Math Problem Statement

Solve 3cotx-1=0 on the interval XE[0,2pi], to the nearest hundredth of a radian.

Solution

To solve the equation 3cotx1=03\cot x - 1 = 0 on the interval x[0,2π]x \in [0, 2\pi]:

Step 1: Isolate cotx\cot x

3cotx=1    cotx=13.3\cot x = 1 \implies \cot x = \frac{1}{3}.

Step 2: Express in terms of tanx\tan x

Since cotx=1tanx\cot x = \frac{1}{\tan x}, we have: tanx=3.\tan x = 3.

Step 3: Solve for xx

The general solution for tanx=3\tan x = 3 is: x=arctan(3)+nπ,nZ.x = \arctan(3) + n\pi, \quad n \in \mathbb{Z}.

Using a calculator: arctan(3)1.25radians.\arctan(3) \approx 1.25 \, \text{radians}.

Step 4: Find solutions in [0,2π][0, 2\pi]

The tangent function is periodic with a period of π\pi. Therefore, the two solutions in the interval [0,2π][0, 2\pi] are:

  1. x1=1.25x_1 = 1.25,
  2. x2=1.25+π1.25+3.14=4.39x_2 = 1.25 + \pi \approx 1.25 + 3.14 = 4.39.

Final Answer:

The solutions to 3cotx1=03\cot x - 1 = 0 on [0,2π][0, 2\pi] are: x1.25radians,x4.39radians.x \approx 1.25 \, \text{radians}, \quad x \approx 4.39 \, \text{radians}.


Would you like a detailed explanation or have additional questions? Here are some related inquiries:

  1. How is cotx\cot x related to tanx\tan x?
  2. Why does the tangent function have a period of π\pi?
  3. How to derive arctan(3)\arctan(3) without a calculator?
  4. What are other trigonometric equations with similar methods of solution?
  5. How does the graph of tanx\tan x help in solving such problems?

Tip: When solving trigonometric equations, always verify your solutions within the specified interval.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Periodicity of Trigonometric Functions

Formulas

cot(x) = 1 / tan(x)
tan(x) = 1 / cot(x)
x = arctan(k) + nπ (n ∈ ℤ)

Theorems

Periodicity of Tangent Function
Inverse Tangent Function Properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12