Can the equation 2 - cos2x =sinx be solved within a specific interval?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving the equation 2 - cos2x = sinx within the interval 0≤x≤360. The context is trigonometric equations and identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss manipulating the equation and applying trigonometric identities, including the relationship between sine and cosine. There are attempts to rewrite the equation in a quadratic form and questions about the validity of certain steps in the manipulation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on rewriting the equation and recognizing potential pitfalls in the manipulation. There is an acknowledgment that the quadratic form may not yield real solutions, indicating a productive exploration of the problem's nature.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of working within the specified interval and the implications of the quadratic equation potentially lacking real roots.

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Homework Statement



Solve the equation 2 - cos2x =sinx. Give the solution in the interval 0≤x≤360.

Homework Equations


sin2x+cos2x=1
I know for sin you take inverse. Then subtract that from 180. I believe those are basic angle then you +/- 360. ?

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to manipulate it to work and solve but I am not sure what else and then how to.
2 - cos2x =sinx
2(1-cos2x)=sinx
2(sin2x)=sinx
 
Last edited:
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Its too late at night for me to start working that out but have you tried the trig identity

tanx=sinx/cosx
 
Um, i think so. Wait yes i did.
 
I would suggest writing it in a form that's quadratic in sin(x). Use the squared identity but in the other way.

edit - also, this step:[itex]2(1-cos^{2}(x))=sin(x)[/itex] is NOT valid. Can you see why?
 
Last edited:
FlopperJr said:

Homework Statement



Solve the equation 2 - cos2x =sinx. Give the solution in the interval 0≤x≤360.

Homework Equations


sin2x+cos2x=1
I know for sin you take inverse. Then subtract that from 180. I believe those are basic angle then you +/- 360. ?

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to manipulate it to work and solve but I am not sure what else and then how to.
2 - cos2x =sinx
2(1-cos2x)=sinx
2(sin2x)=sinx

The following two equations are not equivalent.

 2 - cos2x = sinx    &     2(1-cos2x) = sinx

The first equation is equivalent to
1 + (1 - cos2x) = sinx​

Now substitute sin2x for 1 - cos2x and then subtract sinx from both sides. You then have a quadratic equation in sinx .
 
Of course, the quadratic may not have real roots (and doesn't in this case). This is a pickle if you want real solutions for x.

(To be less cryptic, I meant that there are no real solutions here).
 

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