Help Solve x = theta: cot(x) / tan(x) + 1 = tan(x) + cot(x)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation involving trigonometric identities, specifically the relationship between cotangent and tangent functions. Participants are attempting to either solve for x or prove the identity presented.

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  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring different algebraic manipulations and substitutions, such as expressing cotangent in terms of sine and cosine. There are attempts to simplify the equation and check for potential mistakes in the reasoning process.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided tips on rewriting terms and suggested checking for common denominators. There is ongoing exploration of the equation, with various interpretations of whether the goal is to solve or prove the identity.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the nature of the problem, with participants questioning whether they should be solving for x or proving the identity. Some participants express uncertainty about their current steps and seek clarification on their approaches.

mcs117
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Can anyone help me solve this equation,

x=theta

cot(x)--------------[/color]tan(x)
------------ + ----------------- = 1 + tan(x) + cot(x)
1- tan(x)----------[/color]1- cot(x)
 
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What have you done so far? Solutions are not just given away in this forum.

Is it really "solve for x" or is it "prove this"?
 
prove this.
work:
1/tan(x)--------------[/color]tan(x)
------------ + -----------------
1- tan(x)----------[/color]1- 1/tan(x)

cot(x)--------------[/color]tanˆ2(x)
------------ + -----------------
1- tan(x)----------[/color]tan(x) - 1

cot(x)--------------[/color]tanˆ2(x)
------------ - -----------------
1- tan(x)----------[/color]1 - tan(x)

this is where i got stuck on.
cot(x) - Tanˆ2(x)
-----------------
1 - tan(x)

I can't seem to get rid of the bottom and make it 1 + tan(x) + cot(x)
 
Last edited:
Hmmm, I haven't tried this problem, but just a tip, instead of writing cot as 1/tanx write it as cos/sin. Makes things simpler.

The only thing I can suggest is get common denominators on the left side.

Wait, are you trying to prove the identity?
 
Hmm...
<br /> \begin{gathered}<br /> \frac{{\cot x}}<br /> {{1 - \tan x}} + \frac{{\tan x}}<br /> {{1 - \cot x}} = 1 + \tan x + \cot x \Rightarrow \hfill \\<br /> \frac{1}<br /> {{\left( {1 - \tan x} \right)\tan x}} + \frac{{\tan ^2 x}}<br /> {{\tan x - 1}} = \frac{{\tan ^2 x + \tan x + 1}}<br /> {{\tan x}} \Rightarrow \hfill \\<br /> \frac{{1 - \tan ^3 x}}<br /> {{1 - \tan x}} = \frac{{\tan ^2 x + \tan x + 1}}<br /> {{\tan x}} \Rightarrow \hfill \\<br /> \left( {1 - \tan ^3 x} \right)\tan x = \left( {1 - \tan x} \right)\left( {\tan ^2 x + \tan x + 1} \right) \Rightarrow \hfill \\<br /> \tan x - \tan ^4 x = \tan ^2 x + \tan x + 1 - \tan ^3 x - \tan ^2 x - \tan x \Rightarrow \hfill \\<br /> \tan x\left( {1 - \tan ^3 x} \right) = 1 - \tan ^3 x \Rightarrow \tan x = 1 \Rightarrow {\text{Mistake?}} \hfill \\ <br /> \end{gathered}
 
bomba923 said:
Hmm...
<br /> \begin{gathered}<br /> \frac{{\cot x}}<br /> {{1 - \tan x}} + \frac{{\tan x}}<br /> {{1 - \cot x}} = 1 + \tan x + \cot x \Rightarrow \hfill \\<br /> \frac{1}<br /> {{\left( {1 - \tan x} \right)\tan x}} + \frac{{\tan ^2 x}}<br /> {{\tan x - 1}} = \frac{{\tan ^2 x + \tan x + 1}}<br /> {{\tan x}} \Rightarrow \hfill \\<br /> \frac{{1 - \tan ^3 x}}<br /> {{1 - \tan x}} = \frac{{\tan ^2 x + \tan x + 1}}<br /> {{\tan x}} \Rightarrow \hfill \\<br /> \left( {1 - \tan ^3 x} \right)\tan x = \left( {1 - \tan x} \right)\left( {\tan ^2 x + \tan x + 1} \right) \Rightarrow \hfill \\<br /> \tan x - \tan ^4 x = \tan ^2 x + \tan x + 1 - \tan ^3 x - \tan ^2 x - \tan x \Rightarrow \hfill \\<br /> \tan x\left( {1 - \tan ^3 x} \right) = 1 - \tan ^3 x \Rightarrow \tan x = 1 \Rightarrow {\text{Mistake?}} \hfill \\ <br /> \end{gathered}

Line 3 should be
\frac{1-tan^3x}{(1-tanx)tanx}=\frac{1+tanx+tan^2x}{tanx}

-Dan
 
mcs117 said:
prove this.
Code:
1/tan(x)           tan(x)
------------ + -----------------
1- tan(x)        1- 1/tan(x)

cot(x)            tanˆ2(x)
------------ + -----------------
1- tan(x)         tan(x) - 1

cot(x)            tanˆ2(x)
------------ - -----------------
1- tan(x)          1 - tan(x)

cot(x) - Tanˆ2(x)
-----------------
   1 - tan(x)
Well, multiply through by tan x
(1 - tan^3(x))/((tan x)(1 - tan x))
Now you can factor the numerator as a difference of cubes, and reduce.
 

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