Does cos + sin always equal 0?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion clarifies that the equation cos + sin does not equal zero in a general sense, as both functions are independent and do not have fixed values. It explores specific instances where sin and cos can sum to zero, such as sin(2n pi) + cos[(pi/2) + n pi] = 0, but emphasizes that this is not universally applicable. The relationship cosx + sinx = 0 leads to cotx = -1, but sinx = 0 does not hold in this context. Additionally, the maximum and minimum values of sinx + cosx are discussed, confirming that the function is continuous and must cross zero at some point. The thread concludes by distinguishing this topic from general calculus questions.
Ry122
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does cos + sin = 0?
 
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cos + sin can never be equal to anything other than cos + sin. sin and cos are just functions. Neither has a "value" as such.

Do you want to if sin(somevalue1) + cos(somevalue2) = 0?
 
Ry122 said:
does cos + sin = 0?

like neutrino said cos + sin have no meaning. But if we get let's say

sin(2n pi)+ cos[(pi/2)+n pi] =0, and there are more samples like this. if this is what you meant at first place?
 
did you mean cosx+sinx=0 ?
\mbox{for the above to be true},\\ cosx=-sinx \\ \Rightarrow cotx=-1 (or sinx=0 but this does not hold for that.)
 
Please only post calculus questions in this forum.
 
ChaoticLlama said:
Please only post calculus questions in this forum.
LOL,this may well be calculus...
Max(sinx+cosx)= \sqrt{2}
Min(sinx+cosx)= -\sqrt{2}
Since they function is continuous, it must have x such that f(x)=0
 
To OP: Short answer. No.
 
Wait up, perhaps you got confused with this:

\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1
 

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