Solving -25FCosα + 1.5FSinα= -80 with Trigonometric Identities

In summary, the given equation of -25FCosα + 1.5FSinα= -80 can be solved by using methods for solving trigonometric equations, such as rewriting it as sin(α + β)=c/√(a^2+b^2) and iterating for the angle α. With the given value of F=4kN, the equation can also be solved by finding the roots of the function f(α)=80-100cosα+6sinα and iteratively narrowing down the possible range of α until the desired precision is reached.
  • #1
Esas Shakeel
16
2
Poster has been reminded to post schoolwork in the Homework Help forums & show and attempt at a solution
-25FCosα + 1.5FSinα= -80

Can someone please solve this and tell what trigonometric identities are we going to be using this solving?
 
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  • #2
There are two unknowns in one equation, doesn't seem to be solvable.
 
  • #3
Esas Shakeel said:
-25FCosα + 1.5FSinα= -80

Can someone please solve this and tell what trigonometric identities are we going to be using this solving?
I can't think of any. For a given value of F, your best bet would be to iterate to find the angle α which satisfies this equation.
 
  • #4
You can try with some methods for solving trigonometric equations... For example putting ##X=\cos{\alpha}## and ##Y=\sin{\alpha}## you can form the system ##\left\{ \begin{array}{rl} -25FX+1.5FY=-80 \\ X^2+Y^2=1 \end{array} \right.##
 
  • #5
  • #6
In general, an equation ##a\sin(\alpha) + b\cos(\alpha)=c## can be rewritten as
##sin(\alpha + \beta)=\frac{c}{\sqrt{a²+b²}}##,
where ##\beta## satisfies ##\cos(\beta)=\frac{a}{\sqrt{a²+b²}}##, ##\sin(\beta)=\frac{b}{\sqrt{a²+b²}}##.
 
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Likes Esas Shakeel
  • #7
Ssnow said:
You can try with some methods for solving trigonometric equations... For example putting ##X=\cos{\alpha}## and ##Y=\sin{\alpha}## you can form the system ##\left\{ \begin{array}{rl} -25FX+1.5FY=-80 \\ X^2+Y^2=1 \end{array} \right.##
That still gives three unknowns with two equations.
 
  • #8
blue_leaf77 said:
That still gives three unknowns with two equations.
But F = 4 kN, according to the OP. It's still not clear if 80 is in kN or what.

Knowing a value for F, you can still solve the original equation by iterating for the angle α.

-100 kN ⋅ cos α + 6 kN ⋅ sin α = -80 kN (?)

f(α) = 80 - 100 ⋅ cos α + 6 ⋅ sin α

Code:
   α         f(α)
  Deg.       kN
  10       -17.44
  15       -15.04
  20       -11.92
  25        -8.10
  30        -3.60
  35        +1.53
α lies somewhere between 30° and 35°.

You can continue the iteration to reach the desired precision for α.
 
  • #9
Yes @blue_leaf77, it will be a system with three unknowns and two equations, or a system with two unknowns, one parameter ##F## and two equations :-D
 

1. What are Trigonometric Identities and how are they used to solve equations?

Trigonometric Identities are equations involving trigonometric functions that are true for all values of the variables. They are used to simplify and manipulate trigonometric expressions, making them easier to solve.

2. How do I know when to use Trigonometric Identities to solve an equation?

If you have an equation involving trigonometric functions and you are having trouble solving it, it is a good indication that you may need to use Trigonometric Identities. They can be especially helpful when working with complex equations or equations with multiple variables.

3. Can I use any Trigonometric Identity to solve an equation?

No, you must use the correct Trigonometric Identity for the specific equation you are trying to solve. It is important to understand the different identities and when to apply them in order to successfully solve the equation.

4. How do I use Trigonometric Identities to solve -25FCosα + 1.5FSinα= -80?

To solve this equation, you will need to use the Pythagorean Identity (sin²α + cos²α = 1) and the Double Angle Identity (sin2α = 2sinαcosα). By substituting these identities into the original equation and solving for α, you can find the value of α.

5. What are some tips for using Trigonometric Identities to solve equations?

Some helpful tips for using Trigonometric Identities include: familiarizing yourself with the different identities and when to use them, substituting the identities into the equation and simplifying before solving, and checking your work by plugging the solution back into the original equation to ensure it is correct.

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