Math Problem Statement

Solve \(\cot^2 \theta - 3 \csc \theta + 3 = 0\) for \(0^\circ < \theta < 180^\circ\).

Solution

The given equation is:

cot2θ3cscθ+3=0,0<θ<180\cot^2 \theta - 3 \csc \theta + 3 = 0, \quad 0^\circ < \theta < 180^\circ

To solve this equation, let's proceed by using trigonometric identities and algebraic manipulations.

  1. Rewrite cot2θ\cot^2 \theta in terms of cscθ\csc \theta:
    Using the identity cot2θ=csc2θ1\cot^2 \theta = \csc^2 \theta - 1, substitute into the equation: csc2θ13cscθ+3=0\csc^2 \theta - 1 - 3 \csc \theta + 3 = 0 Simplify this: csc2θ3cscθ+2=0\csc^2 \theta - 3 \csc \theta + 2 = 0

  2. Set up a substitution:
    Let x=cscθx = \csc \theta. Then, the equation becomes: x23x+2=0x^2 - 3x + 2 = 0

  3. Solve the quadratic equation:
    Factorize the quadratic: (x1)(x2)=0(x - 1)(x - 2) = 0 So, x=1x = 1 or x=2x = 2.

  4. Convert back to θ\theta:

    • For x=1x = 1: cscθ=1sinθ=1\csc \theta = 1 \Rightarrow \sin \theta = 1, which gives θ=90\theta = 90^\circ.
    • For x=2x = 2: cscθ=2sinθ=12\csc \theta = 2 \Rightarrow \sin \theta = \frac{1}{2}, which gives θ=30\theta = 30^\circ and θ=150\theta = 150^\circ within the range 0<θ<1800^\circ < \theta < 180^\circ.
  5. Final Solution: The values of θ\theta that satisfy the equation are: θ=30,θ=90,θ=150\theta = 30^\circ, \quad \theta = 90^\circ, \quad \theta = 150^\circ

Would you like further details on any step or have any questions?

Here are five related questions that expand on this topic:

  1. How can we solve similar trigonometric equations involving sec\sec or tan\tan?
  2. What are other common trigonometric identities useful for solving equations?
  3. How would the solution change if the range for θ\theta was different, such as 0<θ<3600 < \theta < 360?
  4. Could this equation have solutions in radians instead of degrees?
  5. How can we verify each solution by substituting back into the original equation?

Tip: When solving trigonometric equations, always consider converting identities to simpler forms or use substitutions to make the equation easier to solve.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Quadratic Equations
Trigonometric Identities

Formulas

\(\cot^2 \theta = \csc^2 \theta - 1\)
Quadratic equation \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\)

Theorems

Trigonometric Identities
Quadratic Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12