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 Integrals3h 25m
5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives
Applied Optimization
Problem 68a
Textbook Question
Particle motion The positions of two particles on the s-axis are s₁ = cos t and s₂ = cos (t + π/4) .
a. What is the farthest apart the particles ever get?

1
First, understand that the positions of the particles are given by the functions s₁(t) = \cos(t) and s₂(t) = \cos(t + \frac{\pi}{4}). We need to find the maximum distance between these two particles over time.
The distance between the two particles at any time t is given by the absolute value of the difference of their positions: D(t) = |s₁(t) - s₂(t)| = |\cos(t) - \cos(t + \frac{\pi}{4})|.
To find the maximum distance, we need to find the critical points of D(t). Start by using the trigonometric identity for the difference of cosines: \cos(A) - \cos(B) = -2 \sin\left(\frac{A + B}{2}\right) \sin\left(\frac{A - B}{2}\right). Apply this identity to D(t).
Substitute A = t and B = t + \frac{\pi}{4} into the identity: D(t) = |-2 \sin\left(t + \frac{\pi}{8}\right) \sin\left(-\frac{\pi}{8}\right)|. Simplify this expression to find D(t) in terms of a single trigonometric function.
Finally, determine the maximum value of D(t) by analyzing the simplified expression. Consider the range of the sine function and the effect of the negative sign. The maximum value of the sine function is 1, so use this to find the maximum distance between the particles.
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