How Do You Solve sqrt(3) sec x = -2 for x in Radians?

hailey51 · Feb 28, 2012

Find Exact Radian Solution OR to nearest 100th of a radian

sqrt(3) sec x = -2

Dick · Feb 28, 2012

You need to at least show an attempt here before anyone can help you. Look at a graph of sec(x).

hailey51 · Feb 28, 2012

Dick said:

You need to at least show an attempt here before anyone can help you. Look at a graph of sec(x).

well, would the first step be changing it to
cos x = - (sqrt 3)/2

?

SammyS · Feb 29, 2012

hailey51 said:

well, would the first step be changing it to
cos x = - (sqrt 3)/2

?

Yes.

For what angles is cosine = -(√3)/2 ?

hailey51 · Feb 29, 2012

SammyS said:

Yes.

For what angles is cosine = -(√3)/2 ?

This is where I get confused...
it's not ∏/6 right? because it's negative
so it could be the 5∏/6 ?
and is that the only answer?

HallsofIvy · Feb 29, 2012

Since sine and cosine are periodic with period [itex]2\pi[/itex], no that is not the only solution.

hailey51 · Feb 29, 2012

HallsofIvy said:

Since sine and cosine are periodic with period [itex]2\pi[/itex], no that is not the only solution.

Oh, would the other solution be 7π/6 +2πn ?

Dick · Feb 29, 2012

hailey51 said:

Oh, would the other solution be 7π/6 +2πn ?

Right.

Discussion