How do I solve a trigonometric equation on a given interval?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the trigonometric equation \(\sin x = 0.2\) within the interval \(0 \leq x < 2\pi\). Participants explore how to find all solutions in this interval and consider variations in the interval limits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of \(\arcsin\) and \(\arccos\) to find solutions, questioning how to account for all quadrants. Some suggest using the periodic nature of the sine function to identify solutions across different intervals.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of different methods to solve the equation, with some participants providing hints and others questioning the validity of approaches. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations regarding the intervals and the behavior of the sine function.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that \(\sin x\) is positive in the first and second quadrants, which influences the search for solutions. There is also mention of potential confusion regarding the application of trigonometric identities and the implications of the sine function's negativity in certain quadrants.

courtrigrad
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Hello all

Just refreshing in maths, and want to know if I am doing this correctly:

Solve the equation [tex]\sin x = 0.2[/tex] on the interval [tex]0 \leq x < 2\pi[/tex].

I took [tex]\arcsin(0.2)[/tex], however how do you solve for all solutions in the interval? (i.e what if the interval had been [tex]0 \leq x < \pi[/tex])

Thanks
 
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You know that "arcsin" only gives you the solution on the interval [itex][-\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{\pi}{2}][/itex],out of which you will only find useful the positive part.Okay,so that leaves you with another 3 intervals of width [itex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/itex].

HINT:"arccos" will be useful for [itex][\frac{\pi}{2},\pi][/itex].
Use that
[tex]\cos(\frac{\pi}{2}-x) =\sin x[/tex]

Daniel.

PS.What about the interval [itex](\pi,2\pi)[/itex] ??
 
so [tex]\cos(\frac{\pi}{2}-x) =\sin x[/tex]

then [tex]\arccos(\frac{\pi}{2}-x) = 0.2[/tex] and then just solve for x.

for [itex][{\pi},[\frac{3\pi}{2}][/itex]

and [itex][\frac{3\pi}{2}],[\frac{2\pi}][/itex] would i employ the same reasoning?

Thanks
 
No,your eq.is wrong.
[tex]\cos(\frac{\pi}{2}-x)=\sin x=0.2[/tex]

Solve for "x".

Daniel.

PS.On the second interval,the equation does not have solutions.Can u see why??
 
hmmm...isn't there an easier way to do this? Shouldn't I just be able to use the period of [tex]\sin x[/tex] which is [tex]2\pi[/tex] and divide it into 4 equal parts?

Thanks
 
Believe,me there ain't no simpler method.2 simple equations solvable via "arcsin" and "arccos" and the fact that,on the interval [itex](\pi,2\pi)[/itex] the "sine" is negative will give you the answer.

Daniel.
 
courtrigrad said:
Hello all

Just refreshing in maths, and want to know if I am doing this correctly:

Solve the equation [tex]\sin x = 0.2[/tex] on the interval [tex]0 \leq x < 2\pi[/tex].

I took [tex]\arcsin(0.2)[/tex], however how do you solve for all solutions in the interval? (i.e what if the interval had been [tex]0 \leq x < \pi[/tex])

Thanks

Just use the fact that [tex]\sin x[/tex] is positive for [tex]x[/tex] in the 1st and 2nd quadrants. That means a domain of [tex]0 \leq x < \pi[/tex]

By plugging in [tex]\arcsin(0.2)[/tex], you'll be finding the 1st quadrant value. To get the other value in the second quadrant, just subtract the value of [tex]x[/tex] from [tex]\pi[/tex], et voila ! That is, if [tex]x[/tex] is one answer, then [tex](\pi - x)[/tex] is the other required answer.

Another way of looking at this is :

[tex]\sin (x) = \sin (\pi - x)[/tex]

Equivalent expressions for cosine and tangent are :

[tex]\cos(x) = \cos (2\pi - x) = \cos (-x)[/tex]

[tex]\tan(x) = \tan (\pi + x)[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Did u have a rough night?
1.There's no such thing as [itex]\arcsin 2[/itex]

2.If he adds \pi to the first solution,he'll end up in the third quadrant...

3.[tex]\sin(\pi+x)=-\sin x[/tex].

If u don't know,at least don't show it...

Daniel.

EDIT:And one more thing:it's "VOILÀ",or "voilà"...
 
Last edited:
dextercioby said:
Did u have a rough night?
1.There's no such thing as [itex]\arcsin 2[/itex]

2.If he adds \pi to the first solution,he'll end up in the third quadrant...

3.[tex]\sin(\pi+x)=-\sin x[/tex].

If u don't know,at least don't show it...

Daniel.

I made a typo, genius. I just got up, Singapore time and everything.

I know how to do this, you obviously don't. Honestly, WTF are you doing asking him to consider the arccosine in such a trivially simple problem ?!

If YOU don't know, don't harangue others who do.
 
  • #10
Curious3141 said:
I know how to do this, you obviously don't.

You must have had a rough night... :-p Was it because in Singapore the air it's more humid,hence it is harder to breathe?? :confused:

You know them alright,you edited your post twice until got the final result.The last time was after i posted the reply in which i showed the mistakes...

Daniel...

PS.Expressions as "WTF" denote your level of intelligence...
 
  • #11
dextercioby said:
You must have had a rough night... :-p Was it because in Singapore the air it's more humid,hence it is harder to breathe?? :confused:

You know them alright,you edited your post twice until got the final result.The last time was after i posted the reply in which i showed the mistakes...

Daniel...

PS.Expressions as "WTF" denote your level of intelligence...


OK, that's it ! :mad:

FYI, I had just finished editing my post when you had waltzed in with you arrogant little "corrections". I don't need *you* to teach *me* trig.

It's obvious that my knowledge of trig and possibly other areas of math exceeds yours. Might I remind you of that thread you started in the brainteaser section with a (to me) simple question, which I summarily solved, yet which you couldn't crack with your wonderful noggin ?

I can see you are an arrogant, small minded phallus. You didn't bother to acknowledge my solution of your poser, because you're bearing a grudge after our run in about fundamental "axioms" in Physics. Which, BTW, I have yet to hear your learned dogma on.

I can assure you my IQ is at least as high, if not higher than yours. Currently, I'm not even doing Maths/Physics/Engg as a primary discipline. My knowledge was gained many years back in school, with no practice in between. I think it's pretty good considering that.

Keep your petty little taunts to the grade school yard where you belong.
 
  • #12
opps wrong button, The little red triange at the bottom left is the report message button.

Both of your are getting a bit carried away. Just stop, I think the question has been answered.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
if we get the value of [tex]x[/tex] in the first two quadrants, that means there are no solutions in the third and fourth quadrants?

Thanks
 
  • #14
courtrigrad said:
if we get the value of [tex]x[/tex] in the first two quadrants, that means there are no solutions in the third and fourth quadrants?

Thanks

Correct, there are no solutions for this equation in the 3rd and 4th quadrants. :smile:
 
  • #15
courtrigrad said:
if we get the value of [tex]x[/tex] in the first two quadrants, that means there are no solutions in the third and fourth quadrants?

Thanks

Yes,simply because the "sine" is negative,and your equation is asking for solutions which make "sine" 0.2,which is positive.

Daniel.
 
  • #16
ok thanks a lot guys for taking your time to help me brush up on some trig!
 

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