[Math] Analysis – Prove that there exists a smallest positive number $p$ such that $\cos(p) = 0$

analysis

Prove that there exists a smallest positive number $p$ such that $\cos(p) = 0
$.

I think I'm supposed to use either Rolle's theorem or the Mean Value Theorem but I'm not sure how, any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Best Answer

$\cos$ is a continous function, the set $\{0\}$ is closed, and therefore $\cos^{-1}(\{0\})$ is a closed set.

We conclude that $\cos^{-1}(\{0\})\cap[0,\infty)$ is closed. This set is equal to $\cos^{-1}(\{0\})\cap (0,\infty)$ (because $\cos(0)\neq 0$).

This set is bounded from below and must therefore have a greatest lower bound $\alpha$. Recall that the greatest lower bound of a set is always an adherent point for the set. Since $\cos^{-1}(\{0\})\cap(0,\infty)$ is closed we conclude $\alpha\in \cos^{-1}(\{0\})\cap(0,\infty)$. Therefore the set $\cos^{-1}(\{0\})\cap (0,\infty)$ has a minimum as desired.

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