Question

What will be the values of x for which the value of cosx is minimum?

(a) (2m + 1)π

(b) (2m)π

(c) (2m + 1)π/2

(d) (2m – 1)π

I had been asked this question during a job interview.

The question is from Calculus Application topic in division Application of Calculus of Mathematics – Class 12

Answer 1

Right answer is (a) (2m + 1)π

For explanation I would say: Let, f(x) = cosx

Then, f’(x) = -sinx and f”(x) = -cosx

At an extreme point of f(x), we must have,

f’(x) = 0

Or -sinx = 0

Or x = nπ where, n is any integer.

If n is an odd integer i.e., n = 2m + 1 where m is any integer, then at,

x = (2m + 1)π we have, f”(x) = [(2m + 1)π] = -cos(2mπ + π) = -cosπ = -1(-1) = 1

So, f”(x) is positive at x = (2m + 1)π

Hence, f(x) = cosx is minimum at x = (2m + 1)π.