Math Problem Statement

Find the two values of x in the interval [0, 2π] at which the graph of f(x) = x - 2sin(x) has a horizontal tangent.

Solution

The problem asks to find the two values of xx in the interval [0,2π][0, 2\pi] at which the graph of f(x)=x2sinxf(x) = x - 2 \sin x has a horizontal tangent.

Solution Outline:

A horizontal tangent occurs where the derivative of the function f(x)f(x) is equal to 0. So, we will:

  1. Differentiate f(x)f(x).
  2. Set the derivative equal to 0 and solve for xx within the given interval.

Step 1: Differentiate f(x)f(x)

We need to compute f(x)f'(x), the derivative of f(x)=x2sinxf(x) = x - 2 \sin x. f(x)=ddx(x)2ddx(sinx)=12cosxf'(x) = \frac{d}{dx}(x) - 2 \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(\sin x) = 1 - 2 \cos x

Step 2: Set the derivative equal to 0

To find the points where the graph has a horizontal tangent, we set f(x)=0f'(x) = 0: 12cosx=01 - 2 \cos x = 0 Solve for cosx\cos x: 2cosx=1cosx=122 \cos x = 1 \quad \Rightarrow \quad \cos x = \frac{1}{2}

Step 3: Solve for xx

The general solutions for cosx=12\cos x = \frac{1}{2} occur at: x=π3andx=2ππ3=5π3x = \frac{\pi}{3} \quad \text{and} \quad x = 2\pi - \frac{\pi}{3} = \frac{5\pi}{3}

Step 4: Check the interval

Both x=π3x = \frac{\pi}{3} and x=5π3x = \frac{5\pi}{3} lie within the interval [0,2π][0, 2\pi].

Final Answer:

The two values of xx where the graph of f(x)=x2sinxf(x) = x - 2 \sin x has a horizontal tangent are: x=π3andx=5π3x = \frac{\pi}{3} \quad \text{and} \quad x = \frac{5\pi}{3}

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions:

  1. What does it mean for a function's graph to have a horizontal tangent?
  2. How do we determine the points where a graph has a horizontal tangent for any given function?
  3. What other types of tangents can we find apart from horizontal ones?
  4. Can you explain how to solve trigonometric equations like cosx=12\cos x = \frac{1}{2}?
  5. What role does differentiation play in identifying tangents on a curve?

Tip: When differentiating trigonometric functions, remember that the derivative of sinx\sin x is cosx\cos x, and the derivative of cosx\cos x is sinx-\sin x.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivatives
Trigonometric Functions

Formulas

Derivative of x is 1
Derivative of sin(x) is cos(x)
Setting f'(x) = 0 to find horizontal tangents

Theorems

Derivative Rule
Trigonometric Identity for Cosine

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12