Math Problem Statement

Write the general formula for all the solutions to cosine left parenthesis 2 theta right parenthesis equals negative StartFraction StartRoot 3 EndRoot Over 2 EndFractioncos(2θ)=− 3 2 based on the smaller angle.

Solution

To solve the equation cos(2θ)=32\cos(2\theta) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, let's break it down step by step:

Step 1: Identify the reference angle

We know that cos(θ)=32\cos(\theta) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} corresponds to angles where the cosine function is negative. In the unit circle, the cosine value of 32-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} happens at specific reference angles.

cos1(32)=5π6and7π6\cos^{-1}\left(-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) = \frac{5\pi}{6} \quad \text{and} \quad \frac{7\pi}{6}

This means that for cos(2θ)=32\cos(2\theta) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, we have two possible reference angles for 2θ2\theta: 2θ=5π6+2kπor2θ=7π6+2kπ2\theta = \frac{5\pi}{6} + 2k\pi \quad \text{or} \quad 2\theta = \frac{7\pi}{6} + 2k\pi where kk is any integer, accounting for the periodic nature of the cosine function.

Step 2: Solve for θ\theta

Now, we solve for θ\theta by dividing both sides of each equation by 2: θ=5π12+kπorθ=7π12+kπ\theta = \frac{5\pi}{12} + k\pi \quad \text{or} \quad \theta = \frac{7\pi}{12} + k\pi where kk is any integer.

Step 3: General formula

Thus, the general solution to cos(2θ)=32\cos(2\theta) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} is: θ=5π12+kπorθ=7π12+kπ\theta = \frac{5\pi}{12} + k\pi \quad \text{or} \quad \theta = \frac{7\pi}{12} + k\pi where kk is any integer.

Summary

The general solution for all values of θ\theta that satisfy cos(2θ)=32\cos(2\theta) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} is: θ=5π12+kπorθ=7π12+kπ\theta = \frac{5\pi}{12} + k\pi \quad \text{or} \quad \theta = \frac{7\pi}{12} + k\pi where kZk \in \mathbb{Z}.


Would you like more details on any part of this process or have additional questions? Here are a few related questions to explore:

  1. How does the unit circle relate to the cosine function?
  2. What is the impact of different values of kk on the solutions?
  3. Can you derive similar general solutions for other trigonometric equations like sin(2θ)=22\sin(2\theta) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}?
  4. How do you determine the general solution for sine functions in a similar way?
  5. What are the periodic properties of trigonometric functions?

Tip: Always remember that the general solution to a trigonometric equation involves considering both the reference angles and the periodic nature of the trigonometric functions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Cosine Function
Unit Circle
Periodic Functions

Formulas

cos(2θ) = -√3/2
cos^(-1)(-√3/2)
θ = (5π/12) + kπ or θ = (7π/12) + kπ

Theorems

Unit Circle
Periodic Properties of Cosine Function

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12