# first derivatives test and trig functions

• June 16th 2013, 04:54 PM
baldysm
first derivatives test and trig functions
I am supposed to use the first derivative test to find any local min/max of $f(x)=sin^2(x)+cos)(x)$ on the interval $\frac{\pi}{6},\frac{3\pi}{2}$

Take the derivative and get $f'(x)=2cos(x)-sin(x)$

Set the derivative = 0 and I get $2cos(x)=sin(x)$

I graphed both 2cos(x) and sin(x) and there are 2 intersections. How do I solve for x?

Thanks!
• June 16th 2013, 05:46 PM
Plato
Re: first derivatives test and trig functions
Quote:

Originally Posted by baldysm
I am supposed to use the first derivative test to find any local min/max of $f(x)=sin^2(x)+cos)(x)$ on the interval $\frac{\pi}{6},\frac{3\pi}{2}$
Take the derivative and get $\color{red}f'(x)=2cos(x)-sin(x)$

You have done the derivative incorrectly.

$f'(x)=2\sin(x)\cos(x)-\sin(x)$
• June 16th 2013, 05:46 PM
chiro
Re: first derivatives test and trig functions
Hey baldysm.

Hint: sin(x)/cos(x) = tan(x).

Edit: Also check HallsOfIvy's post above.