Factor Theorem and Trigonometric Equations Help

[AN630078]

Homework Statement

Hello, I have been practising solving trigonometric equations which are admittedly an area of mathematics which has caused me a great deal of confusion. In a textbook I came across the question below and quite liked the employment of the factor theorem in order to find solutions to the polynomial which is used to solve the trigonometric equation in the latter part of the question. However, I am still unsteady regarding trigonometric equations and wondered if anyone may be able to look over my solutions and offer any possible improvements or advice?

1. Use the factor theorem to factorise the expression: 3x^3-4x^2-5x+2
2. Hence solve the equation: 3cosec^3θ-4cosec^2θ-5cosecθ+2=0

Relevant Equations

3x^3-4x^2-5x+2
3cosec^3θ-4cosec^2θ-5cosecθ+2=0

1. The factor theorem states that (x-a) is a factor of f(x) if f(a)=0
Therefore, suppose (x+1) is a factor:
f(-1)=3(-1)^3-4(-1)^2-5(-1)+2
f(-1)=0
So, (x+1) is a factor.
3x^3-4x^2-5x+2=(x+1)(3x^2+...)
Expand the RHS = 3x^3+3x^2
Leaving a remainder of -7x^2-5x+2
3x^3-4x^2-5x+2=(x+1)(3x^2-7x+...)
Expand the RHS = 3x^3+3x^2-7x^2-7x=3x^3-4x^2-7x
Leaving a remainder of 2x+2
3x^3-4x^2-5x+2=(x+1)(3x^2-7x+2)
Expand the RHS = 3x^3+3x^2-7x^2-7x+2x+2=3x^3-4x^2-5x+2

Factor (3x^2-7x+2) = (3x-1)(x-2)
The solutions are (x+1)(3x-1)(x-2)
x=-1, x=1/3,x=2

2. 3cosec^3θ-4cosec^2θ-5cosecθ+2=0
Let u=cosecθ
Therefore, 3u^3-4u^2-5u+2=0
Since we have found x=-1, x=1/3,x=2, thus u=1, u=1/3,u=2
When cosecθ=-1
Use the identity cosecθ=1/sinθ
Therefore, -1=1/sinθ
-sinθ=1
0=1+sinθ
sinθ=-1
θ=3π/2

cosecθ=1/3
1/3=1/sinθ
Apply cross multiplication;
a/b=c/d a*d=b*c
1*sinθ=3*1
sinθ=3
Which is a non-real solution since θ cannot be greater than 1 for real solutions.

cosecθ=2
Use the identity cosecθ=1/sinθ
Therefore, 2=1/sinθ
2sinθ=1
sinθ=1/2
θ=π/6, 5π/6

Thus, all the solutions are θ=3π/2+2πn, θ=π/6+2πn, θ=5π/6+2πn

 

[fresh_42]

Looks good. Maybe a bit too detailed in parts, but well readable. As you end up with the sine function in each step, you could as well have multiplied the original equation by $\sin^3 \theta$ first, and work with the sine function alone. Also $u=x$ so one variable would have been sufficient.