By sketching the graphs of
y = \frac{1}{x}
and
y = \sec{2x}
on the axes below, show that the equation
\frac{1}{x} = \sec{2x}
has exactly one solution for
x > 0
By considering a suitable change of sign, show that the solution to the equation lies between 0.4 and 0.6 - AQA - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 7 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 7
By sketching the graphs of
y = \frac{1}{x}
and
y = \sec{2x}
on the axes below, show that the equation
\frac{1}{x} = \sec{2x}
has exactly one solution for
x ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:By sketching the graphs of
y = \frac{1}{x}
and
y = \sec{2x}
on the axes below, show that the equation
\frac{1}{x} = \sec{2x}
has exactly one solution for
x > 0
By considering a suitable change of sign, show that the solution to the equation lies between 0.4 and 0.6 - AQA - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 7 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
By sketching the graphs of y = \frac{1}{x} and y = \sec{2x}, show that the equation \frac{1}{x} = \sec{2x} has exactly one solution for x > 0
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Answer
To begin, sketch the graph of (y = \frac{1}{x}) for (x > 0). This graph is a hyperbola that approaches the axes but never touches them, with its curve in the first quadrant. Next, sketch (y = \sec(2x)), which oscillates and has vertical asymptotes at (x = \frac{\pi}{2}n) for odd integers n. Notably, in the interval (0, (\frac{\pi}{2})), these two graphs will intersect. Since (y = \sec(2x)) increases rapidly towards the vertical asymptotes,
we can observe that (y = \frac{1}{x}) starts from infinity at (x = 0) and decreases towards 0 as (x) increases, while (y = \sec(2x)) has multiple peaks within this range but does not exceed 1. Hence, there is exactly one point of intersection where (x > 0), establishing that the equation has exactly one positive solution.
Step 2
By considering a suitable change of sign, show that the solution to the equation lies between 0.4 and 0.6.
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Answer
Define a function (f(x) = \sec(2x) - \frac{1}{x}). We evaluate this function at two points:
For (x = 0.4), we find (f(0.4) = \sec(0.8) - 2.5 \approx 0.698 - 2.5 < 0).
For (x = 0.6), we get (f(0.6) = \sec(1.2) - \frac{5}{3} \approx 1.357 - 1.666 > 0).
Thus, we have (f(0.4) < 0) and (f(0.6) > 0), indicating a change of sign. By the Intermediate Value Theorem, there exists at least one root between (0.4) and (0.6).
Step 3
Show that the equation can be rearranged to give x = \frac{1}{2} \cos^{-1}{x}
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Answer
Starting with the original equation (\sec(2x) = \frac{1}{x}), we can rearrange it as follows:
Take the reciprocal: (x = \cos(2x)).
Rearranging gives ( \cos(2x) = x), and utilizing the double-angle identity for cosine results in:
[x = \frac{1}{2} \cos^{-1}{x}.]
Step 4
Use the iterative formula x_{n+1} = \frac{1}{2} \cos^{-1}{x_n} with x_1 = 0.4 to find x_2, x_3, and x_4, giving your answers to four decimal places.
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