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How do you solve cos(x) = 0 for x in degrees?

To solve the equation cos(x)=0\cos(x) = 0 for xx in degrees, we can express the solution as:

x=90+180n,x = 90^\circ + 180^\circ n,

where nn is any integer.

The cosine function equals zero at specific angles on the unit circle. Notably, in degrees, these angles are 9090^\circ and 270270^\circ within a complete cycle of 360360^\circ. Since the cosine function is periodic with a period of 360360^\circ, it repeats its values every 360360^\circ.

To generalize the solution, we can utilize the formula x=90+180nx = 90^\circ + 180^\circ n. This expression encompasses all angles where the cosine function equals zero. For instance:

  • When n=0n = 0, we find x=90x = 90^\circ.
  • When n=1n = 1, we obtain x=270x = 270^\circ.
  • When n=1n = -1, we calculate x=90x = -90^\circ, which is equivalent to 270270^\circ in the standard range of 00^\circ to 360360^\circ.

In summary, the angles where cos(x)=0\cos(x) = 0 can be represented as 9090^\circ, 270270^\circ, 450450^\circ, and so forth. This can be succinctly expressed as 90+180n90^\circ + 180^\circ n for any integer nn. This pattern continues indefinitely in both the positive and negative directions, thus covering all possible solutions.

Answered by: Dr. Angela Davis
GCSE Maths Tutor
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