solve 3 cos (2y )- 5 cos( y)+ 2 =0 where 0<y<360 degrees

cos(2y)= (cos(y))^2 - (sin(y))^2 identitynow consider identity (cos(y))^2+(sin(y))^2=1by rearranging this to (cos(y))^2 - 1 = - (sin(y))^2 we can now substitute it into our first identity to obtaincos(2y)= 2(cos(y))^2 - 1 We can now substitute cos(2y) in our equation to be solved.3(2(cos(y))^2 - 1) -5cos(y)+2=0simplifying this, we get:6(cos(y))^2 -3 -5cos(y) +2=06(cos(y))^2 -5cos(y) -1=0now let cos(y)=x, and solve this equation as a quadratic through factorisation6x2 -5x-1=06x2 -6x +x-1=06x(x-1)+ (x-1)=0(6x+1)(x-1)=0so x=-(1/6) or x=1so cos(y)=-(1/6) or cos(y)=1so y=pi/2or arccos(-1/6)=y

LS
Answered by Leah S. Maths tutor

3904 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I differentiate implicitly?


How do I know which trigonometric identity to use in any given situation?


Given that y= x^(-3/2) + (1/2)x^4 + 2, Find: (a) the integral of y (b) the second differential of y


Find all possible values of θ for tan θ = 2 sin θ with the range 0◦ ≤ θ ≤ 360◦


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