Solve cos(θ) = -1/2 for 0° ≤ θ < 360°.
Solution
Problem
Solve cos(θ) = -1/2 for 0° ≤ θ < 360°.
We need to find all angles between 0° and 360° for which:
cos(θ) = -1/2
First, determine the reference angle.
We know:
cos(60°) = 1/2
Therefore, the reference angle is 60°.
Cosine is negative in Quadrants II and III.
For Quadrant II:
θ = 180° - 60°
θ = 120°
For Quadrant III:
θ = 180° + 60°
θ = 240°
Check both values:
cos(120°) = -1/2
cos(240°) = -1/2
Both angles lie in the required interval.
Therefore, the solutions are θ = 120° and θ = 240°.
Result
θ = 120° or θ = 240°