How Do You Solve cosθ = sin2θ/2 Using Trigonometric Identities?

  • Thread starter Thread starter theintarnets
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Trig
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 2K views
theintarnets
Messages
64
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


cosθ = sin2θ/2


Homework Equations


None.


The Attempt at a Solution


I really don't know what to do. I tried using the half and double angle identities and this is what I got:
cosθ = (1-cos2θ)/2
2cosθ = 1-cos2θ
2cosθ + cos2θ = 1
2cosθ + 2cos2θ -1 = 1
2(cosθ + cos2θ) = 2
cosθ + cos2θ = 1
cos2θ + cosθ - 1 = 0

I'm not sure if that can be factored, so I tried using the quadratic formula. I got (-1 ± √5)/2
What am I supposed to do now? I don't even know if I did this right. Someone pleeeaase help mee ):
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Your very first step is wrong: [itex]sin^2(\theta) \neq 1-cos(2\theta)[/itex]

I would suggest writing [itex]sin^2(\theta)[/itex] in terms of [itex]cos^2(\theta)[/itex] right from the start! You'll end up with a quadratic equation, similar in form as your last equation you gave (which is wrong!). When you solve this quadratic equation, what exactly is set equal to the answer?