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

1. Feb 26, 2005

### aisha

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

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 cant use the pythagorean identity.

2. Feb 26, 2005

### dextercioby

Factor that 2 and use the fundamental identity
$$\sin^{2}x+\cos^{2}x =1$$

Daniel.

3. Feb 26, 2005

### aisha

Oh thanks heres what I got

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

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

Rearrange $$2\cos^2-\cos\theta=0$$

4. Feb 26, 2005

### dextercioby

Factor cos\theta and end up with 2 simple equations...

Daniel.

5. Feb 26, 2005

### aisha

$$\cos \theta=0$$ and $$\cos\theta=1/2$$

6. Feb 26, 2005

### dextercioby

Perfect.Sove each of them and then write the final solution to the initial eq.

Daniel.

7. Feb 26, 2005

### aisha

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

but Im not sure for cos(x)=0

its either 0 degrees and 180 degrees, or 90 degrees

8. Feb 26, 2005

### BobG

Try 90 and 270.

Cos (0) is 1
Cos (180) is -1

9. Feb 26, 2005

### aisha

ok so are there 4 solutions

90 degrees 270 degrees, 300 degrees and 60 degrees

Is that correct?

10. Feb 27, 2005

### dextercioby

Yes,u can make a graph (trigon.circle) to check the validity.

Daniel.

11. Feb 27, 2005

### aisha

but my answers are right? :rofl:

12. Feb 27, 2005

### dextercioby

Yes,they are...And what's so funny...?My new haircut...?

Daniel.

13. Feb 27, 2005

### aisha

lol thanks sooooooooooooo much i finally got something thats the funny part! :tongue2: