Math Problem Statement

differentiate y=2cos1/2x and sub in x equals to pie over 2

Solution

To differentiate the function y=2cos(12x)y = 2\cos\left(\frac{1}{2}x\right) and then substitute x=π2x = \frac{\pi}{2}, follow these steps:

Step 1: Differentiate the Function

We will use the chain rule to differentiate y=2cos(12x)y = 2\cos\left(\frac{1}{2}x\right).

Let u=12xu = \frac{1}{2}x, so the function becomes: y=2cos(u)y = 2\cos(u)

Now, differentiate with respect to xx:

dydx=2ddx[cos(u)]dudx\frac{dy}{dx} = 2 \cdot \frac{d}{dx}[\cos(u)] \cdot \frac{du}{dx}

The derivative of cos(u)\cos(u) with respect to uu is sin(u)-\sin(u), and the derivative of u=12xu = \frac{1}{2}x with respect to xx is 12\frac{1}{2}.

So, we have:

dydx=2(sin(u))12\frac{dy}{dx} = 2 \cdot (-\sin(u)) \cdot \frac{1}{2}

Simplify:

dydx=sin(12x)\frac{dy}{dx} = -\sin\left(\frac{1}{2}x\right)

Step 2: Substitute x=π2x = \frac{\pi}{2} into the Derivative

Now, substitute x=π2x = \frac{\pi}{2} into the derivative:

dydxx=π2=sin(12π2)\frac{dy}{dx}\bigg|_{x = \frac{\pi}{2}} = -\sin\left(\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{\pi}{2}\right)

Simplify the argument of the sine function:

dydxx=π2=sin(π4)\frac{dy}{dx}\bigg|_{x = \frac{\pi}{2}} = -\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right)

We know that sin(π4)=22\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}, so:

dydxx=π2=22\frac{dy}{dx}\bigg|_{x = \frac{\pi}{2}} = -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}

Thus, the value of the derivative at x=π2x = \frac{\pi}{2} is 22-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}.

Would you like further explanation or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. How do you differentiate trigonometric functions involving multiple angles?
  2. What is the chain rule, and how does it apply to composite functions?
  3. How do you evaluate trigonometric functions at special angles?
  4. What is the significance of the derivative in determining the slope of a curve?
  5. How would you differentiate a function like y=sin2(x)y = \sin^2(x) or y=cos3(x)y = \cos^3(x)?

Tip: When working with trigonometric functions, it's helpful to remember the values of sine and cosine at key angles like π4\frac{\pi}{4}, π2\frac{\pi}{2}, and π\pi.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differentiation
Trigonometric Functions
Chain Rule

Formulas

Chain rule for differentiation

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12