Chapter 4: Problem 64
Find all real numbers that satisfy each equation. Round approximate answers to the nearest hundredth. $$ 4-\cot (\pi x-2)=0 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The approximate solutions to the nearest hundredth are \( x \approx 0.72 \) and \( x \approx 1.72 \).
Step by step solution
01
Isolate the Cotangent Expression
Start by isolating the cotangent function. Subtract 4 from both sides of the equation: \[ 4 - \text{cot}(\pi x - 2) = 0 \]rearranges to \[ - \text{cot}(\pi x - 2) = -4 \]which simplifies to: \[ \text{cot}(\pi x - 2) = 4 \]
02
Take the Inverse Cotangent
To solve for \(\pi x - 2\), take the inverse cotangent of both sides: \[ \pi x - 2 = \text{cot}^{-1}(4) \]Let's denote this as \( \theta = \text{cot}^{-1}(4) \). Using a calculator or a table of trigonometric values, we find that: \[ \theta \approx 0.245 \]
03
Solve for \(x\)
Rearrange the earlier equation to solve for \(x\): \[ \pi x - 2 = 0.245 + k\pi \]for integer values of \(k\), since the cotangent function is periodic with period \(\pi\). Now solve for \(x\): \[ \pi x = 2 + 0.245 + k\pi \]\[ x = \frac{2 + 0.245 + k\pi}{\pi} \]
04
Simplify and Round the Result
Simplify \(x\) for different values of \(k\). For \(k = 0\): \[ x = \frac{2 + 0.245}{\pi} \approx 0.715 \] when rounded to the nearest hundredth. For \(k = 1\): \[ x = \frac{2 + 0.245 + \pi}{\pi} \approx 1.715 \] when rounded to the nearest hundredth.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cotangent Function
The cotangent function, denoted as \(\text{cot}(x)\), is one of the six fundamental trigonometric functions. It is defined as the reciprocal of the tangent function, so \(\text{cot}(x) = \frac{1}{\text{tan}(x)}\). The cotangent function has some unique characteristics:
- It has a periodicity of \(\pi\) rather than \(\frac{2\pi}{1}\).
- It is undefined at the points where sine is zero, and this happens at integer multiples of \(\pi\).
- The function is positive when the angle \(\theta\) is in the first and third quadrants, and negative in the second and fourth quadrants.
- Graphically, it exhibits vertical asymptotes at integer multiples of \(\pi\).
Inverse Cotangent
The inverse cotangent function, written as \(\text{cot}^{-1}(x)\), allows us to determine the angle whose cotangent is a given number. Mathematically, \(\text{cot}^{-1}(a)=\theta\) where \(\text{cot}(\theta)=a\). Here are some key points:
- The range of \(\text{cot}^{-1}(x)\) is usually \((0, \pi)\), meaning the principal value lies between 0 and \(\pi\) radians.
- Using a calculator or trigonometric table helps in finding the numerical value of \(\text{cot}^{-1}(x)\).
Trigonometric Periodicity
Trigonometric functions are periodic, meaning they repeat their values over specific intervals. The cotangent function has a period of \(\pi\), which greatly influences how we solve equations involving it. The periodicity tells us that if \(\text{cot}(\theta)=a\), then \(\text{cot}(\theta + k\pi)=a\) for any integer \(\text{k}\). This periodic nature allows us to find all possible solutions for \(\theta\). In our problem, we express the general solution as:
\(\pi x - 2 = 0.245 + k\bm{\pi}\). \ Here, \(\text{k}\) is an integer, covering all possible angles for which the cotangent is equal to 4.
\(\pi x - 2 = 0.245 + k\bm{\pi}\). \ Here, \(\text{k}\) is an integer, covering all possible angles for which the cotangent is equal to 4.
Solving for x in Trigonometric Equations
To solve an equation involving trigonometric functions like cotangent, follow these systematic steps:
By substituting different integer values of \(\text{k}\), we can find various solutions for \(\text{x}\). For example:
For \(\text{k=0}\): \( x \approx 0.715\), rounded to the nearest hundredth.
For \(\text{k=1}\): \( x \approx 1.715\), rounded to the nearest hundredth.
This ensures all potential solutions are identified based on the underlying periodic nature of the cotangent function.
- Isolate the trigonometric function (Here, that means isolating \(\text{cot}(\pi x - 2)\)).
- Use the inverse trigonometric function to find a principal solution (Here, \(\text{cot}^{-1}(4)\rightarrow0.245\)).
- Account for the periodicity to find the general solution (Add \(\bm{k\pi}\) in our step).
- Solve for the variable concerned (Here, rearrange to solve for \(\text{x}\)).
So we have \( x =\frac{2 + 0.245 + k \bm{\pi}}{\bm{\pi}}\).
By substituting different integer values of \(\text{k}\), we can find various solutions for \(\text{x}\). For example:
For \(\text{k=0}\): \( x \approx 0.715\), rounded to the nearest hundredth.
For \(\text{k=1}\): \( x \approx 1.715\), rounded to the nearest hundredth.
This ensures all potential solutions are identified based on the underlying periodic nature of the cotangent function.