Projectile Physics Simplified: Solving for $\frac{1-sin \beta}{cos^2 \beta}$

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in projectile physics that involves simplifying the expression \(\frac{1-\sin \beta}{\cos^2 \beta}\) and demonstrating its equivalence to \(\frac{1}{1+\sin \beta}\). Participants are exploring trigonometric identities and algebraic manipulations related to this expression.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest using fundamental trigonometric identities, while others propose representing sine and cosine in complex number forms to simplify the problem. There is an inquiry into the validity of these approaches and the underlying assumptions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering various methods to tackle the problem. While some guidance has been provided regarding trigonometric identities, there is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes that similar questions should be categorized under Pre-calculus math, indicating a potential misalignment with the expected subject area for this type of problem.

Phymath
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this had some projectile physics but the problem boils down to...

show...
[tex]\frac{1-sin \beta}{cos^2 \beta} = \frac{1}{1+sin \beta}[/tex]

no idea..
 
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Try using the simplest trig identity of them all:
[tex]\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1[/tex]
 
worse comes to worse, you could always represent cos and sin in their complex number forms and just treat the problem as a simple algebra problem.
 
Use Doc's suggestion and the answer will pop right out in just one step.

PS : Next time, post a question like this under Pre-calculus math.
 

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