Prove $1<sin\,\theta + cos\,\theta \leq \sqrt 2$ for $0<\theta <90^o$

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Albert1
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The inequality \(1 < \sin \theta + \cos \theta \leq \sqrt{2}\) for \(0 < \theta < 90^\circ\) is established using geometric principles. The maximum value of \(\sin \theta + \cos \theta\) occurs at \(\theta = 45^\circ\), yielding \(\sqrt{2}\). The minimum value is greater than 1, confirmed by evaluating the function at the endpoints of the interval. This analysis confirms the validity of the inequality across the specified range of \(\theta\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine.
  • Basic knowledge of geometric principles and properties of triangles.
  • Familiarity with the unit circle and its implications for angle measures.
  • Ability to manipulate and analyze inequalities in mathematical expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of trigonometric identities related to sine and cosine.
  • Study the geometric interpretation of trigonometric functions on the unit circle.
  • Learn about the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality and its applications in trigonometry.
  • Investigate the behavior of trigonometric functions in different quadrants.
USEFUL FOR

Students of mathematics, educators teaching trigonometry, and anyone interested in the geometric interpretation of trigonometric inequalities.

Albert1
Messages
1,221
Reaction score
0
$0<\theta <90^o$
using geometry to prove the following:
$1<sin\,\, \theta + cos\,\,\theta \leq \sqrt 2$
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Albert said:
$0<\theta <90^o$
using geometry to prove the following:
$1<sin\,\, \theta + cos\,\,\theta \leq \sqrt 2$
my soluion
$A,B,C,D$ are four points on a circle, with diameter $\overline {AC}= 1$
let :$\angle DAC=\theta , \angle CAB=\angle BCA=45^o $, then we have:
$\overline {AD}=cos\theta, \overline {CD}=sin\theta, \overline {AB}=\overline {BC}=\dfrac {\sqrt 2}{2}$
it is easy to see $cos\,\theta +sin\, \theta =\overline {AD}+\overline {CD}>\overline {AC}=1$
also by Ptolemy's theorem we have :
$\overline {AB}\times \overline {CD}+\overline {BC}\times\overline {AD}=\overline {AC}\times \overline {BD}=\overline {BD}\leq 1$
that is :$\dfrac {\sqrt 2}{2} sin\, \theta+\dfrac {\sqrt 2}{2} cos\, \theta\leq 1$
or $sin \theta+cos \theta \leq \sqrt 2$
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K