Finding Coordinates for sin(2x)=1/2

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter markosheehan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Coordinates
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the coordinates for the equation sin(2x) = 1/2, specifically focusing on the values of x that satisfy this equation. Participants explore different methods and reasoning related to the periodic nature of the sine function and its implications for finding solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant attempts to find the coordinates of point P by solving sin(2x) = 1/2 but expresses confusion over the correct answer.
  • Another participant suggests that the period of sin(2x) is π and provides a solution of x = π/12 and x = 5π/12, leading to the conclusion that the coordinates are (17π/12, 1/2).
  • A different participant offers a general solution for sin(θ) = 1/2, using symmetry and periodicity to derive a formula for θ, and subsequently finds the solution for x.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the multiple values of x, specifically questioning how both π/12 and 5π/12 can be valid solutions.
  • A participant shares a diagram to aid understanding and reiterates the general solution for sin(θ) = 1/2, emphasizing the periodic nature of the sine function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the solutions for x, with some confusion about the multiple values presented. There is no consensus on the clarity of the explanations provided, and multiple approaches to the problem are discussed without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of recognizing the periodic nature of the sine function and its implications for finding solutions, but there are unresolved questions about the specific values of x and their derivations.

markosheehan
Messages
133
Reaction score
0
View attachment 5960
can some one help me with part b finding the co-ordinates of p. i tried this by letting sin 2x=1/2 but when i work out x i do not get the right answer. the right answer is (17pi/12, 1/2)
 

Attachments

  • WIN_20160906_20_40_26_Pro.jpg
    WIN_20160906_20_40_26_Pro.jpg
    63.8 KB · Views: 162
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi markosheehan. I've re-titled your thread to include a description of the problem.

Here's one way to look at it:

The period of $\sin(2x)$ is $\pi$. One solution is $x=\frac{\pi}{12}$.
The next solution occurs at $x=\frac{\pi}{2}-\frac{\pi}{12}=\frac{5\pi}{12}$.
Since $P$ is one period away from $\frac{5\pi}{12}$, the solution we seek is $(x,y)=\left(\frac{17\pi}{12},\frac12\right)$.
 
I still do not understand fully could you explain in a little more detail if possible please
 
Another way to look at it is if given:

$$\sin(\theta)=\frac{1}{2}$$

Then by symmetry and periodicity, we see the general solution is:

$$\theta=\frac{\pi}{2}\pm\frac{\pi}{3}+2k\pi=\frac{\pi}{6}(15k\pm2)$$ where $$k\in\mathbb{Z}$$

Now, referring to the graph, we see that:

$$\frac{5\pi}{2}<2x<3\pi$$

Now, substitute for $2x$, taking the larger general solution

$$\frac{5\pi}{2}<\frac{\pi}{6}(15k+2)<3\pi$$

$$15\pi<\pi(15k+2)<18\pi$$

$$15<15k+2<18$$

$$13<15k<16$$

$$\frac{13}{15}<k<\frac{16}{15}$$

Hence:

$$k\in\{1\}$$

And so the solution we need is:

$$2x=\frac{\pi}{6}(15\cdot1+2)$$

$$x=\frac{17\pi}{12}$$
 
Sorry I am slow but I don't understand how x can be pi/12 and 5pi/12
 
markosheehan said:
Sorry I am slow but I don't understand how x can be pi/12 and 5pi/12

For my approach, please refer to the following diagram:

View attachment 5961

Now, we should recognize that we must have:

$$\beta=\frac{\pi}{3}$$

And so one solution for $$\sin(\theta)=\frac{1}{2}$$ is:

$$\theta=\frac{\pi}{2}\pm\frac{\pi}{3}$$

Now, understanding that the sine function has a period of $2\pi$, we can give the general solution as:

$$\theta=\frac{\pi}{2}\pm\frac{\pi}{3}+2k\pi$$ where $k$ is an arbitrary integer.

And we can rewrite this as:

$$\theta=\frac{\pi}{6}(15k\pm2)$$

Does this make sense?
 

Attachments

  • markotrig.png
    markotrig.png
    1.5 KB · Views: 111

Similar threads

  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
994
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K