The Student Room Group
Reply 1
vaider
Solve,for 0<x<180,the equation

(a) cos 2x=-0.9, 1.d.p


Use identity (cos 2x = 1 - 2sin²x) ..

cos 2x = 1 - 2sin²x -0.9
......... = 1.9/2 = sin²x
......... = &#8730;(19/20) = sinx
......... = arcsin&#8730;(19/20) = x
......... x &#8776; 77.1°, 257.1° etc.
Reply 2
You dont use an identity you simply have to uses quadrants,from the calculation of x.Where in the first quadrant all are positive,second quadrant sin is positve and so on................................................
Reply 3
vaider
You dont use an identity you simply have to uses quadrants,from the calculation of x.Where in the first quadrant all are positive,second quadrant sin is positve and so on................................................


yes but the question has cos [2x], the normal way cannot be used as with cosx. You have to change it to end up with only x.

If you know another way .. then do that, but I don't think there is one. :smile:
Reply 4
vaider
You dont use an identity you simply have to uses quadrants,from the calculation of x.Where in the first quadrant all are positive,second quadrant sin is positve and so on................................................


Oh okay .. heres the answer without use of identity:

cos 2x = -0.9
.......x = ½arccos[-0.9]
......... x &#8776; 77.1° etc. ... e.g 180 - 77.1 = 102.9°