Find the principal and general solutions of the equation $\cot x = -\sqrt{3}$.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
Given equation: $\cot x = -\sqrt{3}$.
We know that $\cot \frac{\pi}{6} = \sqrt{3}$.
Since $\cot x$ is negative in the second and fourth quadrants,we have:
$\cot (\pi - \frac{\pi}{6}) = -\cot \frac{\pi}{6} = -\sqrt{3} \Rightarrow \cot \frac{5\pi}{6} = -\sqrt{3}$.
$\cot (2\pi - \frac{\pi}{6}) = -\cot \frac{\pi}{6} = -\sqrt{3} \Rightarrow \cot \frac{11\pi}{6} = -\sqrt{3}$.
Thus,the principal solutions are $x = \frac{5\pi}{6}$ and $x = \frac{11\pi}{6}$.
For the general solution,we use the property that if $\cot x = \cot \alpha$,then $x = n\pi + \alpha$,where $n \in \mathbb{Z}$.
Taking the principal value $\alpha = \frac{5\pi}{6}$,the general solution is $x = n\pi + \frac{5\pi}{6}$,where $n \in \mathbb{Z}$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

The number of solutions of the equation $\sec x \cos 5x + 1 = 0$ in the interval $[0, 2\pi]$ is

The equation $3\sin^2 x + 10\cos x - 6 = 0$ is satisfied,if

$A$ value of $\theta$ satisfying $\sin 5\theta - \sin 3\theta + \sin \theta = 0$,such that $0 < \theta < \frac{\pi}{2}$ is

For $n \in Z$,the general solution of the equation $(\sqrt{3} - 1) \sin \theta + (\sqrt{3} + 1) \cos \theta = 2$ is

If $3 \cos x \neq 2 \sin x$,then the general solution of $\sin ^{2} x-\cos 2 x=2-\sin 2 x$ is

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo