Finding the Zeroes of a Secant Graph

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the zeroes of the function y = 2 sec(-2x + 180°) + 3. The user breaks down the equation and attempts to solve for x when y equals zero, ultimately reaching the equation -2(x - 90) = arcsec(-1.5). The user successfully calculates the approximate value of x as 89.5 degrees, demonstrating that the arcsec function can be applied to find solutions despite initial confusion regarding the secant function's properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically secant and its inverse arcsec.
  • Knowledge of algebraic manipulation involving trigonometric identities.
  • Familiarity with solving equations for zeroes of functions.
  • Experience using graphing tools to visualize functions and their intersections with the x-axis.
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  • Study the properties and applications of the arcsec function in trigonometry.
  • Learn how to manipulate and solve equations involving trigonometric identities.
  • Explore graphing techniques for visualizing secant functions and their zeroes.
  • Investigate the implications of undefined values in trigonometric equations and how to handle them.
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Students studying trigonometry, educators teaching algebraic methods for solving equations, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of secant functions and their zeroes.

Sabellic
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This is a continuation of my previous post, so please bear with me

Homework Statement


Find the zeroes of the following function:

y= 2 sec (-2x+180deg) + 3

Homework Equations



Break down the equation into:

y= 2 sec -2(x-90deg) + 3;

Finding zeroes, means finding the x values when y=0, therefore:

0=2 sec [-2(x-90deg)]+3

The Attempt at a Solution



0=2 sec [-2(x-90deg)]+3

-3 = 2 sec [-2(x-90deg)]

-1.5 = sec [-2(x-90deg)]

-1.5/sec = [-2(x-90deg)]

^ this is where I get stuck. Because the inverse of sec or cos (sec^-1; cos^-1) is Error or Undefined. So the whole thing explodes. Now, I can tell when the graph crosses the x-axis (and therefore has a y=0 value) on a Graphing tool, but how can I find this out algebraically?

Thanks for the assistance.
 
Last edited:
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Sabellic said:
This is a continuation of my previous post, so please bear with me

Homework Statement


Find the zeroes of the following function:

y= 2 sec (-2x+180deg) + 3


Homework Equations



Break down the equation into:

y= 2 sec -2(x-90deg) + 3;

Finding zeroes, means finding the x values when y=0, therefore:

0=2 sec [-2(x-90deg)]+3



The Attempt at a Solution



0=2 sec [-2(x-90deg)]+3

-3 = 2 sec [-2(x-90deg)]

-1.5 = sec [-2(x-90deg)]

-1.5/sec = [-2(x-90deg)]
Now that's just silly. "sec" is NOT a number, sec[-29x- 90)] is NOT just "sec" times [-29x- 90]. You cannot just divide by "sec". You get rid of the secant function by using its inverse, arcsec(x). -2(x- 90)= arcsec(-1.5). Since secant of 1/cosine and cosine is always between - 1 and 1, secant= 1/cosine is between -1 and -infinity or 1 and infinity. arcsec(x)= sec-1(x) is definitely defined for x= -1.5.

^ this is where I get stuck. Because the inverse of sec or cos (sec^-1; cos^-1) is Error or Undefined. So the whole thing explodes. Now, I can tell when the graph crosses the x-axis (and therefore has a y=0 value) on a Graphing tool, but how can I find this out algebraically?

Thanks for the assistance.
 
editted
 
Last edited:
This is what I am getting:
-2(x- 90)= arcsec(-1.5)

-2(x- 90)=0.999657325
x-90=-0.499828662
x=89.5
 

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