Chapter 4: Problem 53
In Exercises 49-56, use a graph to solve the equation on the interval \([-2\pi, 2\pi]\). \(sec\ x =\ -2\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solutions for \(sec\ x =\ -2\) in the interval [-2Ï€, 2Ï€] are \(x = -2\pi/3, -4\pi/3, 2\pi/3, 4\pi/3\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the secant function
Recall that \(sec x = 1/cos x\). The secant function is undefined wherever cos x is equal to zero, i.e., at \( -(2n+1)\pi/2 \) and \( (2n+1)\pi/2 \) for any integer n. Also, secant values range from \( -\infty \) to \( -1 \) and from 1 to \( \infty \).
02
Solving \(sec x = -2\)
Considering the given equation \(sec x = -2\), we need to solve this in terms of cosine as \(cos x = -1/2\). From the unit circle or the graph of cosine function, it is known that cosine values are -1/2 at \(2\pi/3\) and \(4\pi/3\) in the interval [0, 2Ï€]. However, since we are considering the interval [-2Ï€, 2Ï€], we should consider the angles in the fourth quadrant of the negative side too, which are \(-2\pi/3\) and \(-4\pi/3\).
03
Finalizing the solution
While considering the interval [-2Ï€, 2Ï€], the solution to \(sec x = -2\) or \(cos x = -1/2\) are \(x = -2\pi/3, -4\pi/3, 2\pi/3, 4\pi/3\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Secant Function
The secant function, denoted as \( \sec x \), is closely related to cosine. In fact, the secant function is the reciprocal of the cosine function. This means that \( \sec x = \frac{1}{\cos x} \). Because the secant is dependent on the value of cosine, it becomes undefined where cosine equals zero.
This occurs at intervals defined by \(-(2n+1)\pi/2\) and an equivalent positive interval \((2n+1)\pi/2\), where \( n \) is an integer. Think of these points as vertical asymptotes on the graph of the secant function. Here's what you need to know:
This occurs at intervals defined by \(-(2n+1)\pi/2\) and an equivalent positive interval \((2n+1)\pi/2\), where \( n \) is an integer. Think of these points as vertical asymptotes on the graph of the secant function. Here's what you need to know:
- The secant function is undefined whenever cosine is zero.
- Secant values only exist between \( -\infty \) to \(-1 \) and from \(1\) to \( \infty \).
- These characteristics make secant an important function in trigonometry, especially when solving equations.
Cosine
Cosine is a fundamental trigonometric function often abbreviated as 'cos'. It is a periodic function, meaning it repeats its values in regular intervals.
The cosine function is intrinsically linked to the geometry of a circle, which is why it is often visualized using the unit circle.
Some key properties of cosine include:
The cosine function is intrinsically linked to the geometry of a circle, which is why it is often visualized using the unit circle.
Some key properties of cosine include:
- For any angle \(x\), \( \cos x \) is the x-coordinate of the corresponding point on the unit circle.
- Cosine function range is between -1 and 1.
- Common angles where cosine has specific values such as \( \cos(\pi) = -1 \) and \( \cos(0) = 1 \) often form the basis of solving trigonometric equations.
Unit Circle
The unit circle is a powerful tool in trigonometry, representing angles and trigonometric functions on a coordinate plane. Every point on the unit circle corresponds to the coordinates \((\cos x, \sin x)\), where \(x\) is the angle from the positive x-axis.
This means:
This means:
- The x-coordinate directly gives the cosine of that angle.
- Angles are typically measured in radians, and the full circle is \(2\pi\) radians.
- Key angles and their cosine values, especially 0, \(\frac{\pi}{2}\), \(\pi\), and \(\frac{3\pi}{2}\) radians, help to quickly solve equations.
Interval Solutions
Interval solutions refer to finding solutions of an equation within a specified range. For trigonometric equations like \(sec x = -2\), it’s crucial to determine solutions within the interval \([-2\pi, 2\pi]\).
This involves several steps:
This involves several steps:
- Convert the given secant equation to a cosine equation: \(sec x = -2 \rightarrow cos x = -\frac{1}{2}\)
- Determine where \(cos x = -\frac{1}{2}\) occurs within the interval by using tools like the unit circle.
- Identify specific angle solutions. In this problem: \(x = -2\pi/3, -4\pi/3, 2\pi/3, 4\pi/3\).