required numbers are 6 and 9.
Question 20 Maharashtra Board Solution
Show that among rectangles of given area, the square has least perimeter.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Let x be the length and y be the breadth of the rectangle whose area is A sq units (which is given as constant). Then xy = A ∴ y = ………(1) Let P be the perimeter of the rectangle. x = y ∴ rectangle is a square. Hence, among rectangles of given area, the square has least perimeter.

Question 21 Maharashtra Board Solution
Show that the height of a closed right circular cylinder of given volume and least surface area is equal to its diameter.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Let x be the radius of base, h be the height and S be the surface area of the closed right circular cylinder whose volume is V which is given to be constant. Then πr2h = V ∴ h = …….(1) where A = , which is constant. Hence, the surface area is least when height of the closed right circular cylinder is equal to its diameter.

Question 22 Maharashtra Board Solution
Find the volume of the largest cylinder that can be inscribed in a sphere of radius ‘r’ cm.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Let R be the radius and h be the height of the cylinder which is inscribed in a sphere of radius r cm. Then from the figure, Hence, the volume of the largest cylinder inscribed in a sphere of radius ‘r’ cm = cu cm.

Question 23 Maharashtra Board Solution
Show that y = log(1 + x) – , x > -1 is an increasing function on its domain.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
y = log(1 + x) – , x > -1 Hence, the given function is increasing function on its domain.

Question 24 Maharashtra Board Solution
Prove that y = – θ is an increasing function if θ ∈ [0, ]
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
y = – θ