You might think that the graph of y = x^2 +cosx would look like a parabola with some waves on it. Use a computer to sketch the actual graph of y=x^2+cosx and explain what you see by considering y' and y''.

Unfortunately, as an AI language model, I cannot create a graph. However, I can explain what I would observe with the use of calculus.

Firstly, the graph of y = x^2 is a parabola that opens upwards. As for cosx, it is a periodic function that oscillates between 1 and -1.

When we add the two functions together, we get y = x^2 + cosx. This means that each point on the resulting graph will have a y-coordinate that is equal to the sum of the corresponding y-coordinates on the individual graphs.

The derivative of y (y') is given by:

y' = 2x - sinx

This means that when x = 0, y' = 0. This is the lowest point on the graph, where the slope is 0. We can also see that y' = 0 again where sinx = 2x.

The second derivative of y (y'') is given by:

y'' = 2 - cosx

This means that y'' is always positive (greater than 0) since -1 ≤ cosx ≤ 1, so 1 ≤ 2 - cosx ≤ 2. This indicates that the graph is always curving upwards or concave up.

Overall, the graph of y = x^2 + cosx will resemble a parabola with oscillations on top of it. The troughs of the cosine function will dip lower than the parabola, while the peaks will rise higher than the parabola. The entire graph will curve upwards, with the slope being equal to 0 at two points.

y = x^2 + cosx is a parabola with waves on it

y' = 2x - sinx is a straight sloping line with waves on it
y" = 2 - cosx is a horizontal line with waves on it

That is correct.

To sketch the graph of y = x^2 + cos(x) and analyze it using the first and second derivatives, you can use a computer software or an online graphing tool. Let's consider the steps to accomplish this using an online graphing tool:

1. Open a web browser and search for an online graphing tool or plotter. There are several options available, such as Desmos, WolframAlpha, or GeoGebra. Choose one that you prefer.

2. Once you have chosen the graphing tool, open it and input the function y = x^2 + cos(x) into the provided equation field.

3. Adjust the graph's viewing window to get a clear and appropriate visual representation of the function. You can modify the x and y-axis ranges to capture the necessary details.

4. After adjusting the settings, click the "Plot" or similar button to generate the graph of y = x^2 + cos(x).

Now, let's analyze the graph by considering the first and second derivatives:

1. The first derivative, denoted by y', represents the rate of change of the function y = x^2 + cos(x). It measures the slope of the graph at each point. If the first derivative is positive (y' > 0), then the graph is increasing. Conversely, if the first derivative is negative (y' < 0), the graph is decreasing.

2. The second derivative, denoted by y'', measures the rate at which the slope of the graph changes. It helps identify whether the graph is concave up (y'' > 0) or concave down (y'' < 0). If the second derivative equals zero (y'' = 0), it indicates a possible inflection point.

By examining the graph of y = x^2 + cos(x) and its derivatives, the following observations can be made:

- The graph of y = x^2 + cos(x) appears similar to a parabola, as expected, with its vertex near the origin.

- Superimposed on the parabolic shape, you'll notice periodic waves caused by the cosine function. These waves cause the graph to fluctuate above and below the curve of the parabola.

- The first derivative, y', reveals that the graph is increasing for most values of x, with localized decreases at the peaks and troughs of the cosine wave.

- The second derivative, y'', indicates that the graph is concave up when the cosine wave is positive and concave down when the cosine wave is negative.

These observations help us understand the behavior of the graph of y = x^2 + cos(x) and the impact of the cosine function on its shape, oscillations, and how it relates to the derivatives.