Find, in radians, the general solution of the equation cos(3x) = 0.5giving your answer in terms of pi

we have   cos (3x) = 0.5  (1) we know that in the interval between [-pi; pi] there are two values that satify the equation cos(y) = 0.5  (2) the two solutions are y=pi/3 and y=-pi/3 in this interval.  More generally, there are two grop of solutions which are y=(pi/3) + 2kpi and y=(-pi/3) + 2kpi  (were k is a natural integer) From the equations (1) and (2) we can thus set : 3x = y  <=>  3x = (pi/3) + 2k    and    3x = (-pi/3) + 2k*pi so by dividing each part of the equation by 3 we get   x= (pi/9) + (2k/3)*pi  and x = (-pi/9) + (2k/3)*pi

MB
Answered by Marie B. Maths tutor

7685 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find ∫ (2x^5 - 1/(4x^3)-5) dx. giving each term in its simplest form.


Solve the differential equation dy/dx=(y^(1/2))*sin(x/2) to find y in terms of x.


Integration by parts: Integrate the expression x.ln(x) between 1 and 2.


What's the gradient of the curve y=x^3+2x^2 at the point where x=2?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning