Solving trigonometric inequalities

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving trigonometric inequalities, specifically the inequality cos(πt/3) < 1/2 within the interval 0 < t < 50. Participants are exploring different approaches to find the correct intervals for t that satisfy the inequality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster presents two potential solutions involving periodicity and questions their validity. Some participants suggest re-evaluating the variable to be solved and the limits imposed by the problem, while others emphasize the need to express solutions in terms of t.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on how to approach the problem by focusing on the variable t and the necessary intervals. There is a lack of consensus on the correctness of the proposed solutions, and multiple interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraint of the inequality and the specified range for t, which influences their reasoning and the solutions they propose.

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Hello,

I am struggling with solving trigonometric inequalities. For example, solve: [itex]cos(\frac{\pi t}{3}) < \frac{1}{2}[/itex], [itex]0<t<50[/itex]
I wonder if one of these solutions is true:
1/ [itex]\frac{\pi}{3} + k2\pi < \frac{\pi t}{3} < \frac{5\pi}{3} + k2\pi, k \in Z[/itex]
2/ [itex]\frac{\pi}{3} + 6k < \frac{\pi t}{3} < \frac{5\pi}{3} + 6k, k \in Z[/itex] (the period of [itex]cos(\frac{\pi t}{3})[/itex] is 6)
I checked both of them and it seemed that the first solution is correct. However, personally, I think both of them are correct:
1/ The first solution: For example, we got the solution [itex]\frac{2\pi}{3}[/itex]. Obviously, it'll repeat with the period of [itex]2\pi[/itex] on the unit circle.
2/ The second solution: If we got one solution, it'll repeat with the period of 6 on the graph of [itex]cos(\frac{\pi t}{3})[/itex].
I have been struggling with this problem for a long time, yet I cannot figure it out.
Hopefully I can be given a little help.
Thanks a bunch everyone!
Huyen Nguyen
 
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If you leave them this way, both of them are not correct.

Think of which is the variable you need to find, and the limits on it posed by the problem.
The problem asks to find t.
So, try to put the solutions you wrote in the form ...<t<...
Then, you must find the intervals that satisfy both the trigonometric inequality and the condition on t.

What does this mean?
 
@ DriracRules: Thanks for your response. I have been thinking about this problem, yet I haven't figured it out. If you know the answer, can you please help me? Thank you very much.
 
First, note that [itex]cos(\pi/3)= 1/2[/itex] and cosine is decreasing between 0 and [itex]\pi[/itex] so, immediately, cos(x)< 1/2 for [itex]\pi/3< x\le \pi[/itex] which, for this problem, gives [itex]\pi/2< \pi t/3\le \pi[/itex]. Solve for t and then use the periodicity of cosine to extend to values of t< 50.
 

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