Solve Cos(x)=-2: Step-by-Step Guide

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation cos(x) = -2, exploring its implications within the context of complex numbers versus real numbers. Participants are examining the validity of solutions derived from complex analysis and the definitions of trigonometric functions in different domains.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve cos(x) = -2 using complex exponential forms and quadratic equations, questioning the validity of their approach. Some participants clarify that cos(x) is typically defined within the range of [-1, 1] for real numbers, while others suggest that solutions exist in the complex domain.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's reasoning, with some agreeing that the exploration of cos(x) in the complex plane is valid. There is a recognition of the multi-valued nature of logarithms in complex analysis, and discussions are ongoing regarding how to express solutions appropriately.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty about whether the problem should be approached strictly within the real number system or if complex solutions are acceptable. Participants note that the original poster has not been explicitly instructed to limit their work to real numbers, leading to a broader exploration of the topic.

  • #31
then I just plug in what I got for my answers into the formula? where my answer is the z? Wow well thanks for the help hmmm that's interesting let me see what I get...
 
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  • #32
No, your answer is the w and z = -2.
 
  • #33
what are you using for that slanted p value? let me look again hold up
 
  • #34
GreenPrint said:
my only question is why didn't you use +/- and just used +

The complex square root is a double - valued function:

<br /> z = w^{2}, \; z = \rho \, e^{i \, \theta}, \; w = R e^{i \Theta}<br />

<br /> \rho = R^{2} \Rightarrow R = \sqrt{\rho}<br />

<br /> \theta + 2 \, n \, \pi = 2 \, \Theta \Rightarrow \Theta = \frac{\theta}{2} + n \, \pi, \; n \in \mathbb{Z}<br />

But, \Theta is restricted to a period of 2 \, \pi so:

<br /> \sqrt{z} = \left\{\begin{array}{l}<br /> \sqrt{\rho} \, e^{i \, \frac{\theta}{2}} \\<br /> <br /> \sqrt{\rho} \, e^{i \, (\frac{\theta}{2} + \pi)}<br /> \end{array}\right.<br />
 
Last edited:
  • #35
ok well thanks I'll post post back if i get stuck again i need to do some more stuyding of this stuff :)
 
  • #36
But, your initial hunch was correct. The equation in the topic of the thread does have (infinitely many) solution(s) in the set of complex numbers \mathbb{C}.
 
  • #37
So my final answers should be
2 pi n - i(-2 + sqrt(3))
and
2 pi n -i(-2 - sqrt(3))

where n is the set of integers?
 
  • #38
GreenPrint said:
So my final answers should be
2 pi n - i(-2 + sqrt(3))
and
2 pi n -i(-2 - sqrt(3))

where n is the set of integers?

Where is the \ln function and what is the absolute value and argument of:

<br /> -2 + \sqrt{3}<br />

and

<br /> -2 - \sqrt{3}<br />
 
  • #39
sorry I forgot the ln
so is this correct
2pi n - i ln(2 + sqrt(3))

and i take the absolute value of the argument in the natural log leaving me with only positives? where n is the set of integers
 
  • #40
argument of a complex number z = \rho \, e^{i \, \varphi} is the variable 0 \le \varphi &lt; 2 \pi. What is it for the two inputs of the complex logarithm?
 
  • #41
2 and sqrt(3)... right?
 
  • #42
no. you need to look up trigonometric form of a complex number.
 
  • #43
ok and what exactly am I looking for
 
  • #44
z = |z|[cos (t) + i sin (t) ]
 
  • #45
right it's the cosine and sine of the angle?
 
  • #46
i(theta) ?
 
  • #47
If cos(z)=-2, then just use:
<br /> \cos z=\cos (x+yi)=\cos x\cos (yi)-sin x\sin (yi)=\cos x\cosh y-i\sin x\sinh y=-2<br />
Compare real and imaginary parts to obtain:
<br /> \cos x\cosh y=-2\quad\sin x\sinh y=0<br />
Clearly x must be a multiple of pi and that you can work you the solution for what y has to be.
 

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