How do I solve for 0º ≤ x < 360º using the equation cos x tan x = 1/2 ?

1 Answer
Feb 22, 2018

#cos x tan x = cos x \frac{sin x}{cos x} = sin x = 1/2#

The sine of 30 degrees is 1/2. Also, at 150 degrees.

Explanation:

Realizing that the tangent function is the ratio of sine and cosine makes the problem much easier. Between 0 and 360 degrees there are two points where the sin is 1/2: 30, 150. The sine function is equal to -1/2 at 210, and 330 degrees.