Find the values where the tangent line is horizontal

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the values of x where the tangent line to the function f(x) = x + 2sin(x) is horizontal, which involves analyzing the derivative of the function.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of finding horizontal tangents by setting the derivative equal to zero. There are differing interpretations of the solutions derived from the derivative, with some participants questioning the accuracy of the original poster's results and suggesting alternative forms for the solutions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's interpretations and suggesting clarifications. There is no explicit consensus on the correct values, but multiple perspectives are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of including arbitrary factors in the solutions and address potential errors in the original calculations. There is a focus on ensuring the solutions account for all occurrences of the horizontal tangents.

frosty8688
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1. Find the values for x at which the tangent line is horizontal


2. f(x) = x + 2sinx

3. I found the derivative to be f'(x) = 1 + 2cosx I then set the derivative equal to zero and it came out to be 2cosx = -1, cosx = -\frac{1}{2} So the values of the horizontal tangent are 2∏/3 ± 2∏
 
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I think you exchanged some numbers in the result. In addition, there are two different sets of solutions, not just one.
 
The values would be (2n + 1)∏ ± 1/3∏. Since it is -1/2 at 2∏/3 and at 4∏/3 and it occurs at ∏ ± 1/3∏ and at every 2∏ to the left or right.
 
That is better. "at every 2∏" should get some integer k (or whatever) as arbitrary factor for the 2∏.
 

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