Question Details

Solve the equation for A (in degrees):

2 cos A 2 + 3 cos A 2 = 0 , 0 < A < 90 °

Options

A

45°

B

60°

C

80°

D

30°

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option B

60°

Solution :

The correct option is 60°.

We are given the trigonometric equation:

2cosA2+3cosA-2=0

where 0<A<90°.

Let x=cosA. Substituting x into the equation transforms it into a standard quadratic equation in terms of x:

2x2+3x-2=0

We can solve this quadratic equation by splitting the middle term:

2x2+4x-x-2=0

2x(x+2)-1(x+2)=0

(2x-1)(x+2)=0

Setting each factor to zero gives two possible values for x:

2x-1=0x=12

x+2=0x=-2

Now, substitute back x=cosA:

1. Case 1: cosA=-2

Since the value of cosine for any real angle must lie within the range [-1,1], cosA=-2 is impossible and has no real solution.

2. Case 2: cosA=12

Given that 0<A<90°, the unique angle in the first quadrant satisfying cosA=12 is:

A=60°

Thus, the value of A is 60°.

Unlock Our Free Library

Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.

Discover more resources

You may also like

Mock Tests

View All
  • CTET
  • intermediate
  • No time limit
  • child development and pedagogy, mathematics, social science

  • SSC
  • intermediate
  • 2 hours and 30 mins
  • child development and pedagogy, mathematics, social science

Ask AI Tutor
5 left
Q1 View Question & Options
AI Tutor is solving this question...
Reading question context & options...