Question:medium

The maximum value of \(\sin x+\sin(x+1)\) is \(k\cos\frac12\). Find \(k\).

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Whenever a sum of sine functions appears, first convert it into product form using sum-to-product identities.
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
  • 1
  • 3
  • 2
  • None of these
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Look at what we must add.
We want the largest value of $\sin x + \sin(x+1)$. Adding two sines is easier with a known identity.

Step 2: Recall the sum-to-product identity.
\[ \sin A + \sin B = 2 \sin\frac{A+B}{2} \cos\frac{A-B}{2} \]
Step 3: Plug in $A = x$ and $B = x+1$.
The average is $\frac{A+B}{2} = x + \frac12$ and the half difference is $\frac{A-B}{2} = -\frac12$.
\[ \sin x + \sin(x+1) = 2 \sin\left(x + \tfrac12\right) \cos\frac12 \]
Note $\cos\left(-\frac12\right) = \cos\frac12$.

Step 4: Find the biggest the sine part can be.
A sine value never goes above $1$, so $\sin\left(x + \frac12\right)$ is at most $1$.

Step 5: Put in that maximum.
\[ \text{Maximum} = 2 \times 1 \times \cos\frac12 = 2\cos\frac12 \]
Step 6: Compare with $k\cos\frac12$.
Matching $2\cos\frac12$ with $k\cos\frac12$ gives $k = 2$.
\[ \boxed{k = 2} \]
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