How do you solve sec^2x=4 in the interval 0<=x<=2pi?

1 Answer
Sep 10, 2016

pi/3, (2pi)/3, (4pi)/3, (5pi)/3

Explanation:

sec^2 x = 1/(cos^2 x) = 4
cos^2 x = 1/4
cos x = +- 1/2

a. cos x = 1/2 --> x = +- pi/3
x = (5pi)/3 is co-terminal to x = -pi/3
b. cos x = -1/2 --> x = +- (2pi)/3
x = (4pi)/3 is co-terminal to x = - (2pi)/3
Answers for (0, 2pi):
pi/3, (2pi)/3, (4pi)/3, (5pi)/3