Generel Solution of sinx+cos^2 x= 1

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general solution for the equation cos²x + sinx = 1. Participants are examining the validity of solutions and interpretations presented in a textbook.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of the equation, questioning the textbook's notation of "n/a" and discussing potential solutions. Some participants suggest that additional solutions may have been overlooked, while others express skepticism about the textbook's accuracy.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with multiple interpretations of the solutions being discussed. Some participants have provided insights into the nature of the solutions, while others have raised questions about the reliability of the textbook's answers. There is no explicit consensus on the correct solutions yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the discussion may not fit neatly into the typical homework section, and there are indications of confusion regarding the textbook's terminology and potential errors. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the classification of their inquiry.

Superposed_Cat
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Hey all, I had this problem the other day, I had to find the generel solution of cos^2x+sinx=1 what I did was:
Sinx=1-cos^2x
Sinx=sin^2x
-sin^2x+sinx=0
(-Sinx-1)(sinx+0)=0
Sinx=0 or 1 so x=90+360n or x=0+360n but the textbook says "n/a and 90+360n" without showing any working out. Any help apreciated, apologies if this isn't the right thread but this isn't homework and there didn't seem to be a section for this under the homework anyway.
 
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Textbook seems wrong what does n/a even mean? What is a?

x=90+360n or x=0+360n
are solutions but you missed some, can you think of the ones you mised?
 
n/a they use for undefined or impossible like 2^x=0 would be n/a and tan90 would be n/a. Off the top of my head no I can't think of any other ones.
 
maybe the textbook's answer is wrong. so far i get sin x = 1 which the other one is rejected. so x = 90. sometimes you shouldn't trust textbooks. they may have some typo error or something
 
Yeah, the textbook looks wrong.
##\cos^2(0) + \sin(0) = 1^2+0=1##
So the textbook shouldn't be discarding it.
 
EvilMarisa said:
maybe the textbook's answer is wrong. so far i get sin x = 1 which the other one is rejected. so x = 90. sometimes you shouldn't trust textbooks. they may have some typo error or something
why did you reject the other one?
 
You might want to plot it so you will know how many answers you are looking for.
 
This question belongs in the appropriate homework section. Usually, we would delete it and ask that the original poster start a new thread in the right section and using the homework template. In this case the discussion has brought out most of the points that the template would cover, so I'm moving it instead.
 
Superposed_Cat said:
n/a they use for undefined or impossible like 2^x=0 would be n/a and tan90 would be n/a. Off the top of my head no I can't think of any other ones.
You missed solutions for sin(x)=0. You found some, but not all.
 

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