Step 1 :First, we need to find the derivative of the function \(f(x) = x^2 + \frac{160}{x}\). Using the power rule and the quotient rule, we get \(f'(x) = 2x - \frac{160}{x^2}\).
Step 2 :Next, we set the derivative equal to zero and solve for \(x\) to find the critical points. So, \(2x - \frac{160}{x^2} = 0\) simplifies to \(2x^3 - 160 = 0\). Solving this equation gives us \(x = \sqrt[3]{80}\).
Step 3 :Then, we need to check the endpoints of the interval and the critical point to find the absolute maximum and minimum values. The function is undefined at \(x = 0\), so we only need to check \(x = \sqrt[3]{80}\).
Step 4 :Substituting \(x = \sqrt[3]{80}\) into the function, we get \(f(\sqrt[3]{80}) = (\sqrt[3]{80})^2 + \frac{160}{\sqrt[3]{80}} = 80 + 2\sqrt[3]{80}\).
Step 5 :Since the function is defined for all \(x > 0\), and \(f(x)\) tends to infinity as \(x\) tends to infinity, there is no absolute maximum value.
Step 6 :Thus, the absolute minimum value is \(80 + 2\sqrt[3]{80}\) at \(x = \sqrt[3]{80}\).