The maximum value of $\left(\frac{1}{x}\right)^x$ is:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → $e^{1/e}$ ##
Let $y = \left(\frac{1}{x}\right)^x$
$\Rightarrow \log y = x \cdot \log \frac{1}{x}$
$∴\frac{1}{y} \frac{dy}{dx} = x \cdot \frac{1}{1/x} \left(-\frac{1}{x^2}\right) + \log \frac{1}{x} \cdot 1$
$= -1 + \log \frac{1}{x}$
$\frac{dy}{dx} = \left(\log \frac{1}{x} - 1\right) \left(\frac{1}{x}\right)^x$
Now, $\frac{dy}{dx} = 0$
$\Rightarrow \log \frac{1}{x} = 1 = \log e$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{x} = e$
$\Rightarrow x = \frac{1}{e}$
Hence, the maximum value of $f\left(\frac{1}{e}\right) = (e)^{1/e}$.