Math Problem Statement

If f(x) = 5cos²(π - x), then f'(π/2) is?

Solution

To solve the given problem, let’s carefully work through the information provided in the image:

The problem is:

If f(x)=5cos2(πx)f(x) = 5 \cos^2(\pi - x), then f(π2)f'\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) is?


Step-by-step Solution:

  1. Rewrite f(x)f(x): Using the identity for cosine: cos(πx)=cos(x)\cos(\pi - x) = -\cos(x) Thus: f(x)=5cos2(πx)=5cos2(x)f(x) = 5 \cos^2(\pi - x) = 5 \cos^2(-x) And since cos(x)=cos(x)\cos(-x) = \cos(x): f(x)=5cos2(x)f(x) = 5 \cos^2(x)

  2. Differentiate f(x)f(x): Using the chain rule: ddx[cos2(x)]=2cos(x)(sin(x))=2cos(x)sin(x)\frac{d}{dx}[\cos^2(x)] = 2\cos(x)(-\sin(x)) = -2\cos(x)\sin(x) So: f(x)=5(2cos(x)sin(x))=10cos(x)sin(x)f'(x) = 5 \cdot (-2\cos(x)\sin(x)) = -10\cos(x)\sin(x)

  3. Simplify f(x)f'(x): Using the double-angle formula: sin(2x)=2sin(x)cos(x)\sin(2x) = 2\sin(x)\cos(x) Then: f(x)=10sin(2x)2=5sin(2x)f'(x) = -10 \cdot \frac{\sin(2x)}{2} = -5\sin(2x)

  4. Evaluate f(π2)f'\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right): Substitute x=π2x = \frac{\pi}{2} into f(x)=5sin(2x)f'(x) = -5\sin(2x): f(π2)=5sin(2π2)=5sin(π)f'\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = -5\sin\left(2 \cdot \frac{\pi}{2}\right) = -5\sin(\pi) Since sin(π)=0\sin(\pi) = 0: f(π2)=50=0f'\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = -5 \cdot 0 = 0


Final Answer:

0\boxed{0}

Let me know if you want more details or have any questions! Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. What are the key trigonometric identities used in differentiating trigonometric functions?
  2. How does the chain rule apply to composite functions like cos2(x)\cos^2(x)?
  3. What is the significance of the double-angle formulas in simplifying trigonometric derivatives?
  4. How does f(x)=cos2(x)f(x) = \cos^2(x) change when evaluated over different intervals?
  5. Why is sin(π)\sin(\pi) equal to zero?

Tip: Always simplify trigonometric expressions using standard identities before differentiating to make calculations easier.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Differentiation
Trigonometric Identities

Formulas

cos(π - x) = -cos(x)
cos(-x) = cos(x)
Chain Rule for differentiation: d/dx[u^2] = 2u du/dx
Double Angle Formula: sin(2x) = 2sin(x)cos(x)

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus for differentiation
Trigonometric Symmetry Theorems

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or early college level