How to solve 2 - 2sin^2(theta) = cos(theta) on the domain [0,2pi]

  • Thread starter Thread starter aisha
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Domain
Click For Summary
To solve the equation 2 - 2sin²(θ) = cos(θ) on the domain [0, 2π], the cosine function is transformed using the identity sin²(θ) + cos²(θ) = 1. This leads to the equation 2cos²(θ) = cos(θ), which can be rearranged and factored to yield two simpler equations: cos(θ) = 0 and cos(θ) = 1/2. The solutions for cos(θ) = 1/2 are 60 degrees and 300 degrees, while the solutions for cos(θ) = 0 are 90 degrees and 270 degrees. Thus, the complete set of solutions is 60 degrees, 90 degrees, 270 degrees, and 300 degrees. The validity of these solutions can be confirmed through graphical representation.
aisha
Messages
584
Reaction score
0
2-2\sin^2(\theta)=\cos (\theta)

I need to solve this quadratic trig equation algebraically of the domain 0<=x<=2pi I know how to do that but in order to solve the trig functions have to be the same I'm having a little trouble how do I change the cos into sin? It's not cos^2 so we can't use the pythagorean identity.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Factor that 2 and use the fundamental identity
\sin^{2}x+\cos^{2}x =1

Daniel.
 
Oh thanks here's what I got

2(1-\sin^2\theta)=\cos \theta
2(\cos^2\theta)=\cos\theta

Expand 2\cos^2\theta=\cos\theta

Rearrange 2\cos^2-\cos\theta=0
 
Factor cos\theta and end up with 2 simple equations...

Daniel.
 
\cos \theta=0 and \cos\theta=1/2
 
Perfect.Sove each of them and then write the final solution to the initial eq.

Daniel.
 
I got 300 degrees and 60 degrees as solutions for cos (x)= 1/2

but I am not sure for cos(x)=0

its either 0 degrees and 180 degrees, or 90 degrees
 
Try 90 and 270.

Cos (0) is 1
Cos (180) is -1
 
ok so are there 4 solutions

90 degrees 270 degrees, 300 degrees and 60 degrees

Is that correct?
 
  • #10
Yes,u can make a graph (trigon.circle) to check the validity.


Daniel.
 
  • #11
but my answers are right? :smile:
 
  • #12
Yes,they are...And what's so funny...?My new haircut...?:confused:

Daniel.
 
  • #13
lol thanks sooooooooooooo much i finally got something that's the funny part! :-p
 

Similar threads

Replies
46
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
55
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K