How to Simplify Trigonometric Expressions?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter bomba923
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Trig
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of trigonometric expressions, specifically focusing on isolating the variable \(\theta\) in the equation \(\tan 2\theta = \frac{{2r + k\cos \theta}}{{2h - k\sin \theta}}\), with parameters \(h, k, r > 0\). Participants explore various approaches to solving this problem, including algebraic manipulations and the use of trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation \(\tan 2\theta = \frac{{2r + k\cos \theta}}{{2h - k\sin \theta}}\) and asks how to isolate \(\theta\).
  • Another participant expresses frustration at the lack of responses, emphasizing that it is a straightforward trigonometry problem.
  • A different participant challenges the original poster to demonstrate their own approach to solving the problem.
  • One participant mentions the existence of a function that is the reverse of tangent, suggesting a potential avenue for exploration.
  • Another participant rewrites the tangent double angle formula and derives a quadratic equation for \(\sin(\theta)\) based on the original equation.
  • A subsequent reply questions the accuracy of the derived expressions and points out an error in the initial steps of the trigonometric identity application.
  • There is a challenge directed at the original poster regarding their engagement in the discussion, questioning whether they are seeking help or merely testing others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the approach to solving the problem, with some providing algebraic manipulations while others critique the accuracy of those manipulations. There is no consensus on the best method to isolate \(\theta\) or on the correctness of the presented equations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants raise questions about the independence of the parameters \(h, k, r\), indicating potential dependencies that may affect the solution. Additionally, there are unresolved mathematical steps in the derivations presented.

bomba923
Messages
759
Reaction score
0
[tex]\tan 2\theta = \frac{{2r + k\cos \theta }}{{2h - k\sin \theta }}[/tex]

How to (isolate) find [tex]\theta \; {?}[/tex]
([itex]h,k,r >0[/itex])
 
Last edited:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
!Anyone?? :bugeye:
(It's just trigonometry!)
 
That's right, it's just trigonometry so how about you showing some idea of how you would at least try to solve the proglem!
 
There is a function that is the reverse of a tangent.
 
bomba923 said:
[tex]\tan 2\theta = \frac{{2r + k\cos \theta }}{{2h - k\sin \theta }}[/tex]

How to (isolate) find [tex]\theta \; {?}[/tex]
([itex]h,k,r >0[/itex])
are h,k ,r independent of each other?
 
[tex]tan(2\theta)= \frac{2tan(\theta)}{1+ tan^2(\theta)}[/tex]
[tex]= \frac{\frac{2sin(\theta)}{cos(\theta)}}{1+ \frac{sin^2(\theta)}{cos^2(\theta)}}[/tex]
[tex]= \frac{2sin(\theta)cos(\theta)}{sin^2(\theta)+ cos^2(\theta)}= 2sin(\theta)cos(\theta)[/tex]
So your equation is really
[tex]2 sin(\theta)cos(\theta)= \frac{2r+ kcos(\theta)}{2h-ksin(\theta)}[/tex]

Multiply both sides by the denominator on the right and you will have a quadratic equation for sin([itex]\theta[/itex]).
 
HallsofIvy said:
[tex]tan(2\theta)= \frac{2tan(\theta)}{1+ tan^2(\theta)}[/tex]
[tex]= \frac{\frac{2sin(\theta)}{cos(\theta)}}{1+ \frac{sin^2(\theta)}{cos^2(\theta)}}[/tex]
[tex]= \frac{2sin(\theta)cos(\theta)}{sin^2(\theta)+ cos^2(\theta)}= 2sin(\theta)cos(\theta)[/tex]
Err, so are you saying that: tan(2x) = 2sin(x) cos(x) = sin(2x)? :-p
There's a slight error in the first step. It should be:
[tex]\tan (2 \theta) = \frac{2 \tan \theta}{1 - \tan ^ 2 \theta}[/tex]. :)
---------------
@ bomba923, have you done anything? I just wonder whether you are asking others to help you or you are just challenging people...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K