Solve sec(x)^2-2*tan(x)=4 for 0<=x<=360

We know sin(x)^2+cos(x)^2=1Dividing by cos(x)^2: tan(x)^2+1=sec(x)^2Substitute into the Equation and Rearrange to get: tan(x)^2-2*tan(x)-3=0Let y = tan(x): y^2-2y-3=0Factorising: (y-3)(y+1)=0so y = 3 and y = -1 are solutionsCase 1 (y=3):tan(x) = 3Using Calculator: x = 71.565... and since tan repeats every 180 degrees, 251.565... is also a solutionCase 2 (y=-1):tan(x) = -1Using Calculator: x = -45, but this is outside of the region so using the 180 rule twice, we get two more solutions at x = 135 and 315Thus we have 4 solutions

MR
Answered by Mukesh R. Maths tutor

4254 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Ball P is shot at 18m/s horizontally from the top of a 32m mast. Ball Q is shot at 30m/s at an angle 'a' to the horizontal from the bottom of the mast. They collide mid-air. Prove that cos'a' = 3/5


How do you find the x co-ordinates of the stationary points of a curve with the equation y = 10x - 2x^2 - 2x^3


Given that Sin(A) = 1/sqrt(3), show that Tan(A) = 1/sqrt(2)


Show the sum from n=0 to 200 of x^n given that x is not 1, is (1-x^201)/(1-x) hence find the sum of 1+2(1/2)+3(1/2)^2+...+200(1/2)^199


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