Calculus Problem (involes critical numbers)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding critical numbers of the function h(x) = sin²(x) + cos(x) within the interval 0 < x < 2π. Participants are exploring the derivative and its implications for identifying critical points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss setting the derivative 2sin(x)cos(x) - sin(x) equal to zero and explore algebraic manipulations. There is confusion regarding the steps to isolate terms and the implications of factoring.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on factoring the derivative and identifying potential critical points. There is an ongoing exploration of different algebraic approaches, and while some clarity has emerged, no consensus on the final critical numbers has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem's interval and the requirement to find critical numbers, which may lead to varying interpretations of the steps involved in the solution process.

Cod
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The directions state to find any critical numbers of the function within the interval 0 < x < 2pi. The function is:

[tex]h(x) = sin^2(x) + cos(x)[/tex]

I've already found that the derivative is:

[tex]2sin(x)cos(x) - sin(x)[/tex]

I've set that equal to zero, and that's where I'm stuck. I guess this is more of an algebra question than anything. The answer I keep getting is:

[tex]tan(x)/sin(x) = 2[/tex]

However, I don't think its correct. So any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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[tex]2\sin{x}\cos{x} - \sin{x} = 0[/tex]
[tex]2\sin{x}\cos{x}= \sin{x}[/tex]
[tex]2\cos{x}=0[/tex]
[tex]\cos{x}=0[/tex]

...?

cookiemonster
 
Ohhhhh, I'm an idiot. I was adding [tex]sin x[/tex] to both sides then dividing by [tex]cos x[/tex] to get [tex]tan x[/tex]. Well, I guess I was just looking over the obvious the whole time.

Thanks for the assistance.
 
cod: Don't call yourself an idiot. Let's reserve that for cookiemonster! (Hey, it's not often I can do that!)

NO, 2sin x cos x= cos x does NOT immediately lead to
"2cos x= 0"- it leads to 2cos x= 1 !

In fact, the best way to do this is to factor the original form:
2sin x cos x- sin x= sin x(2 cos x- 1)= 0 so

either sin x= 0 or 2 cos x-1= 0. That is, either sin x= 0
or cos x= 1/2. You can get x itself from those.
 
the answer for: Find any critical numbers of the function. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list.)
(sin(x))2 + cos(x) 0 < x < 2π

is: Pi/3 , Pi, 5Pi/3 so you know
 

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