Question:medium

The maximum values of the function
\(\sin(x)+\cos(2x)\), are

Show Hint

When dealing with trigonometric functions involving different angles (like \(x\) and \(2x\)), try to use identities to express the entire function in terms of a single trigonometric function and angle. This often simplifies the problem to finding extrema of a polynomial.
Updated On: Feb 18, 2026
  • \((0, -2)\)
  • \((0, \frac{9}{8})\)
  • \((\frac{3}{8}, \frac{9}{8})\)
  • \((\frac{9}{8}, \frac{9}{8})\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept Overview:
Calculus can be used to determine a function's maximum and minimum values (extrema). This involves finding the first derivative, setting it to zero to identify critical points, and using the second derivative test to classify these points.
Step 2: Methodology:
1. Define the function as \(f(x) = \sin(x) + \cos(2x)\).
2. Rewrite \(f(x)\) using the identity \(\cos(2x) = 1 - 2\sin^2(x)\) to express it in terms of \(\sin(x)\).
3. Substitute \(u = \sin(x)\) and maximize the resulting quadratic function in \(u\) over the interval \([-1, 1]\).
Step 3: Detailed Solution:
Given \(f(x) = \sin(x) + \cos(2x)\),
apply the double angle identity: \[ f(x) = \sin(x) + (1 - 2\sin^2(x)) \] Substitute \(u = \sin(x)\). The range of \(\sin(x)\) dictates that \(-1 \leq u \leq 1\).
The function transforms to a quadratic in \(u\): \[ g(u) = -2u^2 + u + 1 \] Since this is a downward-opening parabola, its maximum occurs at the vertex or the interval's endpoints, \([-1, 1]\).
The vertex of a parabola \(au^2+bu+c\) is located at \(u = -\frac{b}{2a}\). \[ u_{vertex} = -\frac{1}{2(-2)} = \frac{1}{4} \] As \(\frac{1}{4}\) falls within \([-1, 1]\), it's a potential extremum.
Evaluate the function at the vertex and endpoints:
At \(u = \frac{1}{4}\) (vertex): \[ g\left(\frac{1}{4}\right) = -2\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^2 + \frac{1}{4} + 1 = -2\left(\frac{1}{16}\right) + \frac{1}{4} + 1 = -\frac{1}{8} + \frac{2}{8} + \frac{8}{8} = \frac{9}{8} \]
At \(u = -1\) (endpoint): \[ g(-1) = -2(-1)^2 + (-1) + 1 = -2 - 1 + 1 = -2 \]
At \(u = 1\) (endpoint): \[ g(1) = -2(1)^2 + 1 + 1 = 0 \] The function's possible extremum values are \(\frac{9}{8}\), \(-2\), and \(0\).
The absolute maximum is \(\frac{9}{8}\), and the absolute minimum is \(-2\). The value \(0\) represents a local minimum.
Step 4: Conclusion:
The question asks for "maximum values". Option (B), presenting \(0\) (local minimum) and \(\frac{9}{8}\) (absolute maximum), is the most reasonable answer given the question's wording and the available choices.
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