Struggling with These Calculus Homework Problems?

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    Calculus
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around various calculus homework problems, including trigonometric equations and identities. Participants seek assistance in solving these problems, which cover both theoretical and practical aspects of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a series of calculus problems, including equations like 2cosx = sinx and sin(pi)/(2x) = 1, expressing uncertainty due to a long absence from the subject.
  • Another participant provides solutions to the first few problems, suggesting methods such as dividing through by cosx and using the quadratic formula for sin^2x + sinx - 1 = 0.
  • There is a question regarding the notation in one of the problems, with a suggestion that it might be ambiguous and require clarification before proceeding.
  • One participant interprets the equation coscot = 2cos as (cosx)(cotx) = 2cosx and derives a solution for tanx.
  • Another participant proposes a possible correction to the notation in problem 7, suggesting it should be cosx = (secx - cosx), leading to an undefined result.
  • There is a discussion about the identity cos(2x) = 2cosxsinx, with participants exploring its implications and related equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the problems, and while some solutions are proposed, there is no consensus on all interpretations or methods. The discussion remains unresolved in some areas, particularly regarding the notation and specific problem setups.

Contextual Notes

Some problems are noted to have ambiguous notation, which may affect the interpretation and solution process. Participants highlight the importance of clarity in mathematical expressions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students struggling with calculus homework, particularly those dealing with trigonometric identities and equations.

DoctorReynaldo
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Good morning folks, I have been recently stumped by a few of my son's homework calculus problems and was hoping for a little bit of help. I'm sure they are simple, the thing is it has been 20 years since I took this.

2cosx=sinx
sin(pi)/2x=1
sin^2x+sin=1 (find zeros)
coscot=2cos
tan^2/cos(90-x)
(sinx^x-cosx^4)/(sinx^2-cosx^2)=1
cosx(secx-cosx)

I appreciate all your help :smile:
 
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1. 2cosx = sinx
Divide through by cosx
2 = tanx
x = arctan2

2. sin(pi)/(2x) = 1
2x = sin(pi)
sin(pi) is equal to 0, so
x = 0

3. (sinx)^2 + sinx - 1 = 0
Factor using the quadratic formula
[tex]\sin x = \frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{1 - 4*1*(-1)}}{2}[/tex]
Then just take the arcsin.

4. I don't understand this notation.

5. We're short an equals sign on a right-hand sign here. But this identity might help:
cos[Pi/2 - x] = sin[x]

6. & 7. You should probably clean up the notation in these ones before we attempt them. It's a little ambiguous and different interpretations really change the problems. And there's no equals sign in 7.

cookiemonster
 
For question 4:

"coscot=2cos"

I assume that would be (cosx)(cotx) = 2cosx"?

In which case

cot x = 2
(1/tan x) = 2
1 = 2 tanx
tan x = 1/2
x = arctan 1/2

Helpful?

Also, if 7 was supposed to be "cosx = (secx-cosx)"

Then:

cos x = sec x - cosx
sec x = 0
(cos x)^-1 = 0

Undefined ( divide by zero)

But I'm guessing that's not what you meant.

Probably kinda late now anyway, but oh well.
 
Originally posted by DoctorReynaldo
Good morning folks, I have been recently stumped by a few of my son's homework calculus problems and was hoping for a little bit of help. I'm sure they are simple, the thing is it has been 20 years since I took this.

2cosx=sinx
sin(pi)/2x=1
sin^2x+sin=1 (find zeros)
coscot=2cos
tan^2/cos(90-x)
(sinx^x-cosx^4)/(sinx^2-cosx^2)=1
cosx(secx-cosx)

I appreciate all your help :smile:
For number 6. I am assuming you mean sinx^4-cosx^4? If so, then (sinx^2+cosx^2)(sinx^2-cosx^2)/(sinx^2-cosx^2)
sinx^2+cosx^2
1=1
 
Originally posted by cookiemonster
1. 2cosx = sinx
Divide through by cosx
2 = tanx
x = arctan2

Just remember that the tangent has a period of [tex]\pi[/tex], so [tex]x = \arctan{2} + n\pi[/tex]. It's also good to check that [tex]\cos{x} \neq 0[/tex] before dividing with it...
 
Last edited:
Need some help..

Can someone please help me with this one?

cos2x = 2 cos x sin x :rolleyes:
 
It's equivalent to cos(2x) = sin(2x), or 1 = sin(2x)/cos(2x)...
 
help..

I need to find 4 angles..
 
Maria said:
I need to find 4 angles..
Generally best to make your own thread.

[tex]\sin 2x \equiv 2 \cos x \sin x[/tex]

So as stated above your problem is the same as:

[tex]\sin 2x = \cos 2x[/tex]

Which is the same as:

[tex]\frac{\sin 2x}{\cos 2x} = 1[/tex]

Now you should remember a simple identity about sin over cos which makes this really simple.
 
  • #10
I`ll that.. Thanks :smile:
 
  • #11
Thanks

I got it right.. thanks a lot :smile:
 

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