How do you find all solutions of the equation #sin^2x cos^2x=2-sqrt 2/16#?

1 Answer
Jun 9, 2015

Solve trig equation: #sin^2 x.cos^2 x = 2 - sqrt2/16#

Explanation:

Use trig identity: sin 2x = 2sin x.cos x

#(sin^2 (2x)/4) = (2 - 0.09)/4 = 1.91/4 = 0.48#
On the trig unit circle,

#sin 2x = +- 0.69# . There are 4 answers within period# (0, 2pi)#

  1. sin 2x = 0.69 -> 2x = 43.71 --> x = 21.86 deg
  2. sin 2x = 0.69 -> 2x = 180 - 43.71 = 136.29 -> x = 68.14

  3. sin 2x = - 0.69 -> 2x = 180 + 43.71 = 223.71 -> x = 111.86

  4. sin 2x = - 0.69 --> 2x = 360 - 43.71 = 316.29 -> x = 158.16