Where are the critical points of sec x?

1 Answer
Mar 12, 2018

x=n180^∘ where n∈ZZ
or
x=(nπ)/2 where n∈ZZ

Explanation:

Critical points occur when d/dx[secx]=0

d/dx[secx]=secxtanx=0

secx≠0 since that would mean cosx=1/0=text(undefined)

So tanx=0

x=arctan(0)=0^∘,180^∘,360^∘,⋯, n180^∘ where n∈ZZ
or
x=arctan(0)=0,π/2,π,⋯, (nπ)/2 where n∈ZZ