Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives
Curve Sketching
Problem 37
Textbook Question
Use the guidelines of this section to make a complete graph of f.
f(x) = x + 2 cos x on [-2π,2π)

1
Step 1: Identify the domain of the function f(x) = x + 2 cos x, which is given as [-2π, 2π). This means we will analyze the function from -2π to just before 2π.
Step 2: Determine the critical points by finding the derivative of f(x). The derivative, f'(x), is 1 - 2 sin x. Set f'(x) = 0 to find critical points: 1 - 2 sin x = 0, which simplifies to sin x = 1/2. Solve for x within the domain [-2π, 2π).
Step 3: Evaluate the function f(x) at the critical points and endpoints of the interval to find local maxima, minima, and endpoints. Calculate f(x) at x = -2π, x = 2π, and any critical points found in Step 2.
Step 4: Analyze the concavity by finding the second derivative, f''(x) = -2 cos x. Determine where f''(x) is positive (indicating concave up) and where it is negative (indicating concave down) within the domain.
Step 5: Use the information from Steps 2-4 to sketch the graph of f(x). Plot the critical points, endpoints, and note the behavior of the function (increasing/decreasing, concave up/down) to create a complete graph of f(x) = x + 2 cos x on the interval [-2π, 2π).

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Function Analysis
Function analysis involves examining the properties and behavior of a function, such as its domain, range, and continuity. For the function f(x) = x + 2 cos x, understanding how the cosine function oscillates and how it affects the linear component is crucial for graphing. This analysis helps identify key features like intercepts and asymptotic behavior.
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Graphing Techniques
Graphing techniques include methods for accurately plotting a function on a coordinate plane. This involves determining critical points, such as maxima, minima, and points of inflection, as well as understanding the overall shape of the graph. For f(x) = x + 2 cos x, recognizing the periodic nature of the cosine function and how it modifies the linear term is essential for creating a complete graph.
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Interval Notation
Interval notation is a mathematical notation used to represent a range of values. In this case, the interval [-2π, 2π) indicates that the graph should be plotted from -2π to just below 2π, including -2π but excluding 2π. Understanding this notation is important for correctly defining the domain of the function and ensuring the graph accurately reflects the specified range.
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