Solve the equation \(3 \sin^2 \theta - 2 \cos \theta - 3 = 0\), for \(0^\circ \leq \theta \leq 180^\circ\).
Solution
Start with the equation \(3 \sin^2 \theta - 2 \cos \theta - 3 = 0\).
Use the identity \(\sin^2 \theta = 1 - \cos^2 \theta\) to rewrite the equation:
\(3(1 - \cos^2 \theta) - 2 \cos \theta - 3 = 0\)
Simplify to get:
\(3 - 3 \cos^2 \theta - 2 \cos \theta - 3 = 0\)
\(-3 \cos^2 \theta - 2 \cos \theta = 0\)
Factor the equation:
\(\cos \theta (3 \cos \theta + 2) = 0\)
Set each factor to zero:
1. \(\cos \theta = 0\)
\(\theta = 90^\circ\)
2. \(3 \cos \theta + 2 = 0\)
\(\cos \theta = -\frac{2}{3}\)
\(\theta = 131.8^\circ\) (to 1 decimal place)
Thus, the solutions are \(\theta = 90^\circ\) or \(\theta = 131.8^\circ\).
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