Calculus Help: Solve a+barcsin(tanx/tanxo) for xo = 66.30

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the values of constants a and b in a piecewise function S(x) to ensure continuity at a specific latitude, xo, which is given as 66 degrees 30 minutes. The function includes an arcsine term and is defined differently over two intervals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of latitude from degrees and minutes to decimal degrees, question the definition of the arcsine function, and explore the conditions for continuity and differentiability at the point x = xo.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the problem, particularly regarding the derivatives and values at the point of interest. There is an ongoing exploration of the necessary conditions for continuity and differentiability, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the conversion of latitude from degrees and minutes to decimal degrees, which may affect the setup of the problem. Participants are also considering the implications of differentiability at the transition point of the piecewise function.

Kristal
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Can anyone help me with this problem,please?

xo=latitude of arctic circle

S(x)={a+barcsin(tanx/tanxo) when 0<x<xo
24 when xo[less-than equal to]x[less-than equal to]90

Find a and b so that S(x) is continuous.

My work:
xo= 66(degrees)30' which I think equals 66.30 (correct?)
arcsin=sin(to the negative 1) (I think?)

And from there I really don't know how to do it or start to do it.
 
Last edited:
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If you are asking if 66 degrees 30 minutes is 66.30 degrees, the answer is no. Since there are 60 minutes in a degree, 30 minutes is 1/2 degree. 66 degrees, 30 minutes is 66.5 degrees.

Yes, "arcsine" is the inverse sine function- often written sin-1 but there are some of use who prefer the "arcsin" notation since the other is easy to confuse with -1 power.

You should know that the arcsine function is differentiable in the domain give here and, of course, the constant function, y= 24, is differentiable so the only question is differentiability at x= x0. What is the value of a+barcsin(tanx/tanxo) at x= x0? What is the value of 24 at x= x0 (yes, that's a trivial question!). What is the derivative of a+b arcsin(tanx/tanxo)? What is the derivative of 24? What do a and b have to be so that both the values and the derivatives are the same at x= x0?
 
Thank you so much... I still do not understand how to get the values of a and b... but if need be I can guess and check values (I'm quite good at it by now.) You helped a lot at giving me an idea of what to do and what I should consider.
 
First, tell us what you have for the derivative of a+barcsin(tanx/tanxo) at x= x0. (Use the chain rule differentiating.) What is the value of a+barcsin(tanx/tanxo) itself when x= x0(that's easy)?
 
Thank you. I think I got it...

12+(48/pi)arcsin(tanx/tanxo)
 
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