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

17504 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

The curve y = 2x^3 -ax^2 +8x+2 passes through the point B where x = 4. Given that B is a stationary point of the curve, find the value of the constant a.


Prove why the quadratic formula works


Find the area between the curves C_1, C_2 and the lines x=0 and x=1, where C_1 is the curve y = x^2 and C_2 is the curve y = x^3.


A curve has equation y = 20x - x^2 - 2x^3 . The curve has a stationary point at the point M where x = −2. Find the x- coordinate of the other stationary point of the curve


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