What values of x make the graph of f(x) have a horizontal tangent?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter tmt1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Horizontal
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The values of x that make the graph of the function f(x) = x + 2sin(x) have a horizontal tangent are determined by setting the derivative f'(x) = 1 + 2cos(x) to zero. This results in the equation 1 + 2cos(x) = 0, leading to cos(x) = -1/2. The solutions for x are found in quadrants II and III, expressed as x = (2k+1)π ± π/3, where k is any integer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically derivatives
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with the unit circle and angle measures
  • Ability to solve trigonometric equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of trigonometric functions, focusing on cosine values
  • Learn how to derive functions and find critical points
  • Explore the unit circle to visualize trigonometric solutions
  • Investigate periodic functions and their applications in calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and trigonometry, as well as anyone interested in understanding the behavior of functions and their derivatives.

tmt1
Messages
230
Reaction score
0
For what values of does the graph of have a horizontal
tangent?
f(x) = x + 2sin(x)

I get this:

$f'(x) = 1 + 2 \cos(x)$

And I understand that I need to set this to zero.

$1 + 2cosx = 0$

$cosx = 1/2$

How do I isolate x in this situation?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
First of all, the equations is cos(x) = -1/2;

arccos gives you cos(\pi/3) = 0.5;

If you draw the graph of cos(x), this might help find you all the values for x where cos(x) = -0.5
 
Yes, as mentioned, you wind up with:

$$\cos(x)=-\frac{1}{2}$$

Now, there is a quadrant II and a quadrant III solution, given generally by:

$$x=(2k+1)\pi\pm\frac{\pi}{3}=\frac{\pi}{3}\left(3(2k+1)\pm1\right)$$ where $$k\in\mathbb{Z}$$
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
916
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K