Derivative of a trigonometric function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function \(7.5\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{10}x\right)\) and analyzing its critical points, particularly where the derivative equals zero to identify maxima.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to differentiate the function and set the derivative to zero to find critical points. There is a focus on the algebraic manipulation involved in solving for \(x\) and the implications of different steps taken in the process.

Discussion Status

Some participants confirm the derivative calculation is correct, while others express confusion about the subsequent steps to solve for \(x\). There is an ongoing exploration of the reasoning behind dividing terms in the equation and how it affects the solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies between calculated values and expected outcomes based on the function's graphical behavior, leading to questions about assumptions made during the problem-solving process.

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Homework Statement



[itex]\frac{d}{dx}7.5sin(\frac{pi}{10}x)[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[itex]7.5(\frac{pi}{10})cos(\frac{pi}{10}x)[/itex]

Maximum: f'(x) = 0

[itex]7.5(\frac{pi}{10})cos(\frac{pi}{10}x)[/itex] = 0

[itex]7.5(\frac{pi}{10})cos^{-1}(0)= \frac{pi}{10}x[/itex]

**[itex](\frac{pi}{10}\frac{10}{pi})7.5(90) = x[/itex]

[itex](1)(7.5)(90) = x = 675[/itex]

To me, this doesn't seem to be nearly the correct answer because it doesn't make sense given the graph of this function:

[itex]\frac{pi}{10}x= pi[/itex]

x = 10

So, the first arch is at x=0 and x = 10,

so the the maximum of the curve can not be x = 675.

What am I doing incorrectly in the derivative of the trigonometric function?

Thank you
 
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Ocata said:

Homework Statement



[itex]\frac{d}{dx}7.5sin(\frac{pi}{10}x)[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[itex]7.5(\frac{pi}{10})cos(\frac{pi}{10}x)[/itex]

Maximum: f'(x) = 0

[itex]7.5(\frac{pi}{10})cos(\frac{pi}{10}x)[/itex] = 0

[itex]7.5(\frac{pi}{10})cos^{-1}(0)= \frac{pi}{10}x[/itex]

**[itex](\frac{pi}{10}\frac{10}{pi})7.5(90) = x[/itex]

[itex](1)(7.5)(90) = x = 675[/itex]

To me, this doesn't seem to be nearly the correct answer because it doesn't make sense given the graph of this function:

[itex]\frac{pi}{10}x= pi[/itex]

x = 10

So, the first arch is at x=0 and x = 10,

so the the maximum of the curve can not be x = 675.

What am I doing incorrectly in the derivative of the trigonometric function?

Thank you
Derivation part looks fine.
 
Last edited:
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Ocata said:

Homework Statement



[itex]\frac{d}{dx}7.5sin(\frac{pi}{10}x)[/itex]
What, exactly, was the question? You only mention differentiating the function but then set that derivative to 0.

The Attempt at a Solution



[itex]7.5(\frac{pi}{10})cos(\frac{pi}{10}x)[/itex]
Yes, this is the correct derivative.

Maximum: f'(x) = 0

[itex]7.5(\frac{pi}{10})cos(\frac{pi}{10}x)[/itex] = 0
and so [itex]cos(\frac{\pi}{10}x)= 0[/itex]

[itex]7.5(\frac{pi}{10})cos^{-1}(0)= \frac{pi}{10}x[/itex]
No. To solve [itex]Af(x)= B[/itex], you take [itex]f^{-1}(B/A)[/itex], not [itex]Af^{-1}(B)[/itex].

**[itex](\frac{pi}{10}\frac{10}{pi})7.5(90) = x[/itex]/quote]

[itex](1)(7.5)(90) = x = 675[/itex]

To me, this doesn't seem to be nearly the correct answer because it doesn't make sense given the graph of this function:

[itex]\frac{pi}{10}x= pi[/itex]

x = 10

So, the first arch is at x=0 and x = 10,

so the the maximum of the curve can not be x = 675.

What am I doing incorrectly in the derivative of the trigonometric function?

Thank you
 
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lep11 said:
Derivation part looks fine.

Hi lep11,

Thank you. I had a feeling I was running into the issue at solving for x.
(1) [itex]7.5\frac{π}{10}cos(\frac{π}{10}x)=0[/itex]

(2) [itex]7.5\frac{π}{10}cos^{-1}(0)= \frac{π}{10}x[/itex] Here is where I was getting stuck. The first thing I noticed, was that I let cos(0) = 90 instead of π/2.

(3) [itex]7.5\frac{π}{10}\frac{10}{π}cos(0) = x[/itex]

(4) [itex]7.5\frac{π}{2} = x = 11.78[/itex] Which is closer to within the interval of the first arch of the function, but not quite where the maximum should be.

Playing around with the algebra, I finally arrived at an answer that makes sense:

If I divide the [itex]7.5\frac{π}{10}[/itex] out of the equation first at step (1):

[itex]7.5\frac{π}{10}cos(\frac{π}{10}x)=0[/itex]

[itex]cos(\frac{π}{10}x) = 0[/itex]

[itex]cos(0) = \frac{π}{10}x[/itex]

[itex]\frac{10}{π}\frac{π}{2} = 5[/itex] That sounds more like it.However, what I don't understand, is how come I have to divide [itex]7.5\frac{π}{10}[/itex] first? In a regular equation, it doesn't matter when you decide to divide both sides by a number, why does it matter in this situation?

Thank you.
 
Last edited:
HallsofIvy said:
What, exactly, was the question? You only mention differentiating the function but then set that derivative to 0. No. To solve [itex]Af(x)= B[/itex], you take [itex]f^{-1}(B/A)[/itex], not [itex]Af^{-1}(B)[/itex].
Thank you HallsofIvy,

[itex]7.5\frac{π }{10}Cos(\frac{π}{10}x) = 0[/itex]

[itex]Cos(\frac{0}{(7.5\frac{π }{10})}) = \frac{π}{10}x[/itex]

[itex]Cos(0) = \frac{π}{10}x[/itex]

[itex]\frac{10}{π}Cos(0) = x[/itex]

[itex]\frac{10}{π}Cos(0) = x[/itex]

[itex]\frac{10}{π}\frac{π}{2} = x = 5[/itex]!Thank you. Now that I know how to solve this and that there is a systematic way to approach, I will be looking into why the formula provided does in fact work. Thank you for your guidance :)
 
Ocata said:
Thank you HallsofIvy,

[itex]7.5\frac{π }{10}Cos(\frac{π}{10}x) = 0[/itex]
Thank you. Now that I know how to solve this and that there is a systematic way to approach, I will be looking into why the formula provided does in fact work. Thank you for your guidance :)
The product of ##\ 7.5\frac{π }{10} \ ## and ##\ \cos(\frac{π}{10}x) \ ## is zero.The only way for a product to be zero is for one of the factors to be zero. The only one which can be zero is ##\ \cos(\frac{π}{10}x) \ ## .
 
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