Math Problem Statement

The equation cos2x = sinx can be written in the form 2sin^2x + sin x - 1 = 0. Hence, solve cos2x=sinx, where x is greater than or equal to negative pi, and less than or equal to pi.

Solution

To solve the equation cos(2x)=sin(x)\cos(2x) = \sin(x) by rewriting it as a quadratic equation in sin(x)\sin(x), let's proceed as follows:

Step 1: Rewrite cos(2x)\cos(2x) in terms of sin(x)\sin(x)

Using the double-angle identity: cos(2x)=12sin2(x)\cos(2x) = 1 - 2\sin^2(x) we can substitute this into the equation: 12sin2(x)=sin(x)1 - 2\sin^2(x) = \sin(x)

Step 2: Rearrange the equation

Bring all terms to one side to form a quadratic equation: 2sin2(x)+sin(x)1=02\sin^2(x) + \sin(x) - 1 = 0

Step 3: Solve the quadratic equation

Let u=sin(x)u = \sin(x). Then the equation becomes: 2u2+u1=02u^2 + u - 1 = 0

This is a quadratic equation in uu, which we can solve using the quadratic formula: u=b±b24ac2au = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} where a=2a = 2, b=1b = 1, and c=1c = -1. Substituting these values gives: u=1±(1)242(1)22u = \frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{(1)^2 - 4 \cdot 2 \cdot (-1)}}{2 \cdot 2} u=1±1+84u = \frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{1 + 8}}{4} u=1±34u = \frac{-1 \pm 3}{4}

This gives two solutions: u=24=12andu=44=1u = \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2} \quad \text{and} \quad u = \frac{-4}{4} = -1

So, sin(x)=12\sin(x) = \frac{1}{2} or sin(x)=1\sin(x) = -1.

Step 4: Solve for xx

  1. Case 1: sin(x)=12\sin(x) = \frac{1}{2}

    The values of xx in the interval πxπ-\pi \leq x \leq \pi for which sin(x)=12\sin(x) = \frac{1}{2} are: x=π6andx=5π6x = \frac{\pi}{6} \quad \text{and} \quad x = \frac{5\pi}{6}

  2. Case 2: sin(x)=1\sin(x) = -1

    The value of xx in the interval πxπ-\pi \leq x \leq \pi for which sin(x)=1\sin(x) = -1 is: x=π2x = -\frac{\pi}{2}

Final Answer

The solutions to the equation cos(2x)=sin(x)\cos(2x) = \sin(x) in the interval πxπ-\pi \leq x \leq \pi are: x=π6,x=5π6,andx=π2x = \frac{\pi}{6}, \quad x = \frac{5\pi}{6}, \quad \text{and} \quad x = -\frac{\pi}{2}

Would you like further details on any of these steps?


Here are five related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How does the double-angle identity help simplify trigonometric equations?
  2. What are the steps to solve a quadratic equation, and when is the quadratic formula particularly useful?
  3. How can we determine the specific interval solutions for trigonometric equations like this?
  4. What other trigonometric identities could be used to solve similar equations?
  5. How would the solution differ if the interval was 0x2π0 \leq x \leq 2\pi instead?

Tip: When solving trigonometric equations, always check if using identities can transform the equation into a simpler form, such as a quadratic, which is often 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

Double-angle formula for cosine: cos(2x) = 1 - 2sin^2(x)
Quadratic equation formula: ax^2 + bx + c = 0

Theorems

Quadratic Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12