SOLUTION: Solve for the general solution with exact answers 2cos^2(x)-3cos(x)=-1

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Question 1151815: Solve for the general solution with exact answers
2cos^2(x)-3cos(x)=-1

Answer by ikleyn(52798)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

    2cos^2(x) - 3cos(x) = -1.


The way to solve such equations is to introduce new variable  y = cos(x).

Then your equation takes the form


    2y^2- 3y = -1,   or


    2y^2 - 3y + 1 = 0.


Apply the quadratic formula


     =  =  = .


So, there are two roots


    1)   y =  =  = 1.


         Recall that y = cos(x).  So,  cos(x) = 1.

         It implies  x = ,  k = 0, +/-1, +/-2, . . . 



    2)   y =  =  = .


         Recall that y = cos(x).  So,  cos(x) = 1/2.

         It implies  x = ,  k = 0, +/-1, +/-2, . . . 

              or     x = ,  k = 0, +/-1, +/-2, . . . 


ANSWER.  x = ,  k = 0, +/-1, +/-2, . . .     or

         x = ,  k = 0, +/-1, +/-2, . . .  or

         x = ,  k = 0, +/-1, +/-2, . . . 

Solved.

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    - Solving simple problems on trigonometric equations
    - Solving typical problems on trigonometric equations
    - Solving more complicated problems on trigonometric equations
    - Solving advanced problems on trigonometric equations
    - Challenging problems on trigonometric equations
    - OVERVIEW of lessons on calculating trig functions and solving trig equations
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Also,  you have this free of charge online textbook in ALGEBRA-II in this site
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The referred lessons are the part of this online textbook under the topic  "Trigonometry: Solved problems".


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