What is the Interval for Increasing Function y=x+sinxcosx?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the interval in which the function y=x+\sin x\cos x is increasing. The original poster differentiates the function and analyzes the derivative to identify critical points where the derivative equals zero.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the increasing interval by differentiating the function and analyzing the sign of the derivative. Some participants question the validity of claiming the function is increasing over all real numbers due to points where the derivative is zero.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the implications of the derivative being zero at certain points and discussing how to express the interval of increase. There is an ongoing dialogue about the representation of critical points and the redundancy of including both positive and negative versions of the formula.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the mathematical conventions regarding the representation of critical points, particularly in relation to integer values of n and their implications for the intervals of increase.

Kamataat
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Find the interval in which the function [itex]y=x+\sin x\cos x[/itex] is increasing. So, first I differentiated to get [itex]y'=1+\cos 2x[/itex]. Then I set [itex]y'[/itex] equal to zero:

[tex]1+\cos 2x=0[/tex]
[tex]\cos 2x=-1[/tex]
[tex]2x=\pm \arccos m+2n\pi[/tex], where [tex]n\in\mathbb{Z}[/tex]
[tex]2x=\pm \arccos(-1)+2n\pi[/tex]
[tex]2x=\pm\pi+2n\pi[/tex]
[tex]x=\pm\frac{\pi}{2}+n\pi[/tex]

So, since [itex]y'=0[/itex] is true only at certain points (because [itex]n\in\mathbb{Z}[/itex]), we know that the function is strictly increasing or decreasing. To find out which, we do this:

[tex]x_1=-50 : y(x_1)=y_1=-49.75[/tex]
[tex]x_2=30 : y(x_2)=y_2=29.85[/tex]

Thus the function is strictly increasing because in the case of [itex]x_1 < x_2[/itex] we have [itex]y_1 < y_2[/itex].

So the function is increasing on the open interval [itex]X^{\uparrow}=]-\infty;\infty[[/itex].

Is this correct?

- Kamataat
 
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True,the derivative is never negative...But you can't say that the function's increasing on R,you'll have to exclude the infinite amount of points where it is zero...:wink:

Daniel.
 
So it's strictly increasing on [itex]X^\uparrow=\mathbb{R}\ \backslash\ (\pm\pi/2+\pi n)[/itex], where [itex]n\in\mathbb{Z}[/itex]?

- Kamataat
 
Remove the minus,if the "n" is integer,automatically the value [itex]-\frac{\pi}{2}[/itex] is assumed.

Daniel.
 
ok, but why is -pi/2 assumed if n is an integer? is there a mathematical reason or is it just agreed on by mathematicians?

- Kamataat
 
Take "n=-1" in the "plus" formula...

Daniel.
 
I fail to see why this should create a problem :confused: .

- Kamataat
 
Because mathematicians like to count the DISTINCT elements of a set ONLY ONCE...

Daniel.
 
yeah, i know that. but i don't get why i have to assume it's a "minus" and not a "plus". wouldn't n=1 in the "minus" formula cause the same problem as n=-1 in the "plus" formula?

- Kamataat
 
  • #10
You can of course use the minus version rather then the plus version. But, as Daniel said, to use both is redundant (and hence, not well liked).
Stick to the one you like best (most would prefer the plus version).
 
  • #11
ok, that's how i understand it. i just got confused, because i thought he meant to use only the "minus" version. thanks anyway, both of you!

- Kamataat
 

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