How Do You Solve for Theta in Goniometric Equations?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for the angle θ in the context of a goniometric equation involving the ratio of intensities, Iπ and Iσ. Participants are examining the relationship between sine and cosine functions as they relate to the equation provided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different expressions for θ, including arcsin and arctan forms. There is a focus on whether square root signs are necessary in the expressions and how to derive one form from another. Questions arise about the validity of the expressions provided in the original paper.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and corrections regarding the presence of square roots in the expressions for θ. There is an ongoing exploration of how to transition from sine to tangent forms, and while some guidance has been offered, there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the original paper's equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential errors in the original paper regarding the square root in the expressions for θ, indicating a need for careful consideration of the mathematical relationships involved.

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Homework Statement


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


Homework Equations


[itex]\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


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

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:
[itex]\frac{I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma}} = \frac{\sin^2{\theta}}{1 + \cos^2{\theta}}[/itex]
solve for θ

Homework Equations


[itex]\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


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

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 [itex]\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)}[/itex]

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 [itex]\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)}[/itex]

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 [itex]\theta = \arccos{ \left( \pm \sqrt{ \frac{I_{\sigma} - I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma} + I_{\pi}}}\right)}[/itex]
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 [itex]\theta = \arccos{\left(\pm \sqrt{\frac{I_{\sigma} - I_{\pi}}{I_{\sigma} + I_{\pi}}\right)}[/itex]
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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