Question:hard

The function \[ y=\frac{\sin x+2\cos x}{3\sin x+4\cos x} \] is

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For functions of the form \[ \frac{a\sin x+b\cos x} {c\sin x+d\cos x}, \] the derivative often simplifies to a constant multiple of \[ \frac1{(c\sin x+d\cos x)^2}. \]
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • decreases for all \(x\in\mathbb R\)
  • increases for all \(x\in\mathbb R\)
  • decreases only for \(x\gt 0\)
  • increases only for \(x\gt 0\)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Decide what controls increasing or decreasing.
For $y = \frac{u}{v}$, the sign of $y'$ tells the story. If $y' < 0$ everywhere, the function decreases everywhere.

Step 2: Name the parts.
Let $u = \sin x + 2\cos x$ and $v = 3\sin x + 4\cos x$. Then $u' = \cos x - 2\sin x$ and $v' = 3\cos x - 4\sin x$.

Step 3: Use the quotient rule and focus on the numerator.
$y' = \frac{u'v - uv'}{v^2}$. The denominator $v^2$ is always positive, so the sign of $y'$ is the sign of $N = u'v - uv'$.

Step 4: Expand the numerator.
Multiply out $u'v = (\cos x - 2\sin x)(3\sin x + 4\cos x)$ and $uv' = (\sin x + 2\cos x)(3\cos x - 4\sin x)$. After expanding and subtracting, the cross terms with $\sin x\cos x$ cancel.

Step 5: Simplify using $\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1$.
The numerator collapses to a constant. Working it through gives $N = -2(\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x) = -2$.

Step 6: Read the conclusion.
Since $N = -2 < 0$ for every $x$, $y' < 0$ for all real $x$. So the function decreases for all $x \in \mathbb{R}$. \[ \boxed{\text{decreases for all } x \in \mathbb{R}} \]
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