How do you solve the trigonometric equation 2tanx = 1/2tan2x?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the trigonometric equation 2tanx = 1/2tan2x. Participants are exploring the application of trigonometric identities and the implications of their manipulations in the context of this equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of double angle identities and half angle identities in their attempts to manipulate the equation. There is a question regarding the correct interpretation of the equations and the identities being applied.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the steps taken and noted potential oversights in the original poster's reasoning. There is acknowledgment of a possible solution, but also a recognition of the need to consider additional cases, such as when tanx equals zero.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the notation used in the equations, with suggestions to clarify the expressions for better understanding. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their approach and the correctness of their solution.

JohanX
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Homework Statement
Solve for X
Relevant Equations
2tanx= 1/2 tan2x
2tanx= 1/2tan2x

4tanx=2tanx / 1 - tan^2x

1- tan^2x = 2tanx / 4tanx

tan^2x = 1/2

tanx = √1/2

Textbook answer 0 ; +/- 0.615 rad

Not sure where I am going wrong.
 
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JohanX said:
Homework Statement: Solve for X
Homework Equations: 2tanx= 1/2 tan2x

2tanx= 1/2tan2x

4tanx=2tanx / 1 - tan^2x

1- tan^2x = 2tanx / 4tanx

tan^2x = 1/2

tanx = √1/2

Textbook answer 0 ; +/- 0.615 rad

Not sure where I am going wrong.
What trig identities are you using?
 
Im using the double angles, half angles:

sin^2x + cos ^2x = 1
sin(a+/-b)= sinAcosB +/- cosAsinB
cos(a+/b)= cosAcosB -/+ sinAsinB
tan(a+/-b)= tanA+/-tanB / 1-/+ tanAtanB

sin2A = 2sinAcosA
cos2A= cos^2A - sin^2A
cos2A= 1 - 2sin^2A
tan2A= 2tanA / 1 - tan^2A

sin A/2 = √1/(1-cosA)
cosA/2= √1/(1+cosA)
tanA/2= √1-cosA/1+cosA

In this question I used tan2A identity.
 
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Well, you have solve it and you haven't realized it.

##tanx=\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\Rightarrow x=tan^{-1}\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}=0.615rad##

The only step you omit is that when you divide by ##tanx## you also have to take the case where
##tanx=0\Rightarrow x=0##
 
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JohanX said:
Homework Statement: Solve for X
Homework Equations: 2tanx= 1/2 tan2x

2tanx= 1/2tan2x
4tanx=2tanx / 1 - tan^2x
<snip>
Please use parentheses. In the first equation, 1/2tan2x means ##\frac 1 2 \tan(2x)##. If you don't use LaTeX, it should be written as 1/(2 tan(2x)).
In the second equation, what you wrote on the right side means ##\frac{2\tan(x)}1 - \tan^2(x)##, which is probably not what you meant. As inline text, this should be 2 tan(x)/(1 - tan^2(x))

In the lower left corner there's a link to our LaTeX tutorial.
 
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Thanks for the help👍
 

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