How do I solve this trigonometry equation involving sine and cosine?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the trigonometric equation \(2\sin(u)\cos(u) = 0\) within the interval \(0 \leq u \leq 2\pi\). Participants explore the implications of the equation and the relationships between sine and cosine functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the transformation of the equation into \( \sin(2u) = 0 \) and consider the implications of this identity. There are attempts to derive values for \(u\) based on the zeros of sine and cosine functions, with some questioning the necessity of considering both factors in the equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering various insights and interpretations. Some have suggested specific values for \(u\) based on the zeros of sine and cosine, while others are exploring how to present their findings effectively. There is no explicit consensus, but multiple approaches are being examined.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of the specified range for \(u\) and the implications of the double angle identity. There are ongoing discussions about how to properly show work for the problem, reflecting the constraints of the homework assignment.

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Homework Statement


Solve the following equation, where 0 [tex]\leq[/tex]u [tex]\leq[/tex] 2pi [360 degrees]

2sinucosu = 0

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



(2sinucosu/2) = (0/2)

sinucosu = 0
 
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Try seeing if there's a specific trig identity to help you :wink:
 
sin2u?

tried that as well, and not sure what to do.
 
If 2 sin(u)cos(u) = 0, then sin(2u) = 0. What can you say about 2u? You should several values for 2u, and several for u.
 
Draggu said:

Homework Statement


Solve the following equation, where 0 [tex]\leq[/tex]u [tex]\leq[/tex] 2pi [360 degrees]

2sinucosu = 0

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



(2sinucosu/2) = (0/2)

sinucosu = 0

You got to read this step by step alright no peeping into the next step.

1st step
Refer to the rule
Sin 2A=2 SinA CosA

Your range of 2U
0 [tex]\leq[/tex]u [tex]\leq[/tex] 2pi
0 [tex]\leq[/tex]2u [tex]\leq[/tex] 4pi
 
Mark44 said:
If 2 sin(u)cos(u) = 0, then sin(2u) = 0. What can you say about 2u? You should several values for 2u, and several for u.

going off of what he was saying, imagine for a second that the 2 wasn't there, so that you have sin(u)=0. For confusions sake, let's call it n now. So you've got sin(n)=0 Essentially saying the sign of some angle "n" equals 0 right? You should be able to figure out what that angle n is. If you think of it like that and can solve for n, then all you have to do now is think of n=2u, and that i think you can figure out =). Hope that wasn't too revealing =X
 
Draggu said:

Homework Statement


Solve the following equation, where 0 [tex]\leq[/tex]u [tex]\leq[/tex] 2pi [360 degrees]

2sinucosu = 0

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



(2sinucosu/2) = (0/2)

sinucosu = 0
So either sin u= 0 or cos u= 0. What values if y satisfy those?
 
HallsofIvy said:
So either sin u= 0 or cos u= 0. What values if y satisfy those?

haha.. tats true we nid consider tat factor..

Therefore u = 2pi
 
icystrike said:
haha.. tats true we nid consider tat factor..

Therefore u = 2pi

Well... I got as far as sinu = 0 . I honestly have no idea how to continue it further, since no special triangle can get you to equal 0. On a sin graph with a period of 2pi though, sin touches 0 at pi and 2pi
 
  • #10
icystrike said:
haha.. tats true we nid consider tat factor..

Therefore u = 2pi
Apparently you didn't consider it. sin(u)= 0 for more values than 2pi, cos(u)= 0 for other values.
 
  • #11
Draggu said:
Well... I got as far as sinu = 0 . I honestly have no idea how to continue it further, since no special triangle can get you to equal 0. On a sin graph with a period of 2pi though, sin touches 0 at pi and 2pi
Yes, exactly. And since your problem says "[itex]0\le u\le 2\pi[/itex], those are two solutions. Now, what values of u make cos(u)= 0?
 
  • #12
HallsofIvy said:
Yes, exactly. And since your problem says "[itex]0\le u\le 2\pi[/itex], those are two solutions. Now, what values of u make cos(u)= 0?

pi/2 and 3pi/2

I have a question though, how would I show my work for it? It's worth 6 marks...would I sketch the graph for each of them or? :)
 
  • #13
Draggu said:
pi/2 and 3pi/2

I have a question though, how would I show my work for it? It's worth 6 marks...would I sketch the graph for each of them or? :)

Also, is using cosu necessary for the equation too? If so, changing it to sin2u = 0 is irrelevant. Since sin2u = 0 and diving sin2u by 2 and 0 by 2, giving us sinu = 0 , then would cos not be apart of this?
 
  • #14
No sin(au)/a is NOT equal to sin(u).

If xy= 0, then either x= 0 or y= 0. Surely you know that?
 
  • #15
Draggu said:
Also, is using cosu necessary for the equation too? If so, changing it to sin2u = 0 is irrelevant. Since sin2u = 0 and diving sin2u by 2 and 0 by 2, giving us sinu = 0 , then would cos not be apart of this?


You should get the same solutions either way:
By solving sin(2u) = 0
By solving sin(u)cos(u) = 0
 
  • #16
But NOT by "dividing sin 2u= 0 by 2" to get sin u= 0!
 
  • #17
HallsofIvy said:
No sin(au)/a is NOT equal to sin(u).

If xy= 0, then either x= 0 or y= 0. Surely you know that?

u=theta

sin2u=0 , is the double angle identity. Sorry but cos has nothing to do with the answer.

2pi/2 = pi pi is the period.
 
  • #18
HallsofIvy said:
No sin(au)/a is NOT equal to sin(u).

If xy= 0, then either x= 0 or y= 0. Surely you know that?

u=theta

sin2u=0 , is the double angle identity. Sorry but cos has nothing to do with the answer.

(2pi/2) = pi ---->pi is the period.
 
  • #19
Draggu said:
u=theta

sin2u=0 , is the double angle identity. Sorry but cos has nothing to do with the answer.

(2pi/2) = pi ---->pi is the period.

Mark44 was right

[tex]sin(2u) = 0[/tex] is the same thing as [tex]sin(u)cos(u) = 0[/tex]. You will get the same answers either way, it is just a matter of preference.
 
  • #20
Hmm, well my answers were (pi/2), (3pi/2), 2pi, pi
 

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