Derive average rate of change formula of cos

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the average rate of change formula for the cosine function using the addition formula cos(u+v) = cos(u)cos(v) - sin(u)sin(v). The identity derived is (cos(x + h) - cos x) / h = cos x ((cos h - 1) / h) - sin x ((sin h) / h). The simplification process involves factoring out cos(x) from the expression cos(x)cos(h) - cos(x), leading to cos(x)(cos(h) - 1). This derivation is crucial for understanding the behavior of the cosine function in calculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically the addition formula for cosine.
  • Basic knowledge of limits and derivatives in calculus.
  • Familiarity with the concept of average rate of change.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving trigonometric functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the derivative of the cosine function using limits.
  • Explore the implications of the average rate of change in calculus.
  • Learn about Taylor series expansions for trigonometric functions.
  • Investigate the relationship between trigonometric functions and their graphical representations.
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, mathematics educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of trigonometric functions and their derivatives.

andrewkg
Messages
86
Reaction score
0
Q.
Use the addition formula cos(u+v) = cos(u)cos(v) - sin(u)sin(v) to derive the following identity for the average rate of change of the cosine function:

(cos(x + h) - cos x) / h = cos x ((cos h - 1) / h) - sin x ((sin h) / h)

A.
cos(x+h) = cosxcosh - sinxsinh
subtitute this to (cos(x+h) - cos x)/h we get
(cos(x+h) - cos x)/h = (cosxcosh - sinxsinh -cosx)/h
then I know it must go down to =(cosx(cosh - 1) - sinxsinh)/h
but how does cosxcosh - cosx simpify to cosx(cosh-1)
?
sorry my really basic skills are poor
Thank you a ton!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Factor cos(x) from {[cos(x)*cos(h) - cos(x)] - sin(x)*sin(h)}
 
andrewkg said:
how does cosxcosh - cosx simpify to cosx(cosh-1)
Well, what do you get if you multiply out cos(x)(cos(h)-1)?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
12K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
5K