taiwan-gsat 2022 Q15
4 marks
Function Analysis via Identity Transformation
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Consider vectors $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$ on the coordinate plane satisfying $|\vec{a}| + |\vec{b}| = 9$ and $|\vec{a} - \vec{b}| = 7$. Let $|\vec{a}| = x$, where $1 < x < 8$, and let the angle between $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$ be $\theta$. Using the triangle formed by vectors $\vec{a}$, $\vec{b}$, and $\vec{a} - \vec{b}$, we can express $\cos\theta$ in terms of $x$ as $\frac{c}{9x - x^2} + d$, where $c$ and $d$ are constants with $c > 0$. Let this expression be $f(x)$, with domain $\{x \mid 1 < x < 8\}$. Find $f(x)$ and its derivative. (Non-multiple choice question, 4 points)