Find the values of x for which cos(x) = -1/2 on the unit circle
To find the values of $\cos(x) = -\frac{1}{2}$ on the unit circle, we start by considering the unit circle where $\cos(\theta)$ is the x-coordinate of the point corresponding to the angle $\theta$:
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$$ \cos(x) = -\frac{1}{2} $$
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We know from trigonometric identities and the unit circle that:
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$$ \cos(120^\circ) = \cos\left( \frac{2\pi}{3} \right) = -\frac{1}{2} $$
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$$ \cos(240^\circ) = \cos\left( \frac{4\pi}{3} \right) = -\frac{1}{2} $$
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Therefore, the solutions in degrees are $120^\circ$ and $240^\circ$, and in radians they are:
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$$ x = \frac{2\pi}{3} + 2k\pi $$
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$$ x = \frac{4\pi}{3} + 2k\pi \quad \text{where } k \in \mathbb{Z} $$