If sec ø = 5/4 and 0º<ø<90º how do you find sec 2ø ?

1 Answer
Feb 27, 2018

#sec(2theta) = 25/7# for #sec(theta) = 5/4#

Explanation:

#sec(theta) = 5/4#

Recall that #sec theta = 1/cos theta#. Because of this, we can simply take the reciprocal of both sides so we can work with functions we're more used to seeing.

#color(blue)(cos(theta) = 4/5)#

We are looking for #color(green)(sec(2theta))#, which can also be written in terms of trigonometric functions we are more familiar with.

#color(green)(sec(2theta))#

# = 1/cos(2theta)#

The double angle identity for cosine states that #color(red)(cos(2theta) = 2cos^2(theta) - 1)#.

# = 1/color(red)(2cos^2(theta) - 1)#

Interestingly, this means that we don't actually have to solve for #theta# to find the value of #color(green)(sec(2theta))#.

# = 1/(2(color(blue)cos(theta))^2 - 1)#

# = 1/(2(color(blue)(4/5))^2 - 1)#

# = 1/(32/25 - 1)#

# = 1/(7/25)#

# = 25/7#

#therefore# #sec(2theta) = 25/7# for #sec(theta) = 5/4#.