Chapter 9: Problem 30
Find all solutions of the given equation. $$4 \cos \theta+1=0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\theta = 104.48^\circ + 360^\circ \cdot n\) and \(\theta = 255.52^\circ + 360^\circ \cdot n\), where \(n\) is an integer.
Step by step solution
01
Isolate the Trigonometric Function
We start with the equation \( 4 \cos \theta + 1 = 0 \). To isolate \( \cos \theta \), subtract 1 from both sides of the equation, getting \( 4 \cos \theta = -1 \). Then divide both sides by 4, yielding \( \cos \theta = -\frac{1}{4} \).
02
Determine Principal Value of Theta
The next step is to find the principal value of \( \theta \) where \( \cos \theta = -\frac{1}{4} \). Use the inverse cosine function \( \theta = \cos^{-1}(-\frac{1}{4}) \). Calculate \( \cos^{-1}(-\frac{1}{4}) \) using a calculator to find the nearest angle, which approximately equals \( 104.48^\circ \).
03
Find General Solutions
The cosine function is periodic with a period of \( 360^\circ \) (or \( 2\pi \) radians). The cosine function is negative in the second and third quadrants. Therefore, the general solutions are \( \theta = 104.48^\circ + 360^\circ \cdot n \) and \( \theta = 360^\circ - 104.48^\circ + 360^\circ \cdot n \), where \( n \) is any integer.
04
Simplify and Conclude Solutions
Simplify the second expression from the previous step: \( 360^\circ - 104.48^\circ = 255.52^\circ \). Thus, the general solutions are \( \theta = 104.48^\circ + 360^\circ \cdot n \) and \( \theta = 255.52^\circ + 360^\circ \cdot n \), with \( n \) being any integer.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cosine Function
The cosine function, represented as \( \cos \theta \), is a fundamental part of trigonometry. It describes the relationship between the angle \( \theta \) and the adjacent and hypotenuse sides of a right triangle. When utilized in the unit circle, the cosine value of an angle is the x-coordinate of the corresponding point on the circle.Cosine values range between -1 and 1. When analyzing angles on a graph:
- The function starts at 1 when \( \theta = 0 \).
- It decreases to 0 at \( 90^\circ \, or \ \frac{\pi}{2} \) radians.
- It reaches -1 at \( 180^\circ \, or \ \pi \) radians.
- The cycle completes back at 1 when \( 360^\circ \, or \ 2\pi \) radians.
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Inverse trigonometric functions allow us to determine angles when the trigonometric ratios are known. They play a crucial role in solving equations where the variable is an angle, like finding \( \theta \) when \( \cos \theta = -\frac{1}{4} \).The inverse cosine function is denoted as \( \cos^{-1} \). It outputs an angle whose cosine is a given value. For example, if \( x = -\frac{1}{4} \, then \ \theta = \cos^{-1}(x) \) will give us an angle \( \theta \).A few important aspects to remember about \( \cos^{-1} \):
- The principal value range for \( \cos^{-1} x \) is typically between \( 0 \) to \( 180^\circ \) (or \( \pi \) radians).
- This range includes angles in the first and second quadrants, where cosine values transition from positive to negative.
Periodic Functions
A periodic function is one that repeats its values in regular intervals or periods. The cosine function is a classic example of a periodic function due to its consistent repeating pattern every \( 360^\circ \, or \ 2\pi \) radians.Cosine's periodicity is integral for finding all solutions to equations, such as finding all \( \theta \) where \( \cos \theta = -\frac{1}{4} \). Since \( \cos \ heta \) repeats its values, the solutions are not limited to one angle but repeat every complete cycle:
- For any solution \( \ heta = \ heta_0 \, where \ heta_0 \ is the principal value, other solutions can be described as \ \ heta = \ heta_0 + 360^\circ \cdot n \ (or \ \theta = \ heta_0 + 2\pi \cdot n\) where \ n \ is any integer.
- Additional solutions in the cosine-negative quadrants can be derived similarly, further emphasizing the importance of understanding how periodic functions operate within different quadrants.