How to Solve a Challenging Trig Equation with Identities?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a trigonometric equation involving sine and cosine functions, specifically 2sin(4x)-sin(2x)-(√3)cos(2x)=0, with x constrained to the interval [0, 2π]. Participants are exploring various trigonometric identities and simplifications to approach the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to simplify the original equation using trigonometric identities and transformations. Some have expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of their simplifications, such as converting to 4sin2x−tan2x−√3=0 and exploring the R\sin(2x+\theta) form. Questions arise about the next steps and the overall direction of their approaches.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with multiple participants sharing their attempts and expressing confusion about the simplifications. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of Weierstrass substitution, but there is no consensus on a clear path forward. Participants continue to seek assistance and clarification on their approaches.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the original problem statement and are exploring various identities and substitutions without a complete resolution. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the equation and the need for further exploration of potential methods.

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Homework Statement


2sin(4x)-sin(2x)-(√3)cos(2x)=0

x is [0,2π]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Using trig identities:
8sinxcos3x-6sinxcosx-√3(2cos2x-1)

Please help me with this problem. I have no idea where to go from here. Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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I've further simplified it to:

4sin2x−tan2x−√3=0

Does this make it easier? Please help.
 
Last edited:
I was going to give this a try but had to head off to work, but now that I'm looking at it I'm honestly stuck as well...

kscplay said:
Using trig identities:
8sinxcos3x-6sinxcosx-√3(2cos2x-1)

This doesn't seem to be making things simpler.

kscplay said:
4sin2x−tan2x−√3=0

Does this make it easier? Please help.
I got here also and couldn't do much with it.

I also converted \sin(2x)+\sqrt{3}\cos(2x) into the R\sin(2x+\theta) form and got 2\sin(2x+\frac{\pi}{3})

so what needs to be solved now is

\sin(4x)=\sin(2x+\frac{\pi}{3})

But I'm kind of stuck here as well.

We'll get back to you!
 
sin(4x)=sin(2x+π/3)

When sin(α)=sin(β) either

α=β+2kπ

or

α=(π-β)+2kπ.

ehild
 
Last edited:
First, make everything in the angle 2x. This gives (as you already know)

4\sin(2x)\cos(2x)-\sin(2x)-(√3)\cos(2x)=0

Now the trick is to use Weierstrass substitution (which is a handy technique in integration but it works here too).

Let t=\tan(x), then

\sin(2x)=\frac{2t}{1+t^2},~\cos(2x)=\frac{1-t^2}{1+t^2}

this will give a polynomial in t which should be easier to solve.

Not saying that this is the easiest way, but it gives a solution nonetheless.
 
Thanks guys :)
 

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