I know how to graph them but it says I have to solve the system of equations...How do I solve that?
y = 4 cos (x) + 1
y = -cos (x) - 4 set the y's equal.....and we have
4cos (x) + 1 = -cos(x) - 4 add cos (x), 4 to both sides
5cos (x) + 5 = 0 subtract 5 from both sides
5 cos (x) = - 5 divide both sides by 5
cos (x) = -1
And this happens when x = pi and x = -pi
The intersection point(s) are
4cos (pi) + 1 = -4 + 1 = -3 ⇒ (pi, -3) and
4cos(-pi) + 1 = -4 + 1 = - 3 ⇒ (-pi, -3)
See the graph here, GM : https://www.desmos.com/calculator/j9yashts7t
This is called 'solving by the graphical method'..... when you graph the two (or more ) equations......The points where they intersect is the solution set.