Math Problem Statement

Find all points on the graph of the function f(x) = 2 sin(x) + sin2(x) at which the tangent line is horizontal. (Use n as your arbitrary integer.)

Solution

To find all points where the tangent line to the graph of f(x)=2sin(x)+sin2(x)f(x) = 2\sin(x) + \sin^2(x) is horizontal, we need to find the values of xx where the derivative of the function, f(x)f'(x), equals zero.

Step 1: Differentiate the function

The given function is: f(x)=2sin(x)+sin2(x)f(x) = 2\sin(x) + \sin^2(x)

Now, differentiate f(x)f(x) with respect to xx:

  1. The derivative of 2sin(x)2\sin(x) is: ddx[2sin(x)]=2cos(x)\frac{d}{dx}[2\sin(x)] = 2\cos(x)

  2. The derivative of sin2(x)\sin^2(x) (using the chain rule) is: ddx[sin2(x)]=2sin(x)cos(x)\frac{d}{dx}[\sin^2(x)] = 2\sin(x)\cos(x)

Thus, the derivative of f(x)f(x) is: f(x)=2cos(x)+2sin(x)cos(x)f'(x) = 2\cos(x) + 2\sin(x)\cos(x)

Step 2: Set the derivative equal to zero

To find where the tangent line is horizontal, set f(x)=0f'(x) = 0:

2cos(x)+2sin(x)cos(x)=02\cos(x) + 2\sin(x)\cos(x) = 0

Factor out 2cos(x)2\cos(x):

2cos(x)[1+sin(x)]=02\cos(x)[1 + \sin(x)] = 0

Step 3: Solve for xx

For this product to equal zero, either cos(x)=0\cos(x) = 0 or 1+sin(x)=01 + \sin(x) = 0.

Case 1: cos(x)=0\cos(x) = 0

The solutions to cos(x)=0\cos(x) = 0 are: x=π2+nπ,nZx = \frac{\pi}{2} + n\pi, \quad n \in \mathbb{Z} where nn is any integer.

Case 2: 1+sin(x)=01 + \sin(x) = 0

Solve for sin(x)\sin(x): sin(x)=1\sin(x) = -1 The solutions to sin(x)=1\sin(x) = -1 are: x=3π2+2nπ,nZx = \frac{3\pi}{2} + 2n\pi, \quad n \in \mathbb{Z}

Step 4: Combine the solutions

Thus, the points at which the tangent line is horizontal are given by: x=π2+nπorx=3π2+2nπx = \frac{\pi}{2} + n\pi \quad \text{or} \quad x = \frac{3\pi}{2} + 2n\pi where nZn \in \mathbb{Z}.

These are all the xx-coordinates where the tangent line is horizontal. To find the corresponding points on the graph, substitute these values of xx into the original function f(x)f(x).


Would you like details on finding the actual points on the graph or explanations of any steps?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you find the derivative of a trigonometric function?
  2. What is the significance of the horizontal tangent line on a graph?
  3. How would you solve other equations involving trigonometric identities?
  4. Can you find the horizontal tangent points for the function g(x)=3sin(x)+cos2(x)g(x) = 3\sin(x) + \cos^2(x)?
  5. What is the graphical interpretation of solving cos(x)=0\cos(x) = 0?

Tip: Always check for factoring opportunities when solving equations involving products, as this can simplify solving significantly.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Trigonometry
Differentiation

Formulas

f(x) = 2sin(x) + sin^2(x)
f'(x) = 2cos(x) + 2sin(x)cos(x)
cos(x) = 0
1 + sin(x) = 0

Theorems

Derivative of a Function
Chain Rule
Trigonometric Identities

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12