How Do You Solve for Theta in Goniometric Equations?

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The discussion revolves around solving for θ in the equation \(\frac{I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma}} = \frac{\sin^2{\theta}}{1 + \cos^2{\theta}}\). An initial solution yields \(\theta = \arcsin{\left(\pm\frac{2 I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma}+I_{\pi}}\right)}\), while a reference paper suggests \(\theta = \arctan{\left(\pm\frac{2 I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma}-I_{\pi}}\right)}\). Participants note the importance of including square root signs in both expressions and clarify that to derive the arctan expression, one must find cosine θ and divide sine θ by cosine θ. Ultimately, it is concluded that the reference paper likely contains an error by omitting the square root in its arctan expression. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful attention to detail in mathematical derivations.
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Homework Statement


Given the following relation for θ:
\frac{I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma}} = \frac{\sin^2{\theta}}{1 + \cos^2{\theta}}
solve for θ


Homework Equations


\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1


The Attempt at a Solution


If I solve this I get: \theta = \arcsin{\left(\pm\frac{2 I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma}+I_{\pi}}\right)}
But the paper where this equation is from says: Consequently θ becomes:
\theta = \arctan{\left(\pm\frac{2 I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma}-I_{\pi}}\right)}

Is there a way to come to the arctan expression? Or is the paper wrong? I'm quite stuck.
 
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The Alchemist said:

Homework Statement


Given the following relation for θ:
\frac{I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma}} = \frac{\sin^2{\theta}}{1 + \cos^2{\theta}}
solve for θ

Homework Equations


\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1

The Attempt at a Solution


If I solve this I get: \theta = \arcsin{\left(\pm\frac{2 I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma}+I_{\pi}}\right)}
But the paper where this equation is from says: Consequently θ becomes:
\theta = \arctan{\left(\pm\frac{2 I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma}-I_{\pi}}\right)}

Is there a way to come to the arctan expression? Or is the paper wrong? I'm quite stuck.

Are you missing a square root sign on both your expressions?

Because I'm getting \theta = \arcsin{\left(\pm \sqrt{\frac{2I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma} + I_{\pi}}}\right)} = \arctan{\left(\pm \sqrt{\frac{2I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma} - I_{\pi}}}\right)}

To get the arctan expression, find cos θ then divide sin θ by cos θ to get tan θ, then take the arctangent.
 
Curious3141 said:
Are you missing a square root sign on both your expressions?

Because I'm getting \theta = \arcsin{\left(\pm \sqrt{\frac{2I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma} + I_{\pi}}}\right)} = \arctan{\left(\pm \sqrt{\frac{2I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma} - I_{\pi}}}\right)}

To get the arctan expression, find cos θ then divide sin θ by cos θ to get tan θ, then take the arctangent.

You're right I missed the square root in the arcsin, the arctan though doesn't have one!

When I solve for cosine θ \theta = \arccos{ \left( \pm \sqrt{ \frac{I_{\sigma} - I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma} + I_{\pi}}}\right)}
How can I then come to an arctan expression?
 
The Alchemist said:
You're right I missed the square root in the arcsin, the arctan though doesn't have one!

When I solve for cosine θ \theta = \arccos{\left(\pm \sqrt{\frac{I_{\sigma} - I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma} + I_{\pi}}\right)}
How can I then come to an arctan expression?

Just divide the sine by the cosine. The denominators cancel out.

There should be a sqrt on the arctan expression as well.
 
Oh, I was too dazzled! thanks for the help.
So the equation in the paper misses the sqrt...
 
The Alchemist said:
Oh, I was too dazzled! thanks for the help.
So the equation in the paper misses the sqrt...

Mistakes in print are nothing new.
 
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