What is the minimum value of the function (2+5\cos x)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: -3
Since \(\cos x\) lies between \(-1\) and \(1\), the minimum value of \(5\cos x\) is \(-5\). Hence, the minimum value of \(2+5\cos x\) is \(2-5=-3\), attained when \(\cos x=-1\). Option \(7\) is the maximum value, obtained when \(\cos x=1\). Exam tip: for \(a+b\cos x\) with \(b>0\), the minimum value is \(a-b\).
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
-3
Why is this the correct answer?
Since \(\cos x\) lies between \(-1\) and \(1\), the minimum value of \(5\cos x\) is \(-5\). Hence, the minimum value of \(2+5\cos x\) is \(2-5=-3\), attained when \(\cos x=-1\). Option \(7\) is the maximum value, obtained when \(\cos x=1\). Exam tip: for \(a+b\cos x\) with \(b>0\), the minimum value is \(a-b\).
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 12 Mathematics question. Chapter: Trigonometric Functions. Topic: Trigonometric functions and their properties.
