Show that the equation 5sin(x) = 1 + 2 [cos(x)]^2 can be written in the form 2[sin(x)]^2 + 5 sin(x)-3=0

First, we need to realise that we will be using the trigonometric identity sin(x)2 + cos(x)2 = 1
As our goal is to end up with an equation involving only sin, we will therefore substitue cos(x)2 with ( 1 - sin(x)2 ), giving
5sin(x) = 1 + 2(1-sin(x)2)
We then expand the brackets, getting
5sin(x) = 1 + 2 - 2sin(x)2
We want the final equation to equal 0, so we add make 1+2 equal 3 and subtract it from both sides of the equation:
5sin(x) -3 = -2sin(x)2
we then add 2sin(x)2 on both sides, achieving the wanted equation:
2sin(x)2 + 5sin(x) -3 =0

SG
Answered by Santiago G. Maths tutor

17384 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Solve the following equation: 5x - 1 = 3x + 7


integrate [xe^(-x)] with respect to x.


Find the angle between two lines with vector equations r1 = (2i+j+k)+t(3i-5j-k) and r2 = (7i+4j+k)+s(2i+j-9k)


The line L has equation y = 5 - 2x. (a) Show that the point P (3, -1) lies on L. (b) Find an equation of the line perpendicular to L that passes through P.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning