Find the x co-ordinates of the stationary points of the graph with equation y = cos(x)7e^(x). Give your answer in the form x = a +/- bn where a/b are numbers to be found, and n is the set of integers.

The stationary points on a curve of the form y=f(x) are where dy/dx = 0. To find dy/dx, differentiate using the product rule: dy/dx = 7e^x(d/dx(cosx)) + cosx(d/dx(7e^x)) = -sinx(7e^x) + cosx(7e^x). Now set dy/dx = 0: -sinx(7e^x) + cosx(7e^x) = 0. Factorising and dividing both sides by 7 gives: e^x(cosx - sinx) = 0. e^x never equals zero, hence we have cosx - sinx = 0. Taking sinx to the other side and dividing both sides by cosx gives: tanx = 1. We have x = arctan(1) = pi/4 using a calculator. Since tanx is repeats every pi radians, the complete range of solutions is x = pi/4 +/- npi where n is the set of integers.

JS
Answered by Joseph S. Maths tutor

7457 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Prove cosec2A-cot2A=tanA


A function is defined parametrically as x = 4 sin(3t), y = 2 cos(3t). Find and simplify d^2 y/dx^2 in terms of t and y.


What is the chain rule?


A curve C has equation y = 3x^4 - 8x^3 - 3. Find dy/dx and d2y/dx2. Verify C has a stationary point at x = 2. Determine the nature of this stationary point, giving a reason for the answer.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning