How can the quadratic equation be used to solve a trigonometric identity?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Simon green
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    identities
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the trigonometric equation 4cot² - 6 cosec x = -6 by transforming it into a quadratic equation in terms of cosecant. By applying the identity 1 + cot²(x) = csc²(x), the equation is rewritten as 4csc²(x) - 6csc(x) + 2 = 0. This quadratic can be solved using the quadratic formula, leading to the solutions for cosecant, which can then be converted back to find the values of x.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically cotangent and cosecant.
  • Familiarity with quadratic equations and the quadratic formula.
  • Knowledge of how to manipulate algebraic expressions involving trigonometric functions.
  • Ability to convert between different trigonometric functions (e.g., cotangent to cosecant).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the quadratic formula and its application in solving equations.
  • Learn more about trigonometric identities, particularly those involving cotangent and cosecant.
  • Practice converting between trigonometric functions to simplify equations.
  • Explore graphical methods for solving trigonometric equations to visualize solutions.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on trigonometry and algebra, as well as anyone interested in solving complex trigonometric equations using algebraic methods.

Simon green
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Can anybody please help me solve this?

4cot² - 6 cosec x = -6
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
simongreen93 said:
Can anybody please help me solve this?

4cot² - 6 cosec x = -6

Good evening, what thoughts have you had to help solve this problem?I prefer to write everything in terms of sin and cos

[math]4\dfrac{\cos^2(x)}{\sin^2(x)} - \dfrac{6}{\sin(x)} = -6[/math]

Some thoughts:

  • Clear the denominator by multiplying by the LCD of the terms above
  • Work only with one trig function - I would recommend sine as you have more of them - do you know of an identity to change your cos to sin?
 
simongreen93 said:
Can anybody please help me solve this?

4cot² - 6 cosec x = -6

Since $\displaystyle \begin{align*} 1 + \cot^2{(x)} \equiv \csc^2{(x)} \end{align*}$ that means

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} 4\left[ \csc^2{(x)} - 1 \right] - 6\csc{(x)} &= -6 \\ 4\csc^2{(x)} - 4 - 6\csc{(x)} &= -6 \\ 4\csc^2{(x)} - 6\csc{(x)} + 2 &= 0 \\ 2\csc^2{(x)} - 3\csc{(x)} + 1 &= 0 \end{align*}$

Now solve the resulting quadratic.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K