What are the key concepts for solving trigonometric functions?

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The discussion focuses on solving the function f(x) = sin(x)^2 - sin(x) for the interval 0 < x < 3π/2. Participants identify the x-intercepts as x=0, π/2, and π, and discuss the need to find the derivative to determine where the function is increasing. The derivative f'(x) is calculated as 2sin(x)cos(x) - cos(x), leading to critical points when cos(x) = 0 and sin(x) = 0.5. Additionally, there is a request for clarification on how to define absolute maximum and minimum values of the function. The conversation also touches on proving the trigonometric identity cos(A+B) = cos A cos B - sin A sin B.
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Let f be the function defined by f(x) = sin(x)^2 - sin(x) for
0 < x < 3π/2
a. Find the x-intercepts of the graph of f.
b. Find the intervals on which f is increasing.
c. Find the absolute maximum value and the absolute minimum value of f.

______________

I found the x-intercepts to be x=0, π/2, and π, but for part b I know I need to take the derivative of f(x), but I don't know how, and when I tried to do so on my calculator I couldn't decipher the graph that it was showing me.
 
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f(x) = sin^2(x) - sin(x)
f&#039;(x) = 2sin(x)cos(x) - cos(x)
2sin(x)cos(x) - cos(x) = 0
cos(x)(2sin(x) - 1) = 0
Solve for cos(x) = 0 & sin(x) = 0.5

Then you need to test values for all x values that satisfy those equations within the boundary 0 &lt; x &lt; \frac{3\pi}{2}
 
trig question

I was trying to prove the identity of cos(A+B)= Cos A Cos B - Sin A Sin B, i couldn't do it. Would u be able to direct me step by step to prove that .
 
sweetcomedygirl: in (c), how are abs. min. and abs. max. defined?

rebecca: You can start with the attached figure. Then, you can write sin α/cos α in terms of cos β, sin β, and cos(α+β)/sin α.
 

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