Proving Horizontal Tangents of y=Cos(x) & y=Sec(x) at x=0

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that the functions y=Cos(x) and y=Sec(x) have horizontal tangents at x=0. The derivative of y=Sec(x) is correctly identified as y' = Sec(x)Tan(x). At x=0, the values of Sec(0) and Tan(0) yield y' = 1*0 = 0, confirming a horizontal tangent. The confusion arises from the misunderstanding of how to set the product Sec(x)Tan(x) to zero, which is clarified through the correct evaluation of the derivatives at the specified point.

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  • Understanding of derivatives and their applications in calculus
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically Secant and Tangent
  • Knowledge of evaluating limits and continuity at specific points
  • Basic algebraic manipulation of equations and functions
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  • Study the properties of trigonometric derivatives, focusing on Sec(x) and Tan(x)
  • Learn about horizontal tangents and their significance in calculus
  • Explore the concept of limits and asymptotic behavior in trigonometric functions
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Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on trigonometric functions and their derivatives, as well as anyone looking to deepen their understanding of horizontal tangents in mathematical analysis.

Robokapp
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im supposed to prove that

y=Cos(x)

and

y=Sec(x)

have horisontal tangents for x=0

i got the derivatives just fine, i proved the first on e with no problem, but what do i do with second? i get to a point where i must prove that Sec(x)Tan(x)=0 but sec x = 1/cos(x) and i can't work with that...i mean how can i divide 1 by something to get zero? it's an asymptote...so what do i do?

i know how to get derivatives, i don't know how to prove that the second one is having the horisontal tangent.
 
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y = secx
y' = secx.tanx = sinx/cos²x

at x = 0, sinx = 0, cosx = 1

y' = 0/1² = 0
==========
 
Fermat said:
y = secx
y' = secx.tanx = sinx/cos²x

at x = 0, sinx = 0, cosx = 1

y' = 0/1² = 0
==========

okay...i thought that when you have secx*tanx=0 you have to set them like when you have parenthesis...each one at a time. That was probably a better explanation than most teachers would give. Thank you.

What i was trying to do is prove that either tan or sec is some value and the second one is zero, so zero*value=0 but it doesn't work that way.

can i ask though...why was i wrong? i mean if you do (x)(X+1)=0 you're defenetly not wrong to set either one equl to zero...why wasn't my way working? (To be honest I am more interested on what went wrong than what the answer is...i can always copy that from the book but i don't want to).
 
As far as I can see, you weren't wrong!

You had,

y' = secx*tanx

at x = 0, secx= 1/cosx = 1/1 = 1, and tanx = 0,

So,

y' = 1*0 = 0

what you have is secx = 1 and the other one, tanx = 0
 

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