SOLUTION: The equation sec x=−0.5 does NOT have a solution because it means that cos x = −2 which is outside the range of the negative value on the right side the equation is

Algebra ->  Functions -> SOLUTION: The equation sec x=−0.5 does NOT have a solution because it means that cos x = −2 which is outside the range of the negative value on the right side the equation is      Log On


   

Question 1182118: The equation sec x=−0.5 does NOT have a solution because
it means that cos x = −2 which is outside the range
of the negative value on the right side

the equation is not well formulated

it means that sin x = −2 which is outside the range
Answer by math_tutor2020(3817) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

If sec(x) = -0.5, then cos(x) = -2 if we apply the reciprocal to both sides. Recall that sec = 1/cos.

Also, recall that the range for cosine is -1+%3C=+cos%28x%29+%3C=+1. Meaning that cos(x) between -1 and 1 inclusive of both endpoints. The value -2 is outside this interval, so it's impossible to have cos(x) = -2 where x is a real number.