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Ch. 3 - Trigonometric Identities and Equations
Blitzer - Trigonometry 3rd Edition
Blitzer3rd EditionTrigonometryISBN: 9780137316601Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 13

Solve each equation on the interval [0, 2𝝅). Use exact values where possible or give approximate solutions correct to four decimal places. sin 2x + cos x = 0

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1
Start by rewriting the given equation: \(\sin 2x + \cos x = 0\).
Use the double-angle identity for sine: \(\sin 2x = 2 \sin x \cos x\). Substitute this into the equation to get \(2 \sin x \cos x + \cos x = 0\).
Factor out the common term \(\cos x\): \(\cos x (2 \sin x + 1) = 0\).
Set each factor equal to zero and solve separately: 1) \(\cos x = 0\) 2) \(2 \sin x + 1 = 0\).
Solve each equation on the interval \([0, 2\pi)\): - For \(\cos x = 0\), find all \(x\) where cosine is zero. - For \(2 \sin x + 1 = 0\), isolate \(\sin x\) and find all \(x\) where sine equals that value.

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Key Concepts

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

Double-Angle Identity for Sine

The double-angle identity expresses sin(2x) as 2 sin(x) cos(x). This allows rewriting the equation sin 2x + cos x = 0 in terms of sin(x) and cos(x), simplifying the solving process by reducing it to a single trigonometric function or a product of functions.
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Solving Trigonometric Equations

Solving trigonometric equations involves isolating the trigonometric function and finding all angle solutions within the given interval. This often requires factoring, using identities, and considering the periodicity of sine and cosine to find all valid solutions between 0 and 2π.
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Interval Restriction and Exact Values

The problem restricts solutions to the interval [0, 2π), meaning only angles within one full rotation are considered. Solutions should be given as exact values (like π/3) or approximated to four decimal places, ensuring clarity and precision in the final answers.
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