# How to solve $\sin^2(x)+\sin2x+2\cos^2(x)=0$

How do you solve $\sin^2(x)+\sin2x+2\cos^2(x)=0$? I have been able to rewrite it as $(\sin(x)+\cos(x))^2+\cos^2(x)=0$. Not obviously useful, I think

• On the contrary. A sum of two squares happens to be zero in very few cases. Not in yours, since $\sin(x)+\cos(x)$ and $\cos(x)$ cannot vanish at the same time. Aug 19, 2018 at 1:28
• I suppose it can be assumed they want only real solutions? Aug 19, 2018 at 1:39
• Thanks, I got this now. Tons of excellent explanations. Aug 19, 2018 at 17:16

What you've done here is actually perfect! We know that the only way for this expression to be $0$ is if

$$\sin(x)+\cos(x)=0$$ and $$\cos^2(x)=0\to\cos(x)=0$$

We know both can't be possible because that would imply $\sin(x)=\cos(x)=0$, which is false. So the solution of given equation does not exist.

Rushabh's answer is perfect, though I would do it slightly differently. Note that $\sin 2x = 2\sin x\cos x$, so your equation can be rewritten as $$\sin^2 x + 2\sin x\cos x + 2\cos^2 x = 0.$$ If you treat $\sin x$ and $\cos x$ as independent variables $u$ and $v$, this becomes the quadratic equation $$u^2 + 2uv + 2v^2 = 0,$$ where it becomes clear there are no solutions, as the discriminant is $\triangle = 2^2-4\times 2 = -4<0$.

From $$(\sin x + \cos x )^2 + \cos ^2x =0$$ we get $$(\sin x + \cos x )^2=0$$ and $$\cos ^2x =0$$

The first identity implies $$\tan x =-1$$ and the second identity implies $$\cos x=0$$ which makes $\tan x = \pm \infty$.

Thus there is no solution which satisfies both identities, that is your equation has no solution.

$\sin^2(x) + \cos^2(x) = 1$, so we have:

$$\sin 2x + \cos^2 x + 1 = 0$$

Now, $\cos^2 x ≥ 0$, and $\sin 2x ≥ -1$, so the only solutions are when $\cos^2 x = 0$ and $\sin 2x = -1$.

When $\cos^2 x = 0$, $x = -\frac{\pi}{2} + 2\pi n$ or $x = \frac{\pi}{2} + 2\pi n$. However, $\sin \left( 2(-\frac{\pi}{2}) \right) = 0$ and $\sin \left( 2(\frac{\pi}{2}) \right) = 0$, so there are no solutions.

Hint:

For $a\sin^2x+b\cos^2x+c\sin2x=0,$

divide both sides by $\cos^2x$ as $\cos x\ne0$(why?)

to find $$at^2+2ct+b=0$$ where $t=\tan x$

For real solution, the discriminant must be $\ge0$