Chapter 3: Problem 51
Graph \(y=\cos x\) for \(-\pi \leq x \leq 2 \pi .\) On the same screen, graph $$ y=\frac{\cos (x+h)-\cos x}{h} $$ for \(h=1,0.5,0.3,\) and \(0.1 .\) Then, in a new window, try \(h=-1,-0.5,\) and \(-0.3 .\) What happens as \(h \rightarrow 0^{+} ?\) As \(h \rightarrow 0^{-7} ?\) What phenomenon is being illustrated here?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding the Problem
Graphing \( y = \cos x \)
Graphing the Difference Quotient for Positive h Values
Graphing the Difference Quotient for Negative h Values
Understanding the Limit Behavior
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Difference quotient
Cosine function
- A maximum value of 1 and a minimum value of -1.
- Starts at 1 when \( x = 0 \), decreases to -1 by \( x = \pi \), and returns to 1 by \( x = 2\pi \).
- Symmetrical around the y-axis, making it an even function, meaning \( \cos(-x) = \cos x \).
Graphical analysis
- As \( h \) approaches zero, the secant lines become closer to the cosine curve, reflecting the tangent line at a particular point.
- Both positive and negative \( h \) values are examined to show convergence from both sides.
Limit behavior
- It helps confirm the underlying rules of calculus - that the derivative at a point tells us about the instantaneous rate of change.
- By approaching zero from both directions, we ensure that the limit truly exists, illustrating smooth transition and consistency.