Trig Solve for Solution Within Interval

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation (√2)(cos 2θ) = 1 for the interval 0 < θ < 2π, which corresponds to one full revolution on the unit circle. The original poster expresses difficulty in finding solutions for θ and questions whether there might be no solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the double angle in the cosine function and explore the relationship between θ and the equation provided. There are hints regarding evaluating specific angles and checking calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing hints and suggestions for evaluating the equation. There is a recognition of the need to check calculations and consider multiple angles that fit within the specified interval.

Contextual Notes

The original poster initially miscalculated and is now reassessing their approach. There is an emphasis on the interval constraint of 0 < θ < 2π, which influences the potential solutions discussed.

catenn
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Hi, I have a problem that says to solve this equation for the interval 0<theta<2 pie which is one revolution of the unit circle. The equation is:

(square root of 2)(cos 2theta) = 1

The cos2theta is a double angle, but I couldn't find any solutions for theta that would = 1 at the end. The answer has to fit in for the theta angle. Is this possibly no solution? I had originally put pie/4 as an answer but realized I forgot the parenthesis in the calculator and now I need to redo the problem. Thanks!
 
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Draw the unit circle in the x-y cartesian plane. If you rotate around the circle by an angle [itex]\theta[/itex] counterclockwise wrt the positive x-axis, then [itex]\cos{\theta}[/itex] is the x-coordinate of the resulting point. So what [itex]\theta[/itex] will make [itex]\cos{\theta} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex] (HINT: What's [itex]2(1/\sqrt{2})^2[/itex]?)?

Edit: courtrigrad I suggest plugging [itex]\pi / 2[/itex] into [itex]\sqrt{2}\cos{2\theta}[/itex] and seeing what you get :-p
 
Last edited:
my fault it should have been [tex]\theta = \frac{\pi}{8}[/tex]. I multiplied instead of divided.
 
You can give a closed form for [itex]\theta[/itex].

Edit: :smile:
 
[tex]\theta = \frac{\pi}{8} + 2n\pi[/tex]
 
he said [itex]0 < \theta < 2\pi[/itex] though (of course, there's still [itex]\theta = \frac{15}{8} \pi[/itex]!) :-p
 
Last edited:
Thank you both so much for the help! I really appreciate it and understand now.
 

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