Can you simplify this inverse trig problem?

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    Inverse Trig
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an equation with inverse trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on the relationship between tangent functions. The original poster seeks assistance in simplifying or solving the equation involving tan(x) and tan(2x) with a square root term.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the tan(a+b) identity and question the meaning of the square root term. There are attempts to clarify the equation's format and to express it in terms of tan(x).

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various approaches to the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the rearrangement of the equation and the use of identities, but no consensus has been reached on a specific method to solve the cubic equation derived from the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster has expressed difficulty in solving cubic equations and has been encouraged to share their attempts more explicitly. There is a mention of the educational context, with the original poster identifying as a high school student.

Kishlay
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Inverse trig problem -- please help!

Homework Statement



tanx+tan2x+root3tanxtan2x=root3
find x...

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


i have tried a lot and always ended with a complicated cubic equation...
please help me by giving me a another approach to the solution
 
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I'd try using the tan(a+b) identity to reduce the equation into terms with tan(x) factors.

what is the root3 you mention? Is it some arbitrary constant?
 
yes I have tried the same thing as you have said
root3 is same as √3
 
Kishlay said:

Homework Statement



tanx+tan2x+root3tanxtan2x=root3
find x...

Do you mean:
##tan(x)+tan(2x)+\sqrt{3}*tan(x)*tan(2x)=\sqrt{3}## ?
 
Kishlay said:
yes I have tried the same thing as you have said
root3 is same as √3

and you tried using the identity tan(2x) = 2tan(x) / (1-tan^2(x))

and then collecting terms to create a cubic equation in tan(x) that's equal to zero.
 
so??
 
adjacent said:
Do you mean:
##tan(x)+tan(2x)+\sqrt{3}*tan(x)*tan(2x)=\sqrt{3}## ?

yes..
how did you typed it??
 
Kishlay said:

Homework Statement



tanx+tan2x+root3tanxtan2x=root3
find x...

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


i have tried a lot and always ended with a complicated cubic equation...
please help me by giving me a another approach to the solution

It is not enough to say what you have tried. You need to show us what you have tried.
 
adjacent said:
Do you mean:
##tan(x)+tan(2x)+\sqrt{3}*tan(x)*tan(2x)=\sqrt{3}## ?

yes... how did you typed it?
 
  • #10
Mark44 said:
It is not enough to say what you have tried. You need to show us what you have tried.

i have used the identity of tan(A+B)
then i simplified it and got a cubic equation in tanx
and i don't know how to solve a cubic...
i am a high school student :)
 
  • #11
Kishlay said:
yes... how did you typed it?

The PF website provides an advanced editor where you can enter mathematical expressions with subscripts, superscripts, summations, integrals...

Use the "Go Advanced" button to the right of the "Post Quick Reply" button next time.
 
  • #12
Kishlay said:
yes..
how did you typed it??
Latex-Quote it and see how I've written it.You have to write
Code:
## and ##
around the sentence.
 
  • #13
adjacent said:
Latex-Quote it and see how I've written it.You have to write
Code:
## and ##
around the sentence.

ok...:)
 
  • #14
Kishlay said:
i have used the identity of tan(A+B)
then i simplified it and got a cubic equation in tanx
and i don't know how to solve a cubic...
i am a high school student :)
So show us the cubic equation.

The goal of the PF forum is help you with your homework not do it for you.
 
  • #15
No need to solve a cubic equation.
Notice that √3=tan(π/3)

You can rearrange the equation as

\tan(2x)(1+\sqrt3 \tan(x))=\sqrt3 - \tan(x)

that is

\tan(2x)=\frac{\sqrt3 - \tan(x)}{1+\sqrt3 \tan(x)}

Recall that

\tan(a-b)=\frac{\tan(a) - \tan(b)}{1+\tan(a) \tan(b)}



ehild
 
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  • #16
Mark44 said:
It is not enough to say what you have tried. You need to show us what you have tried.

i have got this equation
(tanx)3-3\sqrt{}3(tanx)2-3tanx+\sqrt{}3 =0
 
  • #17
ehild said:
No need to solve a cubic equation.
Notice that √3=tan(π/3)

You can rearrange the equation as

\tan(2x)(1+\sqrt3 \tan(x))=\sqrt3 - \tan(x)

that is

\tan(2x)=\frac{\sqrt3 - \tan(x)}{1+\sqrt3 \tan(x)}

Recall that

\tan(a-b)=\frac{\tan(a) - \tan(b)}{1+\tan(a) \tan(b)}



ehild
thanks...!
 
  • #18
You are welcome:smile:


ehild
 
  • #19
dont forget to thank ehild via the thanks button.
 
  • #20
It had been done and very properly:biggrin:

ehild
 

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