How Can You Further Simplify 2cos2x - 2cosx in Trigonometry?

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In summary, the conversation discusses simplifying the expression 2cos2x-2cosx and finding when it equals 0. The solution involves using the periodic nature of cosine and factoring the expression. The possible solutions are pi/2 and 3pi/2.
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kavipach
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Homework Statement


2cos2x-2cosx...how do you simplify this further?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


2(cos2x-cosx)..but i have to find 0=2cos2x-2cosx so this doesn't really help me.
 
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  • #2
You're trying to find when 2cos(2x)-2cos(x)=0? Start by what you did... you want to find x such that cos(2x)=cos(x). Hint: cosine is periodic
 
  • #3
would it be pi/2 and 3pi/2?
 
  • #4
nope...maybe try drawing cos(2x) and cos(x)?
 
  • #5
[tex]\cos(2x)=2\cos^{2}(x)-1[/tex], so [tex]2\cos(2x)-2\cos(x)=2\cos^{2}(x)-1\cos(x)-1=0[/tex]. Factoring yields [tex](2\cos(x)+1)(\cos(x)-1)=0[/tex]
 

FAQ: How Can You Further Simplify 2cos2x - 2cosx in Trigonometry?

What is the purpose of simplifying 2cos2x-2cosx?

The purpose of simplifying this expression is to reduce it to its simplest form, making it easier to work with and to solve for a specific value or variable.

How do you simplify 2cos2x-2cosx?

To simplify this expression, we can use the trigonometric identity 2cos2x = cos2x + cos2x. This allows us to rewrite the expression as cos2x + cos2x - 2cosx. Then, we can factor out a common term of cosx to get cosx(cosx + 1) - 2cosx. Finally, we can further simplify by factoring out a cosx from the first two terms, giving us (cosx - 1)(cosx + 1).

What is the value of 2cos2x-2cosx when x=0?

When x=0, the expression becomes 2cos0 - 2cos0 = 2(1) - 2(1) = 0. Therefore, the value of the expression is 0 when x=0.

Can you simplify 2cos2x-2cosx further?

No, the expression (cosx - 1)(cosx + 1) is already in its simplest form and cannot be simplified any further.

How can simplifying 2cos2x-2cosx be useful in real-world applications?

Simplifying trigonometric expressions like this one can be useful in various real-world applications, such as engineering, physics, and astronomy. It allows for more efficient calculations and problem-solving by reducing complex expressions to simpler forms.

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