Math Problem Statement

Solve the equation 6sin²x + 5cosx - 2 = 0.

Solution

The equation presented is:

6sin2x+5cosx2=0.6\sin^2 x + 5\cos x - 2 = 0.

Let's solve this step-by-step.


Step 1: Express everything in terms of cosx\cos x and sin2x\sin^2 x

Using the trigonometric identity:

sin2x=1cos2x,\sin^2 x = 1 - \cos^2 x,

we substitute into the equation:

6(1cos2x)+5cosx2=0.6(1 - \cos^2 x) + 5\cos x - 2 = 0.


Step 2: Simplify the expression

Distribute the 66 over the terms inside the parenthesis:

66cos2x+5cosx2=0.6 - 6\cos^2 x + 5\cos x - 2 = 0.

Combine like terms:

6cos2x+5cosx+4=0.-6\cos^2 x + 5\cos x + 4 = 0.

Multiply through by 1-1 to make the quadratic simpler:

6cos2x5cosx4=0.6\cos^2 x - 5\cos x - 4 = 0.


Step 3: Solve the quadratic equation

Let y=cosxy = \cos x. The equation becomes:

6y25y4=0.6y^2 - 5y - 4 = 0.

We solve this quadratic using the quadratic formula:

y=b±b24ac2a,y = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a},

where a=6a = 6, b=5b = -5, and c=4c = -4:

y=(5)±(5)246(4)26.y = \frac{-(-5) \pm \sqrt{(-5)^2 - 4 \cdot 6 \cdot (-4)}}{2 \cdot 6}.

Simplify:

y=5±25+9612.y = \frac{5 \pm \sqrt{25 + 96}}{12}.

y=5±12112.y = \frac{5 \pm \sqrt{121}}{12}.

y=5±1112.y = \frac{5 \pm 11}{12}.

Thus, we have two solutions:

  1. y=1612=43y = \frac{16}{12} = \frac{4}{3}
  2. y=612=12y = \frac{-6}{12} = -\frac{1}{2}

Step 4: Interpret the solutions

  1. cosx=43\cos x = \frac{4}{3}: This is not possible since cosx\cos x must be in the range [1,1][-1, 1]. Therefore, discard this solution.

  2. cosx=12\cos x = -\frac{1}{2}: This is valid.


Step 5: Solve for xx

The general solution for cosx=12\cos x = -\frac{1}{2} is:

x=2π3+2kπorx=4π3+2kπ,x = \frac{2\pi}{3} + 2k\pi \quad \text{or} \quad x = \frac{4\pi}{3} + 2k\pi,

where kk is any integer.


Final Answer

The solutions to the equation are:

x=2π3+2kπorx=4π3+2kπ,kZ.x = \frac{2\pi}{3} + 2k\pi \quad \text{or} \quad x = \frac{4\pi}{3} + 2k\pi, \quad k \in \mathbb{Z}.

Would you like further clarification or a detailed explanation on any step?


Related Questions

  1. How do you solve trigonometric equations involving quadratic forms?
  2. What is the quadratic formula and how does it apply to trigonometric functions?
  3. How can you convert between sin2x\sin^2 x and cos2x\cos^2 x using identities?
  4. What are the restrictions on the values of cosx\cos x and sinx\sin x?
  5. How do you determine the general solutions of trigonometric equations?

Tip: When solving trigonometric equations, always check if the solutions fall within the valid range of the trigonometric functions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometric Identities
Quadratic Equations
General Solution of Trigonometric Equations

Formulas

sin²x = 1 - cos²x
Quadratic formula: y = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a

Theorems

Trigonometric Range Theorem: cos x ∈ [-1, 1]

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12