Math II Question

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
1

<p>Given that x ranges from O to pi/2, what is the maximum value of sin((1/3)x)
The answer is 1/2.</p>

<p>I understand that for a sine function the maximum value occurs when the pi/2 is put into the function. But I tried it that way and I had the wrong answer.</p>

<p>I then replaced only x in the equation by pi/2 and had the right answer.</p>

<p>I would like to know why representing((1/3)x) with pi/2 gave the wrong answer. Is it because we were given a specified range..</p>

<p>Thanks in advance</p>

2

<p>Because pi/2 is only the x value. It doesn’t change the rest of the function. Sin(x/3) at pi/2 = sin(pi/6) just like if you have the function y = x/2 +3 the value at 4 is 5 not 7.</p>

3

<p>Simply graph sin(x/3) on your calculator, and use the Maximum feature (I know the 83, 84, and 89 have it) from 0 to pi/2, it reports back with .5</p>

4

<p>Thanks guys</p>