Trigonometric Equation: Solve for x on Real Numbers Set | Homework Statement

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving the trigonometric equation cos(x) + 2tg(x) = 7/(4*cos(x)) for x in the real number set. An initial attempt led to the quadratic equation -8sin^2(x) + 8sin(x) - 3 = 0, but it was determined that the determinant indicated no real solutions. Participants identified a mistake in the coefficient of sin^2(x) and clarified the rearrangement of the original equation, emphasizing the correct use of trigonometric identities. The conversation highlights the importance of accurate manipulation of trigonometric functions and the need for careful verification of solutions. Ultimately, the equation's complexity suggests that a real solution may exist, warranting further exploration.
Icelove
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Homework Statement


cos(x)+2tg(x) = 7/(4*cosx(x)) Solve for x on the real numbers set.


Homework Equations


tg(x) = sin(x)/cos(x) ,
cos^2(x) = 1-2*sin^2(x) ,
The determinant is D = b^2 - 4ac ,
Also cos(x) ,tg(x), sin(x) | -1 < x < 1


The Attempt at a Solution


For final arrangement I got is:
-8sin^2(x) + 8sin(x) - 3 = 0

But the determinant is 8^2 - 4*(-8)*(-3) which is 64 - 96 thus the equation doesn't have a real solution.

I checked on WolframAlpha and it has some weird solutions and I was also told that it does have a real solution.
 
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Icelove said:
1.

The Attempt at a Solution


For final arrangement I got is:
-8sin^2(x) + 8sin(x) - 3 = 0



The coefficient 8 in front of sin^2(x) is wrong.

ehild
 
Why?
Let's say we rearrange the original equation to: cos^2(x) + 2 sin(x) = 7/4
// We multiplied by cosx(x) //
Then cos^2(x) becomes 1-2sin^2(x)... That multiplied by 4 will be 4-8sin^2(x).
I don't think where I got that wrong.
 
Hi Icelove! :smile:

(try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)
Icelove said:
cos^2(x) = 1-2*sin^2(x)

nooo :redface: … learn your trigonometric identities …

cos2x = 1 - 2sin2x :wink:
 
\cos{x}\cdot\cos{x}=(\cos{x})^2=1-(\sin{x})^2

ehild
 
cos(x)+2tg(x) = 7/(4*cosx(x)) Solve for x on the real numbers set.

By this you the complete equation is

(4 \cdot cos(x)^2)\cdot cos(x) + (4\cdot cos(x)^2)\cdot (2tan(x)) - 7 = 0 which implies that

(4 \cdot cos(x)^2) \cdot (cos(x) + 2 tan(x)) - 7 = 0
 
Last edited:
ooooooooooooooooohh... Thanks. :D
 
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