Solve trig equation cos(2x+20)=-cos(x-11)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the trigonometric equation cos(2x+20) = -cos(x-11). Participants explore various methods to find general solutions, including algebraic manipulation and geometric interpretations using the unit circle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the sum to product identity to rewrite the equation as cos(2x+20) + cos(x-11) = 0, leading to two cosine factors that can be set to zero.
  • Another participant introduces a geometric approach using the unit circle, explaining that for cos(θ) = -cos(φ), the angles must be related by either 180° - θ or 180° + θ, with periodicity considered.
  • Multiple methods are presented, with one participant providing a detailed breakdown of the algebraic approach and another offering an alternative geometric perspective.
  • Corrections and refinements are made by participants, indicating ongoing adjustments to their reasoning and calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing methods for solving the equation, and while some express appreciation for the different approaches, there is no consensus on a single solution method. The discussion remains unresolved with various perspectives offered.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of specifying whether angles are in degrees or radians, which may affect the interpretation of the solutions. There are also indications of missing assumptions regarding the periodic nature of the solutions.

laprec
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Kindly assist with this question:
Determine the general solutions cos(2x+20)=-cos(x-11)
 
Last edited:
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$\cos(2x+20)+\cos(x-11)=0$

using sum to product identity

$2\cos\left(\dfrac{3x+9}{2}\right)\cos\left(\dfrac{x+31}{2}\right) =0$

setting each cosine factor equal to zero yields

$\dfrac{3x+9}{2} = \dfrac{\pi}{2}(2k+1)$ where $k \in \mathbb{Z}$

$\dfrac{x+31}{2} = \dfrac{\pi}{2}(2k+1)$ where $k \in \mathbb{Z}$

if the arguments of the cosine functions are in degrees, then

$\dfrac{3x+9}{2} = 90(2k+1)$ where $k \in \mathbb{Z}$

$\dfrac{x+31}{2} = 90(2k+1)$ where $k \in \mathbb{Z}$

finish it
 
Last edited by a moderator:
As an alternative to skeeter's method, I'd like to bring up the unit circle.
\begin{tikzpicture}[scale=3,>=stealth]
\def\angle{35}
\draw[->, help lines] (-1.2,0) -- (1.2,0);
\draw[->, help lines] (0,-1.2) -- (0,1.2);
\draw[ultra thick, blue] circle (1);
\draw[thick] (0,0) -- (\angle:1) -- ({cos(\angle)}, 0) node[below] {$\cos\theta$} -- cycle ;
\draw[thick] (0,0) -- ({180+\angle}:1) -- ({-cos(\angle)}, 0) node[below] {$-\cos\theta$} -- cycle;
\draw[thick] (0,0) -- ({180-\angle}:1) -- ({-cos(\angle)}, 0);
\draw[->] ({\angle/2}:.4) node {$\theta$} (0:.3) arc (0:\angle:.3);
\draw[->] ({(180+\angle)/2}:-.14) node {$180^\circ+\theta$} (0:.1) arc (0:{180+\angle}:.1) ;
\draw[->] ({(180-\angle)/2}:.29) node {$180^\circ-\theta$} (0:.2) arc (0:{180-\angle}:.2) ;
\end{tikzpicture}
We have an equation of the form $\cos\theta = -\cos\phi$.
Given a $\theta$, for $\cos\theta$ to be equal to the opposite of another cosine, we can see that the other angle must either be $180^\circ-\theta$ or $180^\circ+\theta$. And we may have to add a multiple of $360^\circ$, which is the period of the circle.

So:
\begin{array}{lcl}
\cos(2x+20^\circ)=-\cos(x-11^\circ) \\
2x + 20^\circ = 180^\circ - (x-11^\circ) + 360^\circ k &\lor& 2x + 20^\circ = 180^\circ + (x-11^\circ) + 360^\circ k \\
3x = 171^\circ + 360^\circ k &\lor& x = 149^\circ + 360^\circ k \\
x = \frac 13\cdot171^\circ + 120^\circ k &\lor& x = 149^\circ + 360^\circ k \\
\end{array}
 
skeeter said:
$\cos(2x+20)+\cos(x-11)=0$

using sum to product identity

$2\cos\left(\dfrac{3x+9}{2}\right)\cos\left(\dfrac{x+31}{2}\right) =0$

setting each cosine factor equal to zero yields

$\dfrac{3x+9}{2} = \dfrac{\pi}{2}(2k+1)$ where $k \in \mathbb{Z}$

$\dfrac{x+31}{2} = \dfrac{\pi}{2}(2k+1)$ where $k \in \mathbb{Z}$

if the arguments of the cosine functions are in degrees, then

$\dfrac{3x+9}{2} = 90(2k+1)$ where $k \in \mathbb{Z}$

$\dfrac{x+31}{2} = 90(2k+1)$ where $k \in \mathbb{Z}$

finish it
Thanks a million skeeter. Much appreciated!
I have attached complete work out based on your guidiance.

- - - Updated - - -

Klaas van Aarsen said:
As an alternative to skeeter's method, I'd like to bring up the unit circle.
\begin{tikzpicture}[scale=3,>=stealth]
\def\angle{35}
\draw[->, help lines] (-1.2,0) -- (1.2,0);
\draw[->, help lines] (0,-1.2) -- (0,1.2);
\draw[ultra thick, blue] circle (1);
\draw[thick] (0,0) -- (\angle:1) -- ({cos(\angle)}, 0) node[below] {$\cos\theta$} -- cycle ;
\draw[thick] (0,0) -- ({180+\angle}:1) -- ({-cos(\angle)}, 0) node[below] {$-\cos\theta$} -- cycle;
\draw[thick] (0,0) -- ({180-\angle}:1) -- ({-cos(\angle)}, 0);
\draw[->] ({\angle/2}:.4) node {$\theta$} (0:.3) arc (0:\angle:.3);
\draw[->] ({(180+\angle)/2}:-.14) node {$180^\circ+\theta$} (0:.1) arc (0:{180+\angle}:.1) ;
\draw[->] ({(180-\angle)/2}:.29) node {$180^\circ-\theta$} (0:.2) arc (0:{180-\angle}:.2) ;
\end{tikzpicture}
We have an equation of the form $\cos\theta = -\cos\phi$.
Given a $\theta$, for $\cos\theta$ to be equal to the opposite of another cosine, we can see that the other angle must either be $180^\circ-\theta$ or $180^\circ+\theta$. And we may have to add a multiple of $360^\circ$, which is the period of the circle.

So:
\begin{array}{lcl}
\cos(2x+20^\circ)=-\cos(x-11^\circ) \\
2x + 20^\circ = 180^\circ - (x-11^\circ) + 360^\circ k &\lor& 2x + 20^\circ = 180^\circ + (x-11^\circ) + 360^\circ k \\
3x = 171^\circ + 360^\circ k &\lor& x = 149^\circ + 360^\circ k \\
x = \frac 13\cdot171^\circ + 120^\circ k &\lor& x = 149^\circ + 360^\circ k \\
\end{array}

Thanks a lot Klaas van Aarsen, the alternative method is equally helpful and insightful. Much appreciated.
 

Attachments

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small correction ...
 

Attachments

  • cos_equation.jpg
    cos_equation.jpg
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skeeter said:
small correction ...

Thank you very much! Much appreciated!
 

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