- #1
physicsdreams
- 57
- 0
Homework Statement
Find the local extrema of the function f(x)=(x^3-2x-2cos(x))Homework Equations
derivatives, some algebra
The Attempt at a Solution
Well, the concept is simple.
Solve for the first derivative and set it equal to zero:
dy/dx=2sin(x)+3x^2-2=0 and
Next, solve for x to determine the "critical points".
My problem is in solving this seemingly simple equation algebraically.
I can simplify it to:
sin(x)=1-(3x^2)/2 (which doesn't help).
I have a feeling that it's not possible to solve algebraically, (but that I can still graph it).
Can anyone confirm my suspicion?
Thanks in advance!