# Math Help - Find exact solutions algebraically?

1. ## Find exact solutions algebraically?

How do I find the exact solutions algebraically for the following equation?
sin 2x sin x = cos x

Any help is appreciated.

2. Originally Posted by iluvmathbutitshard
How do I find the exact solutions algebraically for the following equation?
sin 2x sin x = cos x

Any help is appreciated.
sin(2x)=2sin(x)cos(x). That should simplify to something easier to solve.

3. Ok, so how would I simplify further?

4. Originally Posted by iluvmathbutitshard
Ok, so how would I simplify further?
Substitute for sin(2x) in your problem. cos(x) will cancel, divide by 2 and you'll get something simpler. I don't understand where you are getting stuck...

5. Ok, thank you. I got it now.

6. Originally Posted by Jameson
Substitute for sin(2x) in your problem. cos(x) will cancel, divide by 2 and you'll get something simpler. I don't understand where you are getting stuck...
Without knowing the domain you could potentially be dividing by 0 when cos(x)=0 if you cancel. It is better to take cos(x) from both sides and factor out cos(x)

$2sin^2(x)cos(x)-cos(x)=0$

$
cos(x)(2sin^2(x)-1)=0$

Either $cos(x)=0$ or $2sin^2(x)-1=0$

This should give 3 principal solutions and there may be more or less depending on the domain (usually $0 \leq x \leq 2\pi$)

7. Very good observation. Thank you for pointing this out.