Find x (Radians): Solve sec(2π/3 + x) = 2

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter eleventhxhour
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Radians
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation sec(2π/3 + x) = 2, focusing on the mathematical steps involved in finding the value of x in radians. Participants explore various methods to manipulate the equation and derive solutions, including transformations to cosine and general solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting by converting sec to cosine, leading to the equation cos(2π/3 + x) = 1/2.
  • Another participant proposes a general solution format, indicating that x + 2π/3 = 2kπ ± π/3, and encourages solving for x.
  • A third participant reiterates the cosine transformation and presents a similar general solution approach, emphasizing the need to solve for x.
  • One participant questions the derivation of the general solution from cos(2π/3 + x) = 1/2, seeking clarification on the steps involved.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the application of the arc-cos function and its range, suggesting the possibility of expanding the solution set to include additional values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the steps to derive the general solution and the implications of the arc-cos function's range. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the correct approach or final solution.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings of the cosine function's properties and the range of the arc-cos function, which may affect the proposed solutions.

eleventhxhour
Messages
73
Reaction score
0
If sec(2pi/3 + x) = 2, what does x equal?

So far I changed it to cos by dividing 1/2. And then, I changed the 1/2 to radians which is pi/3. But, I'm not sure what to do next.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
If you are going to find the general solution, you could write:

$$x+\frac{2\pi}{3}=2k\pi\pm\frac{\pi}{3}$$

And then solve for $x$. :D
 
Also you can do it using your way

$$sec(\frac{2\pi}{3}+x)=2$$

$$\frac{1}{cos(\frac{2\pi}{3}+x)}= 2$$

then

$$cos(\frac{2\pi}{3}+x) = \frac{1}{2}$$

$$\frac{2\pi}{3}+x=kx\pi \pm \frac{\pi}{3}$$

solve for x now ..

:)
 
Maged Saeed said:
...
$$cos(\frac{2\pi}{3}+x) = \frac{1}{2}$$

$$\frac{2\pi}{3}+x=kx\pi \pm \frac{\pi}{3}$$

...

How does that follow?
 
MarkFL said:
How does that follow?

$$cos(\frac{2\pi}{3}+x)=\frac{1}{2}$$

$$cos^{-1}cos(\frac{2\pi}{3}+x)=cos^{-1}(\frac{1}{2})$$

$$\frac{2\pi}{3}+x=\frac{\pi}{3}$$

To here , I think I'm correct because the range of arc-cos function is
from zero to PI.
But cannot we expand it to be (2xPI + PI/3) "the solution set of cos function"?

I'm not sure

(Thinking)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K