SOLUTION: Hi,
I am just beginning Precalculus, and am confused about the process that involves solving for theta where there are actually two answers. I kind of understand the concept (t
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-> SOLUTION: Hi,
I am just beginning Precalculus, and am confused about the process that involves solving for theta where there are actually two answers. I kind of understand the concept (t
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Question 650299: Hi,
I am just beginning Precalculus, and am confused about the process that involves solving for theta where there are actually two answers. I kind of understand the concept (the angle and its inverse, somehow) but do not know how to actually reach the two answers.
The problem I am looking at is cos (θ) = -√(3)/2
I have tried several methods that end in bizarre answers. Any help would be appreciated, thank you.
-Alex Found 2 solutions by MathTherapy, solver91311:Answer by MathTherapy(10555) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hi,
I am just beginning Precalculus, and am confused about the process that involves solving for theta where there are actually two answers. I kind of understand the concept (the angle and its inverse, somehow) but do not know how to actually reach the two answers.
The problem I am looking at is cos (θ) = -√(3)/2
I have tried several methods that end in bizarre answers. Any help would be appreciated, thank you.
-Alex
cos (θ) = ----- =
As the angle is cos and < 0, is in the 2nd quadrant, where its reference angle = , and in the 3rd quadrant where its reference angle =
OR
You could also look at the unit circle and see that:
= and in the 2nd and 3rd quadrants, respectively.
Send comments and “thank-yous” to “D” at MathMadEzy@aol.com
