# Identifying x-values

TonyC
I am trying to identify the x-values that are solutions for the equation:
8cosx-4=0

I have come up with: x=pi/3,4pi/3
This doesn't seem correct but I am stumped.

Homework Helper
Why 4pi/3?
Remember, if you need to solve:
$$\cos \alpha = \cos \beta = x$$
$$\Leftrightarrow \alpha = \pm \beta + k2\pi, k \in \mathbb{Z}$$
In other words,
$$\alpha = \pm \arccos x + k2\pi, k \in \mathbb{Z}$$
Viet Dao,

TonyC
so,
5pi/3

I C

Thank you

Homework Helper
TonyC said:
I am trying to identify the x-values that are solutions for the equation:
8cosx-4=0

I have come up with: x=pi/3,4pi/3
This doesn't seem correct but I am stumped.

8 cos x= 4 so cos x= 1/2. You could use a calculator but I think of half an equilateral triangle to observe that $cos\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right)= \frac{1}{2}$. I then recall that "cos t" is the x coordinate of the unit circle parametrized by x= cos t, y= sin t. Drawing a vertical line at x= 1/2 I notice the vertical symmetry: $cos\left(-\frac{\pi}{3}\right)= \frac{1}{2}$ also. That gives me two solutions, between $-\pi$ and $\pi[/tex]. If you want solutions between 0 and [itex]2\pi$, $-\frac{\pi}{3}+ 2\pi= \frac{5\pi}{3}$ (NOT $\frac{4\pi}{3}$).

Since cosine is periodic with period $2\pi$, all solutions to 8cos x- 4= 0 are of the form $\frac{\pi}{3}+ 2n\pi$ or $\frac{5\pi}{3}+ 2n\pi$ for some integer n.

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