# Basic Trig equation

1. Feb 23, 2006

### Hootenanny

Staff Emeritus
The curve $y = \cos 3x + 2$ intersects the line $y = 2x$ at point $A$, whose x co-ordinate is $\alpha$. Show that $0.7 < \alpha < 0.8$.

So far I've got: Upon intersection $2x = \cos 3x + 2 \Rightarrow \cos 3x - 2x = - 2$. This doesn't seem to help. I know we've done this type of thing ages ago, but I've since lost my notes and my minds gone blank. Any help would be appreciated.

2. Feb 23, 2006

### Galileo

How about evaluating both functions at x=0.7 and x=0.8? See what you can do with that.

3. Feb 23, 2006

### Hootenanny

Staff Emeritus
$\cos(3 \times 0.7) +2 = 1.495...$ , $\cos(3 \times 0.8) +2 = 1.262...$.
$2 \times 0.7 = 1.4$, $2 \times 0.8 = 1.6$.
All in radians. This doesnt seem to help??

4. Feb 23, 2006

### arildno

Sure it does!
At x=0.7, we have the value as given by the straight line LOWER than that given by the cosine expression, whereas this is reversed at x=0.8
What does that tell you?

5. Feb 23, 2006

### Hootenanny

Staff Emeritus
Ahhh, ofcourse! Tha x - value must lie sumwhere between them values! I wan looking for an exact solution. Thank's foryou help guys!

6. Feb 23, 2006

### arildno

You're welcome.
Most equations cannot be solved for an exact solution in a finite number of steps.
Approximative techniques abound, though.