Question

Please solve the eqution Cos4x + cos2x - 2 =0

Answer 1

cos4x = cos2x

We know that:

cos2x = 1-2cos^2 x

==> cos4x = 1-2cos^2 (2x)

Now substitute:

==> 1-2cos^2 (2x) = cos2x

==> 2cos^2 (2x) + cos2x - 1 = 0

Now factor:

==> (2cos2x -1)(cos2x + 1) = 0

==> 2cos2x -1 = 0 ==> cos2x =1/2 ==> 2x= pi/3

==> x1= pi/6 , 7pi/6

==> x1= pi/6 + 2npi

==> x2= 7pi/6 + 2npi

==> cos2x = -1 ==> 2x= pi ==> x3 = pi/2 + 2npi.

==> x= { pi/6+2npi, 7pi/6+2npi, pi/2+2npi}