Setting cosx=arccosx equal to zero.

Mandrew98

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Feb 15, 2014
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I'm doing IVT proofs and I'm trying to prove there's f(x)=0 for cosx=arcosx. I thought for sure it would equal f(x)=cos(cosx)-x. I get this by first by cosx=arcosx, cos(cosx)=x, cos(cosx)-x=0. I'm not sue though.... Is cosx=arcosx really just cosx-arcosx=0?? This is my first post!! Thanks.
 
You're right but you need to be careful about your domain. For \(\displaystyle -1\le x\le 1\)

\(\displaystyle \cos(x)=\arccos(x) \iff f(x)=\cos(\cos(x))-x=0\)

Edit: Turns out my hint was no good, its far easier than I thought. \(\displaystyle 0<cos(cos(x))<1\) in \(\displaystyle [0,1]\) so what is the sign of \(\displaystyle f(1)\)?
 
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Thanks. I was going to say f(0)=.540 and f(1)=-.142 so by IVT f(0)>0>f(1) so c € E [0,1]where f(c)=0. I think your way is better cause you don't need a calculator!! Thanks again, I'm very excited to use this forum!!
 
Thanks. I was going to say f(0)=.540 and f(1)=-.142 so by IVT f(0)>0>f(1) so c € E [0,1]where f(c)=0. I think your way is better cause you don't need a calculator!! Thanks again, I'm very excited to use this forum!!

Yes, this is fine
 
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