Skip to main content
Ch. 3 - Trigonometric Identities and Equations
Blitzer - Trigonometry 3rd Edition
Blitzer3rd EditionTrigonometryISBN: 9780137316601Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 124

In Exercises 121–126, solve each equation on the interval [0, 2𝝅). 3 cos² x - sin x = cos² x

Verified step by step guidance
1
Start by rewriting the given equation: \(3 \cos^{2} x - \sin x = \cos^{2} x\).
Bring all terms to one side to set the equation equal to zero: \(3 \cos^{2} x - \sin x - \cos^{2} x = 0\), which simplifies to \(2 \cos^{2} x - \sin x = 0\).
Use the Pythagorean identity \(\cos^{2} x = 1 - \sin^{2} x\) to express everything in terms of \(\sin x\): substitute to get \(2(1 - \sin^{2} x) - \sin x = 0\).
Expand and simplify the equation: \(2 - 2 \sin^{2} x - \sin x = 0\), then rearrange to form a quadratic in \(\sin x\): \(-2 \sin^{2} x - \sin x + 2 = 0\).
Multiply the entire equation by \(-1\) to make the quadratic standard: \(2 \sin^{2} x + \sin x - 2 = 0\). Now solve this quadratic equation for \(\sin x\) within the interval \([0, 2\pi)\).

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
11m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Trigonometric Identities

Trigonometric identities are equations involving trigonometric functions that hold true for all values within their domains. In this problem, the Pythagorean identity, such as cos²x + sin²x = 1, is essential to rewrite and simplify expressions involving cos²x and sin x.
Recommended video:
5:32
Fundamental Trigonometric Identities

Solving Trigonometric Equations

Solving trigonometric equations involves isolating the trigonometric function and finding all angle solutions within a specified interval. This requires algebraic manipulation and understanding how to find angles that satisfy the equation on [0, 2π).
Recommended video:
4:34
How to Solve Linear Trigonometric Equations

Interval and General Solutions in Trigonometry

When solving trigonometric equations, solutions are often found over a specific interval, such as [0, 2π). Understanding how to determine all valid solutions within this interval, including using reference angles and symmetry properties of sine and cosine, is crucial.
Recommended video:
5:32
Fundamental Trigonometric Identities