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-   -   about cos(x)=-1/2 (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=610233)

  • Nov 7, 2011, 12:15 PM
    Faris3
    about cos(x)=-1/2
    Hello there. I was having some trouble with a little question.
    If cos(x)= 1/2 then x = arcos(1/2) which is pie/3.
    Now if cos(x)= -1/2, is x=arcos(-1/2) still pie/3 or is arcos(-1/2) = 2pie/3?
    Or are maybe both of them right? Thanks in advance.
  • Nov 7, 2011, 12:29 PM
    ebaines
    You are correct that if then , although it could also equal , because . The complete set of solutions is:

    for equals any integer.

    If cos(x) = -1/2 then or . It can't be because we already know that , not .

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