factoring help for solving 2sin^2-sin-1=0

ec140466

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Nov 21, 2008
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How would I factor and complete the following question: 2sin^2-sin-1=0
Any help would be appreciated.
 
ec140466 said:
How would I factor and complete the following question: 2sin^2-sin-1=0


You would factor the left-hand side of this equation using the basic factoring skills taught in beginning algebra. Have you taken any courses in algebra?

As far as how to complete the "question", how in the **** should I know? You did not post any question. We certainly cannot solve this equation because it does not contain any variables.

Please, read the post titled "Read Before Posting". It outlines your responsibilities for seeking guidance at this web site. In summary, you need to show some work or initiative before we can know where to begin to assist you. Can you do anything at all with this exercise?

At the very least, can you type an equation that makes sense? Yours does not.

Cheers,

~ Howard I. Noe :|

 
ec140466 said:
How would I factor and complete the following question: 2sin^2-sin-1=0
It is unfortunate that your assignment did not provide the arguments of the trig functions, since this will affect factoring choices. (I'm sure you went to the effort of typing the exercise correctly, and the reason you could show no work is that the invalid "equation" prevented you from making any attempt.)

Please consult with your instructor regarding corrections. Once you have a valid equation, kindly please reply with a clear listing of your steps and reasoning so far. Thank you! :D

Eliz.
 
2sin^2 x - sin x - 1 = 0

What if it were written 2u^2 - u - 1 = 0? You could factor that as (2u + 1)(u - 1) = 0

Now, just replace the u's by sin x: (2 sin x + 1)(sin x - 1) = 0
 
fasteddie65 said:
2sin^2 x - sin x - 1 = 0
I'm glad to see that the original poster has provided you with the corrected statement of the exercise, since other arguments would of course likely have led to very different solutions.

In the future, however, it might be helpful either to have the student continue the conversation on the forums (so everybody else knows what you and he are talking about), or else restrict your private correspondence to the private-messaging system (so others aren't confused by the missing interchanges).

Thank you for your consideration! :D

Eliz.
 
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