How do you solve 2cos^2x=3sinx?

1 Answer
Nov 22, 2016

x=pi/6+2pin
x=5pi/6+2pin

Explanation:

2cos^2x=3sinx

Rewrite cos^2x as 1-sin^2x because of the identity sin^2x+cos^2x=1:

2(1-sin^2x)=3sinx

Distribute the left side and let one side be zero:
2-2sin^2x-3sinx=0

-2sin^2x-3sinx+2=0

Factor:
-2sin^2x-4sinx+sinx+2=0
-2sinx(sinx+2)+(sinx+2)=0
(-2sinx+1)(sinx+2)=0

Use zero product rule:

sinx+2cancel=0
sinxcancel=-2

-2sinx+1=0
-2sinx=-1
sinx=1/2

x=pi/6+2pin
x=5pi/6+2pin