Q BgQuestion:

      
Novice
Karma Points: 25
Respect (80%):
posted by  needhelpw/math on 11/3/2009 4:34:14 PM  |  status: Live  |  Earned Karma: 25

Trig Trig Trig

Course Textbook Chapter Problem Needs by
N/A N/A N/A N/A 11/3/2009 at 7:00:00 PM
Question Details:
I actually want help with half angle formula so I know what I am doing, this is as far as I get... I think I move cosx - 1 to the right hand side and then square both sides and go from there? I dont know I guess, thanks for the help.  

Thank you.......

AAnswers:

Answer Question Ask for clarification
Sage
Karma Points: 5,245
posted by rimantas on 11/3/2009 5:48:28 PM  |  status: Live
Asker's Rating: This answer has not been rated. If you asked this question, then please login.   
Response Details:
recall the identity    cos2α = 1 - 2(sinα)^2
so   cosx = 1 - 2(sin(x/2))^2
so ,   sin(x/2) + 1 - 2(sin(x/2))^2 - 1 = 0    now we have a quadratic to solve
so    [sin(x/2)][ 1 - 2(sin(x/2) ] = 0
so  sin(x/2) = 0   or   sin(x/2) = 1/2
so    x = 0 , π , 2π , 3π  or  x = π / 12 , 5π / 12 , 13π / 12 , 17π / 12
hope this  helps
Answer Question Ask for clarificarion

Join Cramster's Community

Cramster.com brings together students, educators and subject enthusiasts in an online study community. With around-the-clock expert help and a community of over 100,000 knowledgeable members, you can find the help you need, whenever you need it. Join for free today » How Cramster is different from tutoring »