Math Problem Statement

For what values of x does the graph of f(x) = x + 2 sin(x) have a horizontal tangent

Solution

The graph of f(x)=x+2sin(x)f(x) = x + 2 \sin(x) will have a horizontal tangent where the derivative f(x)f'(x) is equal to zero, as a horizontal tangent indicates a slope of zero.

  1. Find the derivative f(x)f'(x):

    f(x)=x+2sin(x)f(x) = x + 2 \sin(x) Differentiating with respect to xx, we get: f(x)=1+2cos(x)f'(x) = 1 + 2 \cos(x)

  2. Set the derivative equal to zero to find the horizontal tangents:

    1+2cos(x)=01 + 2 \cos(x) = 0

  3. Solve for cos(x)\cos(x):

    2cos(x)=12 \cos(x) = -1 cos(x)=12\cos(x) = -\frac{1}{2}

  4. Determine the values of xx that satisfy cos(x)=12\cos(x) = -\frac{1}{2}:

    The cosine function equals 12-\frac{1}{2} at angles: x=2π3+2nπandx=4π3+2nπx = \frac{2\pi}{3} + 2n\pi \quad \text{and} \quad x = \frac{4\pi}{3} + 2n\pi where nn is any integer.

Final Answer:

The values of xx for which the graph of f(x)=x+2sin(x)f(x) = x + 2 \sin(x) has a horizontal tangent are: x=2π3+2nπandx=4π3+2nπfor integers n.x = \frac{2\pi}{3} + 2n\pi \quad \text{and} \quad x = \frac{4\pi}{3} + 2n\pi \quad \text{for integers } n.

Would you like a detailed step-by-step explanation, or do you have any questions?


  1. How can we confirm that these points correspond to horizontal tangents on the original function?
  2. What are the implications of finding where f(x)=0f'(x) = 0 in terms of identifying maxima or minima?
  3. How would the behavior of f(x)=x+2sin(x)f(x) = x + 2 \sin(x) change if we altered the coefficient of sin(x)\sin(x)?
  4. What role does the period of the cosine function play in finding all solutions?
  5. Could there be any points where the tangent is undefined, and how would we identify them?

Tip: For periodic functions like sine and cosine, identifying general solutions often involves adding 2nπ2n\pi to account for all occurrences across intervals.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivatives
Trigonometry
Horizontal Tangents

Formulas

Derivative of f(x) = x + 2sin(x) is f'(x) = 1 + 2cos(x)

Theorems

Horizontal Tangent Theorem (f'(x) = 0 at horizontal tangents)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12