Math Problem Statement

3cot(x)^2 + 3cot(x) = 0

Solution

The given equation is:

3cot2(x)+3cot(x)=03 \cot^2(x) + 3 \cot(x) = 0

We can solve this by factoring.

Step 1: Factor out common terms

3cot(x)(cot(x)+1)=03 \cot(x) \left( \cot(x) + 1 \right) = 0

This gives two possible solutions:

  1. cot(x)=0\cot(x) = 0
  2. cot(x)+1=0\cot(x) + 1 = 0

Step 2: Solve each equation

  1. cot(x)=0\cot(x) = 0

    The cotangent function is zero when: x=π2+nπ,nZx = \frac{\pi}{2} + n\pi, \quad n \in \mathbb{Z}

  2. cot(x)+1=0\cot(x) + 1 = 0

    This simplifies to: cot(x)=1\cot(x) = -1 The cotangent function is -1 when: x=3π4+nπ,nZx = \frac{3\pi}{4} + n\pi, \quad n \in \mathbb{Z}

Final Solution:

The general solutions for xx are: x=π2+nπorx=3π4+nπ,nZx = \frac{\pi}{2} + n\pi \quad \text{or} \quad x = \frac{3\pi}{4} + n\pi, \quad n \in \mathbb{Z}

Would you like more details on any step, or have questions about specific aspects?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What is the domain of the cotangent function?
  2. How would the solution change if the equation involved tangent instead of cotangent?
  3. What are the periodic properties of the cotangent function?
  4. How can we express cot(x)\cot(x) in terms of sine and cosine?
  5. Can this equation be solved graphically, and if so, how?

Tip: When solving trigonometric equations,always check the periodicity of the functions involved to ensure you capture all possible solutions across the domain of interest.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Factoring
Trigonometric Equations

Formulas

cot(x) = cos(x) / sin(x)
General solutions for cotangent equations

Theorems

Zero Product Property
Periodic properties of trigonometric functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12