How can you maximize a trigonometric expression?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on maximizing the trigonometric expression $\sin x \cos y + \sin y \cos z + \sin z \cos x$ for all real variables $x$, $y$, and $z$. Participants concluded that the maximum value of this expression is achieved when $x$, $y$, and $z$ are set to specific angles that align the sine and cosine functions optimally. The expression can be simplified and analyzed using calculus and trigonometric identities to find critical points and maximum values.

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  • Understanding of trigonometric functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with calculus, particularly optimization techniques
  • Knowledge of critical points and how to find them
  • Ability to manipulate and simplify trigonometric expressions
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  • Study optimization techniques in calculus, focusing on finding maxima and minima
  • Explore trigonometric identities and their applications in simplification
  • Learn about the use of Lagrange multipliers for constrained optimization
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Maximize $\sin x \cos y+\sin y \cos z+\sin z \cos x$ for all real $x,\,y$ and $z$.
 
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anemone said:
Maximize $\sin x \cos y+\sin y \cos z+\sin z \cos x$ for all real $x,\,y$ and $z$.

from cyclic symmetry it is maximum when $x = y =z$
we get expression = $\frac{3}{2} \sin 2x$ and when $x = y = z= \frac{\pi}{4}$(this is one of the values) it is maximum = $\frac{3}{2}$
 

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