Trigonometry: arctan equation?

In summary, the conversation is about finding the value of x in π/4=arctan(x+arctan(x+...)) by using similar methods to the problem x=\sqrt{2+\sqrt{2+\sqrt{2+...}}}. It involves taking the tangent of both sides and using the tangent addition rule. The final solution is x = 1 - π/4.
  • #1
XYZ313
21
0
Can someone please let me know how to find x in

π/4=arctan(x+arctan(x+...)) ?
 
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  • #2
Let me do a similar one:

Let [itex]x=\sqrt{2+\sqrt{2+\sqrt{2+...}}}[/itex]. Then [itex]x^2-2=x[/itex].
Solving the quadratic equation gives us the answer.

Can you do your problem now along similar lines??
 
  • #3
micromass: isn't it the use of inverse operator (tan in this case)?
like z=arctan(x+arctan(x+...)) and make the use of tanz?

and then use tan addition rule? I am really confused...

Can you explain further please?
 
  • #4
π/4=arctan(x+arctan(x+...))
take tan of both sides
tan(π/4)=tan(arctan(x+arctan(x+...)) )
 
  • #5
lurflurf: and then what?

tan(π/4) = x + arctan(x+arctan(x+...)) ?
 
  • #6
what is tan(tanx)? Is above equation some kind of sum of geometric progress?
 
  • #7
is it so easy that no one is going even to comment?
 
  • #8
tan(π/4)=tan(arctan(x+arctan(x+...)) )
1=x+arctan(x+arctan(x+...))
 
  • #9
lurflurf: thank you, this is obvious and not the solution

then

tan(1-x) = x + arctan(x+arctan(x+...))

and where it is leading?
 
  • #10
arctan(x+arctan(x+...)) ?
 
  • #11
if I knew what "arctan(x+arctan(x+...))" equals to, I wouldn't be posting this thread...
 
  • #12
XYZ313 said:
if I knew what "arctan(x+arctan(x+...))" equals to, I wouldn't be posting this thread...

What? You said what this equals in your first post. It's x that is the unknown.
 
  • #13
spamiam: right, sorry, I'm really dumb

x = 1 - π/4

Thank you all for bearing with me...
 
  • #14
This is dumbest question I have ever asked. Hope this is never going to happen again...
 
  • #15
You're not dumb--this question is difficult until you see the trick to use.
 

1. What is the arctan equation in trigonometry?

The arctan equation is an inverse trigonometric function used to find the angle of a right triangle given the ratio of its sides. It is also known as the inverse tangent function and is denoted as arctan or tan-1.

2. How do you solve arctan equations?

To solve an arctan equation, you can use a scientific calculator or a trigonometric table. Take the inverse tangent of both sides of the equation to isolate the angle, and then use the calculator or table to find the angle in radians or degrees.

3. What are the properties of the arctan equation?

The arctan equation has two important properties: its range is -π/2 to π/2 (or -90° to 90°) and its principal value is always between -π/2 to π/2. It is also an odd function, meaning that arctan(-x) = -arctan(x).

4. What are some real-life applications of the arctan equation?

The arctan equation has various applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and surveying. It is used to determine angles in right triangles, to find the slope of a line, and to solve problems related to forces and motion.

5. Can the arctan equation be used for non-right triangles?

No, the arctan equation can only be used for right triangles. For non-right triangles, the inverse trigonometric functions of sine, cosine, and tangent (arcsin, arccos, and arctan) are used to find the angles.

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