Solving for x in a Trigonometric Equation: Where Did I Go Wrong?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter majinknight
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a trigonometric equation, specifically 2sin²x = 1 - cosx. Participants explore different approaches to find the values of x that satisfy the equation, addressing mistakes and alternative methods in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their initial solution, which involves substituting sinx for u and solving a quadratic equation, leading to specific values for x.
  • Another participant points out a potential error in the first participant's assumption that 1 - cosx equals sinx, suggesting a different approach using cosine instead.
  • A third participant offers a factoring method for the quadratic equation derived from the original trigonometric equation.
  • The first participant acknowledges their mistake and expresses appreciation for the guidance received, indicating a preference for using sine over cosine in their calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the initial approach, as one participant identifies an error in the assumptions made. However, there is agreement on the alternative methods proposed for solving the equation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying trigonometric identities and methods for solving quadratic equations in trigonometric contexts. There are unresolved details regarding the specific values derived from the alternative methods.

Who May Find This Useful

Students working on trigonometric equations, educators looking for examples of problem-solving approaches, and individuals interested in mathematical reasoning related to trigonometry.

majinknight
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Ok now this question i got wrong too but i got 2 of the answers correct. ok question is solve for x the following equation.
2sin squared x= 1-cosx

Ok this is what i did.
2sin Squared x- sinx= 0
Let u= sinx
2uSquared - u=0
u(2u-1)=0
u=0, u=one half.
sinx=0, sinx=1/2
Now x= o and 2pie. And for the other part it get x=pie/6 and 5pie/6. Now i checked my answers with the sheet as it says answers and it says the answers are 0, 2pie, 2pie/3, 4pie/3. Now 2pie/3 is square root of 3/2 and 4pie/3 is -square root3/2. What did i do wrong?
 
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I think the problem in your solution is that you assumed that:

[tex]1 - \cos x = \sin x[/tex]

I would do something like this...

[tex]2 \sin^2 x = 1 - \cos x[/tex]
[tex]2 (1 - \cos^2 x) = 1 - \cos x[/tex]
[tex]2 - 2 \cos^2 x - 1 + \cos x = 0[/tex]
[tex]-2 \cos^2 x + \cos x + 1 = 0[/tex]
[tex]2 \cos^2 x - \cos x - 1 = 0[/tex]

Then solve the quadratic equation.
 
Last edited:
Even better, you can factor it:

[tex]2 \cos^2 x - \cos x - 1 = 0[/tex]
[tex]2 \cos^2 x - 2 \cos x + \cos x - 1 = 0[/tex]
[tex]2 \cos x (\cos x - 1) + (\cos x - 1) = 0[/tex]
[tex](2 \cos x + 1)(\cos x - 1) = 0[/tex]
 
Ya ok i see what i did wrong ,i like to use sin and find myself always using it and i should have went to cousine, i figured out to factor it once you helped me get to that step so thank you so much. I only have 7 more practise questions on this sheet and only 2 have stumped me so i am very proud. Thanks so much and if i need more help again i will ask. Thanks
 

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