Can following trigonometric equation be simplified:

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the simplification of the trigonometric equation Fx = sin[90 - theta] * [dX - (tan(theta) * dY)]. Participants clarify that sin(90 - theta) simplifies to cos(theta), leading to the expression Fx = cos(theta) * dX - sin(theta) * dY. There is some confusion regarding which side of the equation is being simplified, but it is confirmed that the right side is what was simplified. The conversation emphasizes that the variables in the equation are arbitrary, focusing solely on the simplification process. Overall, the equation can indeed be simplified using basic trigonometric identities.
ireland01
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Fx = sin [ 90 - theta ] * [ dX - [tan (theta) * dY ] ]

??
 
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Do you mean
f(x)=\sin(90-\theta)[dX-(tan\theta)dY]
or what? I don't really understand what you wrote.
 
sin(90- theta)= cos(theta) is one simplification.
 
dalcde said:
Do you mean
f(x)=\sin(90-\theta)[dX-(tan\theta)dY]
or what? I don't really understand what you wrote.

Yes. I mean variables are arbitrary. I just want to know if the left side of the eqn can be simplified at all.
 
Without trying to interpret exactly what Fx, dX or dY denote the simple answer is yes, there are two obvious trigonometric simplifications that result in:

\mbox{Fx} = \cos(\theta) \, dX - \sin(\theta) \, dY
 
uart said:
Without trying to interpret exactly what Fx, dX or dY denote the simple answer is yes, there are two obvious trigonometric simplifications that result in:

\mbox{Fx} = \cos(\theta) \, dX - \sin(\theta) \, dY

yeah. that's it. thanks.
 
ireland01 said:
Yes. I mean variables are arbitrary. I just want to know if the left side of the eqn can be simplified at all.
And, by the way, it was the right side of the equation that was simplified, not the left side.
 
HallsofIvy said:
And, by the way, it was the right side of the equation that was simplified, not the left side.

yes. thanks. corrected above.
 
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