Finding Period, Amplitude, and Phase Shift in Trig Expressions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation cot(x) + 2csc(x) - 3 = 0, exploring various methods to find the values of x. Participants engage in mathematical reasoning, including transformations of trigonometric functions and the application of the quadratic formula. There is also a query regarding how to determine the period, amplitude, and phase shift of trigonometric expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their answers and assumptions regarding the x-axis being in radians.
  • One participant suggests rewriting the equation using sine and cosine, simplifying it, and solving for cosine, noting that θ may only be found approximately.
  • Another participant confirms the identity sin²(θ) = 1 - cos²(θ) and explores the implications for the equation.
  • A different approach is proposed involving multiplying through by sin(x) and using a linear combination identity to express the equation in a different form.
  • Participants calculate specific values for cos(θ) using the quadratic formula and provide numerical solutions, while also noting a correction in the formula used.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the solutions and inquires about determining the period, amplitude, and phase shift of trigonometric expressions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to solve the equation, with multiple approaches and calculations presented. There is also an unresolved question regarding how to find the period, amplitude, and phase shift of trigonometric expressions.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations involve assumptions about the values of trigonometric functions and the application of identities, which may not be universally agreed upon. The discussion includes various methods that may depend on different interpretations of the problem.

karush
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first not completely convinced that these answers are correct
I assume the x-axis is in radians.

also if $$2csc(\theta) = 5.633$$ but it does not cross the $$x$$ axis why then does it work in the equation

also, sure there is a better ways to solve this. but using the triangle was the just one way I could think of.
 
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Re: cot(x)+2csc(x)-3=0

I would write the equation using sine and cosine, simplify as much as possible, then express sine as 1 minus cosine squared and solve the quadratic equation to find cosine.

I suspect θ cannot be found precisely, only approximately.
 
Re: cot(x)+2csc(x)-3=0

Evgeny.Makarov said:
I would write the equation using sine and cosine, simplify as much as possible, then express sine as 1 minus cosine squared and solve the quadratic equation to find cosine.

isn't $\displaystyle\sin^2(\theta) = 1-\cos^2(\theta)$

then $\displaystyle\sin(\theta) = \sqrt{1-\cos^2(\theta)}$

if so then

$
\displaystyle
\frac{\cos{\theta}}{\sqrt{1-\cos^2{\theta}}}
+
\frac{2}{\sqrt{1-\cos^2{\theta}}}
=
\frac{\cos{\theta}+2}{\sqrt{1-\cos^2{\theta}}}
=3
$

this still looks a little daunting
 
Re: cot(x)+2csc(x)-3=0

karush said:
isn't $\displaystyle\sin^2(\theta) = 1-\cos^2(\theta)$
Yes, sorry.

karush said:
$
\displaystyle
\frac{\cos{\theta}}{\sqrt{1-\cos^2{\theta}}}
+
\frac{2}{\sqrt{1-\cos^2{\theta}}}
=
\frac{\cos{\theta}+2}{\sqrt{1-\cos^2{\theta}}}
=3
$

this still looks a little daunting
Don't be daunted. :) Multiply both sides by the denominator, take the square of both sides, denote $\cos\theta$ by $x$ and solve the resulting quadratic equation for $x$.
 
Re: cot(x)+2csc(x)-3=0

Another approach would be to multiply through by $\sin(x)$ and arrange as:

$$3\sin(x)-\cos(x)=2$$

Using a linear combination identity, we may write:

$$\sqrt{10}\sin\left(x-\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{3} \right) \right)=2$$

$$\sin\left(x-\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{3} \right) \right)=\frac{2}{\sqrt{10}}=\frac{\sqrt{10}}{5}$$

Now, using the identity $\sin(\pi-\theta)=\sin(\theta)$, can you find the solutions?
 
Re: cot(x)+2csc(x)-3=0

$$10cos^2\theta+4cos\theta-5=0$$

so from quadratic formula
$$
\cos\theta
= \frac{-2\pm 3 \sqrt{6}}{10}
=-0.934847 \text{ or }0.534847
$$

so

$$\cos^{-1}(-0.934847)=2.77862 \text{ rad} =159.20^o$$

and

$$\cos^{-1}(0.534847)=1.00647 \text{ rad} =57.67^o$$

check

$$\cot(2.77862)+2\csc(2.77862)-3=0$$
$$\cot(1.00647)+2\csc(1.00647)-3=0$$
 
Last edited:
Re: cot(x)+2csc(x)-3=0

Using the method I gave, you find:

$$x=\sin^{-1}\left(\frac{\sqrt{10}}{5} \right)+\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{3} \right)\approx1.00646975739893$$

$$x=\pi-\sin^{-1}\left(\frac{\sqrt{10}}{5} \right)+\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{3} \right)\approx2.77862400498415$$
 
Re: cot(x)+2csc(x)-3=0

karush said:
$$10cos^2\theta+4cos\theta-5=0$$

so from quadratic formula
$$
\cos\theta
= \frac{-2\pm\sqrt{6}}{10}
=-0.934847 \text{ or }0.534847
$$
This should be
\[
\cos\theta
= \frac{-2\pm3\sqrt{6}}{10}
\]
but the numerical answers are correct.
 
Re: cot(x)+2csc(x)-3=0

thanks for the solutions. learned a lot from this one:cool:

one question I have these expressions with multiple trig functions in them... how do you find out the period, amplitude and phase shift on these. or do you just look at a plot..:confused:
 

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