Trigonometry Help: Solving cos^2x = 2cosxsinx for x in the Range of 0 to 360

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving the equation cos²x = 2cosxsinx for x within the range of 0 to 360 degrees, focusing on trigonometric identities and simplifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss simplifying the equation and exploring the implications of factoring. Some suggest breaking down the equation into a product form, while others express a need for further explanation of the process and the reasoning behind the steps.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the problem and explore different approaches to solving it. Some participants have offered hints and guidance on how to manipulate the equation, while others are seeking deeper understanding and additional angles.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a need to explain the process to someone else, indicating that participants are considering the educational aspect of the problem. Additionally, there is a reference to homework posting guidelines, suggesting that participants are mindful of the forum's rules.

Maria
Can someone help me with this:cos^2x = 2cosxsinx?
X E 0,360..
I really haven`t understood this trigonomy stuff yet..
 
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Did you see that sticky about posting homework?

Hint: forget trig for now, and simplify


a^2=ab.
 
Maria said:
Can someone help me with this:cos^2x = 2cosxsinx?
X E 0,360..
I really haven`t understood this trigonomy stuff yet..
Hi, Maria, I am Susan, :redface: What matt told you to do is something like this: :blushing:
cosx(cosx-2sinx) =0
cosx=0 OR tanx=1/2
 
Last edited:
hi again

Can you explain it to me a bit more?

I need to understand the whole prosess, because I have to explain it to someone else on thursday.. I need 4 angles..
 
What you basically have is:

[tex]a^2 = ab[/tex]

You can wright this is:

[tex]a^2 - ab = 0[/tex]

[tex]a(a - b) = 0[/tex]

This tells you that either [itex]a[/itex] is 0 or [itex]a - b[/itex] is 0, right? Well try and follow that procedure out with your trig functions.
 
Thanks

I got it right :smile: Thanks a lot
 

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