Finding the nontrivial zeros of Tan x = x

  • Thread starter Thread starter Firepanda
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Tan
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the nontrivial zeros of the equation Tan x = x. Participants confirm that the function has an infinite number of intersections due to the periodic nature of the tangent function and its vertical asymptotes. The first nontrivial zero is identified to lie within the range of π to 3π/2, as the tangent function is positive in this quadrant. The conversation also highlights the odd symmetry of both the tangent function and the variable λ, suggesting that solutions can also be explored in the negative direction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically the tangent function.
  • Knowledge of periodic functions and their properties.
  • Familiarity with the concept of asymptotes in mathematical functions.
  • Basic grasp of symmetry in mathematical equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the properties of periodic functions and their zeros.
  • Study the behavior of the tangent function near its vertical asymptotes.
  • Investigate the concept of odd symmetry in mathematical functions.
  • Learn about numerical methods for finding roots of equations, such as the Newton-Raphson method.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone interested in advanced trigonometric analysis and the behavior of periodic functions.

Firepanda
Messages
425
Reaction score
0
2dj9zxz.png


I can do the first part no problem.

I then drew the graph, am I right in saying there is an infinite sequence because the lines intersect an infinite amount of times, because tan is periodic and has vertical asymptotes?

I have no idea about showing why the first non rivial zero is bounded like that. I would have thought the trivial zero was at the origin, and the first non trivial was in the range of 0<lambda<pi/2.

What am I not understanding here?

Thanks

edit:

oh I think I'm suppose to be looking for solutions in the range of pi and 3pi/2?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Firepanda said:
oh I think I'm suppose to be looking for solutions in the range of pi and 3pi/2?

...because \lambda is a positive number, so the first non-trivial zero of the equation will be in the next quadrant where \tan \lambda is positive, and you're after \lambda^{2}.

[EDIT: On thinking about this a little more, we could also go in the negative direction, since \tan \lambda and \lambda both have odd symmetry and we're looking for solutions for \lambda^{2}... But it is easier to think about going in the positive direction.]

BTW, I think the problem-poser means the first non-trivial zero of the function (\tan \lambda ) - \lambda ; that last statement reads a little strangely...
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
7K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
Replies
4
Views
2K