Trig Solve for Solution Within Interval

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The equation to solve is (√2)(cos 2θ) = 1 within the interval 0 < θ < 2π. The correct solution for θ is found to be θ = π/8, with additional solutions including θ = 15π/8 when considering the periodic nature of the cosine function. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying the double angle formula and understanding the unit circle. Participants emphasize the need to check calculations carefully to avoid errors. Overall, the problem illustrates the process of solving trigonometric equations within specified intervals.
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Hi, I have a problem that says to solve this equation for the interval 0<theta<2 pie which is one revolution of the unit circle. The equation is:

(square root of 2)(cos 2theta) = 1

The cos2theta is a double angle, but I couldn't find any solutions for theta that would = 1 at the end. The answer has to fit in for the theta angle. Is this possibly no solution? I had originally put pie/4 as an answer but realized I forgot the parenthesis in the calculator and now I need to redo the problem. Thanks!
 
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Draw the unit circle in the x-y cartesian plane. If you rotate around the circle by an angle \theta counterclockwise wrt the positive x-axis, then \cos{\theta} is the x-coordinate of the resulting point. So what \theta will make \cos{\theta} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} (HINT: What's 2(1/\sqrt{2})^2?)?

Edit: courtrigrad I suggest plugging \pi / 2 into \sqrt{2}\cos{2\theta} and seeing what you get :-p
 
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my fault it should have been \theta = \frac{\pi}{8}. I multiplied instead of divided.
 
You can give a closed form for \theta.

Edit: :smile:
 
\theta = \frac{\pi}{8} + 2n\pi
 
he said 0 &lt; \theta &lt; 2\pi though (of course, there's still \theta = \frac{15}{8} \pi!) :-p
 
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Thank you both so much for the help! I really appreciate it and understand now.
 

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