Arctan Identity: Solving t_0 for z=0

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving for the variable t in the equation t = (2 / (3H_0 Ω_λ^(1/2))) ln((1 + cos θ) / sin θ) with respect to the independent variable z at z = 0. The simplification process involves substituting z = 0 into the equation for θ, where θ is derived from tan θ = (Ω_0 / Ω_λ)^(1/2) (1 + z)^(3/2). The final expression for t at z = 0 is t_0 = (2 / (3H_0 Ω_λ^(1/2))) ln((1 + Ω_λ^(1/2)) / (1 - Ω_λ)^(1/2)). The discussion highlights the use of trigonometric identities and the context of a flat universe where Ω_0 + Ω_λ = 1.

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cepheid
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I've encountered an equation in my textbook where a formula for t is given:

[tex]t = \frac{2}{3H_0 \Omega_{\lambda}^{1/2}} \ln \left( \frac{1 + \cos \theta}{\sin \theta} \right )[/tex]​

where,

[tex]\tan \theta = \left( \frac{\Omega_0}{\Omega_{\lambda}}\right)^{1/2} (1 + z)^{3/2}[/tex]​

So, basically, t is the dependent variable, z is the independent variable, and [itex]H_0, \Omega_0, \Omega_{\lambda}[/itex] are all constants. The book then goes on to say that at z = 0, t becomes:

[tex]t_0 = \frac{2}{3H_0 \Omega_{\lambda}^{1/2}} \ln \left( \frac{1 + \Omega_{\lambda}^{1/2}}{(1 - \Omega_{\lambda})^{1/2}} \right )[/tex]​

Now, when I naively substitute z = 0 into the equation for theta, and then substitute that into the equation for t, obviously I get a couple of terms involving the sine and the cosine of the arctan...etc. I have no idea how they simplified that in order to eliminate the trigonometric functions entirely. Is there an identity that was used?

It may, (or may not) help that in this instance, it is true that [itex]\Omega_0 + \Omega_{\lambda} = 1[/itex] (yes, the universe is flat, for those who are aware of the context :wink:).
 
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That looks like one of the half-angle identities.


Without that... well, you can simplify cos(arctan(z)) without much trouble -- just draw the triangle.
 
Right, of course. I feel silly now. If:


[tex] \tan \theta(z=0) = \left( \frac{\Omega_0}{\Omega_{\lambda}}\right)^{1/2}[/tex]

Then theta is the angle in a right triangle whose opposite side is [itex]\Omega_0^{1/2}[/itex] and whose adjacent side is [itex]\Omega_{\lambda}^{1/2}[/itex] and whose hypotenuse is [itex]\Omega_0 + \Omega_{\lambda} = 1[/itex]However, I don't see how you can use the half-angle formula. Oh well, whatever. It's late, and I'm tired...
 

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