How to Establish the Inequality xcosx < sinx < x Using the Unit Circle?

In summary, the unit circle inequality is a mathematical concept that states for any point (x,y) on a unit circle, the inequality x² + y² ≤ 1 must hold. It is used in various mathematical applications and represents the fact that the distance of any point on a unit circle from its center is always less than or equal to 1. It is closely related to trigonometric functions and can be extended to other circles through the general circle inequality.
  • #1
theperthvan
184
0
This was an exam question I had at the end of 2005 in my uni entrance exams.
Can you do it?

Establish the inequality

[tex] xcosx < sinx < x [/tex] where [tex]0<x<pi/2[/tex] using the unit circle.

is the tex working?
 
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  • #2
This is a classic. Here:

http://www.csun.edu/~ac53971/courses/math350/xtra_sine.pdf"

The first part of the proof is what you are looking for.

Edit: Is it a challenge? If so then most people here will be able to do it, this is a very known proof.
 
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  • #3
That was quick!

Yes, that's it. Cheers,
 

1. What is the unit circle inequality?

The unit circle inequality is a mathematical concept used to describe the relationship between the coordinates of a point on a unit circle and the angle formed by the point and the center of the circle. It states that for any point (x,y) on the unit circle, the inequality x² + y² ≤ 1 must hold.

2. How is the unit circle inequality used in mathematics?

The unit circle inequality is used in various mathematical applications, such as in trigonometry, geometry, and calculus. It is particularly helpful in solving equations involving circles and understanding the properties of circles.

3. What does the unit circle inequality represent?

The unit circle inequality represents the fact that the distance of any point on a unit circle from its center is always less than or equal to 1. This is because the radius of a unit circle is always equal to 1.

4. How is the unit circle inequality related to trigonometric functions?

The unit circle inequality is closely related to trigonometric functions, particularly sine and cosine. This is because the coordinates of a point on a unit circle can be represented by the values of sine and cosine for a given angle.

5. Can the unit circle inequality be extended to other circles?

Yes, the unit circle inequality can be extended to other circles, where the inequality x² + y² ≤ r² holds, where r is the radius of the circle. This is known as the general circle inequality.

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