What values of x satisfy the equation cos x = -1?

Disable ads (and more) with a premium pass for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the GCSE Maths Exam with our interactive quizzes. Study with a variety of questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your skills and boost your confidence before the exam day!

The equation cos x = -1 represents points on the unit circle where the cosine of the angle is at its minimum value. The cosine function gives the x-coordinate of a point on the unit circle, and it equals -1 specifically at angles where the point is on the left-most side of the circle.

The most notable angle where cos x equals -1 is at 180 degrees (or π radians), which corresponds to the point (-1, 0) on the unit circle. Additionally, cosine is a periodic function with a period of 360 degrees (or 2π radians), which means it will repeat its values every 360 degrees.

Therefore, in addition to 180 degrees, any angle of the form 180 + n*360, where n is an integer, will also satisfy the equation. This means that angles such as 180 degrees, 540 degrees (which is 180 + 360), and -180 degrees (which is also equivalent to 180 degrees in the context of periodic repetitions) will also yield cos x = -1.

Thus, the values of x that satisfy the equation cos x = -1 specifically include 180 degrees, as well as any angles that are co-terminal with it. The proper response

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy