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tomwilliam
Dec23-10, 10:38 AM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Rearranging an equation...can't quite see how it's done.


2. Relevant equations
r=\sqrt{2.5^{2}cos^{2}(t/2)+5^{2}sin^{2}(t/2)}
r=2.5\sqrt{cos^{2}(t/2)+4sin^{2}(t/2)}
r=2.5\sqrt{1+3sin^{2}(t/2)}



3. The attempt at a solution
I know that cos^{2}(x)+sin^{2}(x)=1 but that gives me the (wrong) answer
r=2.5\sqrt{1+24sin^{2}(t/2)}

It should be simple, but I'm obviously doing something wrong. Any help appreciated.

BAdhi
Dec23-10, 10:46 AM
3. The attempt at a solution
I know that cos^{2}(x)+sin^{2}(x)=1 but that gives me the (wrong) answer
r=2.5\sqrt{1+24sin^{2}(t/2)}



are you sure that you've substituted correctly
'cause
cos^2(t/2)+4sin^{2}(t/2)= (1-sin^{2}(t/2))+4sin^2(t/2)=1+3sin^2(t/2)

tomwilliam
Dec23-10, 10:49 AM
Thanks
I'm fine getting from my second line to my third line, following the same logic as you have presented. My problem is how to get from the first line, to the expression with cos squared plus 4 sin squared in the sqrt.

tomwilliam
Dec23-10, 11:00 AM
It's ok, I've figured it out now. Thanks for your help

BAdhi
Dec23-10, 11:14 AM
why,
\sqrt{2.5^2cos^2(t/2)+(2.5)^2.2^2sin^2(t/2)} = 2.5\sqrt{cos^2(t/2)+2^2sin^2(t/2)}