Solving Trig Equation: 600cosA = xcos35

  • Thread starter kirbykirbykirby
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Trig
In summary, to solve a trigonometric equation, you must use trigonometric identities and properties to manipulate the equation into a form where you can isolate the variable. The first step is to simplify the equation using these identities. To solve an equation with a variable on both sides, use inverse operations and the unit circle. The unit circle is a circle with a radius of one, used to represent values of sine, cosine, and tangent. Special cases to consider when solving trigonometric equations include multiple angles, inverse trigonometric functions, and extraneous solutions. It is important to check for these cases and use appropriate strategies to find the correct solutions.
  • #1
kirbykirbykirby
21
0
How do you solve:

600cosA = xcos35
600sinA - 100 = xsin35

The answer is supposed to be 42.9 or 90 - 42.9 for A in degrees.

That equation might not be right though because I came up with it for Physics.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
HINT: Divide one equation by the other to eliminate x.
 
  • #3
Solve for x in one equation then plug that into x for the other equation. Once you eliminate the x you should be left with only the variable A and you should be able to solve it.
 

1. How do you solve a trigonometric equation?

To solve a trigonometric equation, you must use trigonometric identities and properties to manipulate the equation into a form where you can isolate the variable. Then, use inverse operations and the unit circle to solve for the variable.

2. What is the first step in solving a trigonometric equation?

The first step in solving a trigonometric equation is to simplify the equation using trigonometric identities or properties. This will help you manipulate the equation into a form where you can isolate the variable.

3. How do you solve an equation with a variable on both sides?

To solve an equation with a variable on both sides, use inverse operations to move all terms containing the variable to one side of the equation. Then, solve for the variable by using the unit circle and trigonometric identities.

4. What is the unit circle and how is it used to solve trigonometric equations?

The unit circle is a circle with a radius of one, centered at the origin (0,0) on the coordinate plane. It is used to represent the values of sine, cosine, and tangent for any given angle. To solve trigonometric equations, you can use the values on the unit circle to find the solutions for the variable.

5. Are there any special cases to consider when solving trigonometric equations?

Yes, there are special cases to consider when solving trigonometric equations. These include equations with multiple angles, equations with inverse trigonometric functions, and equations with extraneous solutions. It is important to check for these cases and use appropriate strategies to find the correct solutions.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
611
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
536
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
522
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
747
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
1K
Back
Top