Maxima minina on an interval (calculus+trig)

  • Thread starter Thread starter quicksilver123
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Interval Maxima
Click For Summary
To find the maximum and minimum of the function f(x) = x + cos(x) on the interval <-π, 2π>, the derivative f'(x) = 1 - sin(x) is calculated. The critical points occur where the derivative equals zero, but it's important to also evaluate the endpoints of the interval. The solution emphasizes that simply finding the derivative is insufficient; one must also consider the behavior of the function at the boundaries. The discussion highlights a potential misunderstanding in interpreting the solution's wording, clarifying that f'(x) being non-negative indicates the function is increasing. Proper evaluation of both critical points and endpoints is essential for determining the extrema.
quicksilver123
Messages
173
Reaction score
0
IMG_2066.jpg
I need to find the max/min of a function on an interval.
The function is f(x)=x+cos(x) and the interval is <-PI,2pi>
There is an attached solution but I do not understand how to arrive at the given solution (see screenshot). I would personally just take the derivative as
F'(x)=1-sin(x)
However the solution says this is only half the answer and I do not understand the reasoning (I am trying to do this algebraicly, without thinking of it graphically).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
quicksilver123 said:
the solution says this is only half the answer
I think you may be misinterpreting what it says. It is strangely worded. Better would be "f'(x)=1-sin(x), which is ≥0 since sin(x)≤1 for any real x".
 
  • Like
Likes quicksilver123
Thanks
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
32
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
837
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K