Chapter 3: Problem 12
In Exercises \(11-14\) , find the linearization of \(f\) at \(x=a\) . Then graph the linearization and \(f\) together. $$ f(x)=\cos x \text { at } \quad(a) x=0, \quad \text { (b) } x=-\pi / 2 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
(a) Linearization at 0 is \(L(x)=1\); (b) at \(-\frac{\pi}{2}\) is \(L(x)=x+\frac{\pi}{2}\).
Step by step solution
01
Determine the Linearization Formula
The linearization of a function \(f\) at a point \(x = a\) is given by the formula \(L(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x-a)\). This formula approximates the function near the point \(a\).
02
Compute Function Values
Calculate \( f(x) = \cos(x) \) for each specified point:(a) \(a = 0\); therefore, \(f(0) = \cos(0) = 1\).(b) \(a = -\frac{\pi}{2}\); therefore, \(f(-\frac{\pi}{2}) = \cos(-\frac{\pi}{2}) = 0\).
03
Calculate the Derivative of the Function
The derivative of \(f(x) = \cos(x)\) is \(f'(x) = -\sin(x)\). We'll evaluate this at each of the points.(a) \(x = 0\): \(f'(0) = -\sin(0) = 0\).(b) \(x = -\frac{\pi}{2}\): \(f'\left(-\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = -\sin(-\frac{\pi}{2}) = 1\).
04
Formulate the Linearization Equation
Using the formula \(L(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x-a)\) and the values from steps 2 and 3:(a) At \(x = 0\): \(L(x) = 1 + 0 \cdot (x - 0) = 1\).(b) At \(x = -\frac{\pi}{2}\): \(L(x) = 0 + 1(x + \frac{\pi}{2}) = x + \frac{\pi}{2}\).
05
Graph the Linearization with the Function
Plot the function \(f(x) = \cos(x)\) and its linearization \(L(x)\) on the same graph for visibility.(a) For \(x=0\): \(f(x) = \cos(x)\) and \(L(x) = 1\).(b) For \(x=-\frac{\pi}{2}\): \(f(x) = \cos(x)\) and \(L(x) = x + \frac{\pi}{2}\). Observe how \(L(x)\) approximates \(f(x)\) near each point.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Linearization
Linearization is a mathematical tool used to approximate a function using its tangent line. When we focus only on scenarios near a specific point, linearization provides a simpler, highly practical method for function approximation. The linearization of a function at a point is expressed by the formula:\[ L(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x-a) \]where \(f(a)\) is the function value at point \(a\) and \(f'(a)\) is the derivative of the function at the same point. Here are key points to remember:
- The purpose of linearization is to create a straight-line approximation of a function around a specific value \(a\). It is especially useful for estimating the behavior of complex functions near this point.
- Linearization can make complicated functions easier to work with, especially in calculus, engineering, and physics.
- In our exercise, this technique is applied to the cosine function at two points: 0 and \(-\frac{\pi}{2}\).
Derivative
Derivatives are fundamental concepts in calculus, representing the rate at which a function is changing at any point. To find the derivative of a function is to determine its rate of change or its slope at a particular point.
Here are the basics:
Here are the basics:
- The derivative of a function \(f(x)\) is often denoted as \(f'(x)\) or \(\frac{df}{dx}\).
- For trigonometric functions, specific derivatives are well-known: for example, the derivative of \(\cos(x)\) is \(-\sin(x)\).
- At \(x = 0\), the derivative evaluates to 0 since \(-\sin(0) = 0\).
- At \(x = -\frac{\pi}{2}\), the derivative becomes 1 because \(-\sin(-\frac{\pi}{2}) = 1\).
Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions are a type of function that relate angles to the ratios of sides of a right triangle. Some familiar trigonometric functions include sine, cosine, and tangent.
Here are essential points about trigonometric functions:
Here are essential points about trigonometric functions:
- These functions are periodic, meaning they repeat their values in regular intervals. The cosine function, for example, has a period of \(2\pi\).
- Trigonometric functions are critical in modeling real-world phenomena, such as waves and oscillations.
- In the problem, we focus on the cosine function \(f(x) = \cos(x)\). Its values at specific points are pivotal in forming linear approximations.
- At \(x = 0\), the cosine function outputs a value of 1.
- At \(x = -\frac{\pi}{2}\), \(\cos(x)\) equals 0.