Strange Trig Function solutions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the maximum, minimum, and concavity of the function v(x) = -cos(x) - Lx + 1, where 0 < L < 1. The first derivative v'(x) = sin(x) - L is set to zero, leading to the critical points x = arcsin(L) + 2πn. However, confusion arises regarding additional solutions provided by Maple, specifically x = arcsin(L) - 2arcsin(L) + 2πn + π. The second set of solutions corresponds to the II quadrant of the arcsine function, which can also be expressed as x = π - arcsin(L) + 2πn.

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  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts such as derivatives and critical points.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine and arcsine.
  • Knowledge of periodic functions and their properties.
  • Experience with graphing functions to visualize solutions.
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  • Study the properties of the arcsine function and its graph.
  • Learn about the periodicity of trigonometric functions and how it affects solutions.
  • Explore the implications of critical points in calculus, particularly in relation to concavity.
  • Investigate the use of computational tools like Maple for solving trigonometric equations.
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WolfOfTheSteps
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Homework Statement



This is part of a problem for a nonlinear diff class... But it's the basic stuff that's tripping me up.

Find all the max/min and concavity for

v(x) = -cos(x)-Lx+1,\ \ \ 0&lt;L&lt;1

The Attempt at a Solution



Here's what I do:

v&#039;(x) = sin(x)-L
v&#039;&#039;(x)=cos(x)

Set the first derivative to 0:

sin(x)-L=0 \Rightarrow x = arcsin(L)

Here's where I'm confused. I say

x = arcsin(L) + 2\pi n, \ \ \ \mbox{where }n \mbox{ is any integer}

But Maple says:

x = arcsin(L)+2\pi n, \ \ \ \mbox{where }n \mbox{ is any integer, OR:}
x = arcsin(L) - 2arcsin(L)+2\pi n+\pi \ \ \ \mbox{where }n \mbox{ is any integer}

Where does the -2arcsin(L) and the +pi come from?

I really want to understand this once and for all... I never took a trig class, and while I get by fine 99% of the time, I hit a brick wall when I come across this kind of stuff.

Thanks!
 
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I think I almost understand it... The second set of values of x are the ones where the arcsin is in the II quadrant. Correct?

And obviously it makes more sense to write:

x = \pi - arcsin(L) + 2\pi n

for the 2nd set of x values.

Yeah, I think I get it now. I was just looking at the graph of arcsine, and it doesn't seem to make sense from that.

Is there a way to see that those are the solutions by looking at the arcsine graph?

Thanks.
 
I hope you understand the first solution.
The second part of the solution is better understood if you manipulate the terms a bit , it can be written as x = (2n+1)\pi-arcsin(L).
Noting that sin(n\pi-x)=sin(x) for all odd n, you can now see how this is also part of the solution.

If you still don't follow, perhaps substitution of values for L into the solutions can give a clearer picture.
For the graphical picture, you should use the sin(x) graph. Fix some L value, find arcsin(L), and see what other values of x, do you get sin(x)=L, that's all.
 
Last edited:

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