How to solve this trig equation

  • Thread starter frensel
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Trig
In summary, by using the double-angle formula and identity, we were able to rewrite the equation \tan(2x)-\cot(3x)=0 as 5\tan(x)^4-10\tan(x)^2+1=0. We then found the solutions to this quartic equation to be x=\arctan\left(\sqrt{1\pm\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}\right),\pi+\arctan\left(\pm\sqrt{1\pm\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}\right),2\pi+\arctan\left(-\sqrt{1\pm\frac{2}{5}\sqrt
  • #1
frensel
20
0

Homework Statement


[tex] \tan(2x)-\cot(3x)=0 [/tex], where, [tex] 0 \le x < 2\pi [/tex]
I have tried to plot the figure of this equation, but it seems so complicated.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Using the double-angle formula [tex]\tan(2x)=\frac{2\tan(x)}{1-\tan^2(x)}[/tex] and
identity [tex]\tan(\alpha+\beta)=\frac{\tan(\alpha)+\tan(\beta)}{1-\tan(\alpha)\tan(\beta)}[/tex], we get

[tex]\tan(3x)=\tan(x+2x)=\frac{\tan(x)+\tan(2x)}{1-\tan(x)\tan(2x)}[/tex],

and then

[tex]\cot(3x)=\frac{1}{\tan(x+2x)}=\frac{1-\tan(x)\tan(2x)}{\tan(x)+\tan(2x)}=\frac{1-\tan(x)\frac{2\tan(x)}{1-\tan^2(x)}}{\tan(x)+\frac{2\tan(x)}{1-\tan^2(x)}}[/tex]

After some simplification, we have

[tex]\cot(3x)=\frac{1-3\tan^2(x)}{3\tan(x)-\tan^3(x)}[/tex]

Adding our results [tex]\tan(2x)[/tex] and [tex]\cot(3x)[/tex],
the equation can be rewritten as:

[tex]5\tan(x)^4-10\tan(x)^2+1=0[/tex]

Therefore I get:

[tex]\tan(x)=\pm\sqrt{1\pm\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}[/tex]

and

[tex]x=\pm\arctan\left(\sqrt{1\pm\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}\right)[/tex]

But it seems that my solution is not completed, some solutions are missing.

As Mentallic mentioned, it is not appropriate to drag out the plus minus sign in the arctan function, so the solutions should be written as

[tex]x=\arctan\left(\pm\sqrt{1\pm\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}\right),\pi+\arctan\left(\pm\sqrt{1\pm\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}\right)[/tex]

However, we find that two of the eight solutions are negative, where the problem requires [tex]0 \le x < 2\pi[/tex].

These two solutions are [tex]\arctan\left(-\sqrt{1+\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}\right)[/tex] and [tex]\arctan\left(-\sqrt{1-\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}\right)[/tex]

Since for a given value [tex]y=\tan(x)[/tex], it should correspond to two angle [tex]x[/tex] for a given range [tex]0 \le x < 2\pi[/tex]. In this case, we simply add [tex]2\pi[/tex] to those two negative solutions, the correct solutions can be obtained.

Finally, we get the results:

[tex]x=\arctan\left(\sqrt{1\pm\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}\right),\pi+\arctan\left(\pm\sqrt{1\pm\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}\right),2\pi+\arctan\left(-\sqrt{1\pm\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}\right)[/tex]

However, as indicated by Mentallic at #4, we are still missing two solutions due to the fact that we simplified the equation by multiplying [tex](1-\tan^2(x))(3\tan(x)-\tan^3(x))[/tex] which is equivalent to divide the equation by [tex]\frac{1}{(1-\tan^2(x))(3\tan(x)-\tan^3(x))}[/tex]. In such case it implies that we assumed [tex]\frac{1}{(1-\tan^2(x))(3\tan(x)-\tan^3(x))}\neq 0[/tex] that in turn we lose the solutions of [tex]\frac{1}{(1-\tan^2(x))(3\tan(x)-\tan^3(x))}=0[/tex]. As a result, we need to solve equation [tex]\frac{1}{(1-\tan^2(x))(3\tan(x)-\tan^3(x))}=0[/tex] to find out the missing solutions.

Equation [tex]\frac{1}{(1-\tan^2(x))(3\tan(x)-\tan^3(x))}=0[/tex] can be rewritten as

[tex]\frac{1}{3\tan(x)-4\tan^3(x)+\tan^5(x)}=0[/tex]

That means the denominator is undefined. For [tex]\tan(x),\tan^3(x),\tan^5(x)[/tex], they have the same undefined points, which are [tex]\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{3\pi}{2}[/tex], therefore their combination [tex]3\tan(x)-4\tan^3(x)+\tan^5(x)[/tex]. In conclusion, the two missing solutions are [tex]x=\frac{\pi}{2},\frac{3\pi}{2}[/tex].
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I'm very glad you were able to apply the double-angle formulas correctly. It saves us a lot of time :smile:

ok, so as you can see all the 4 solutions for [tex]tan(x)[/tex] are real.

Now let's go back to the basics of trig for a second:

For [tex]tan(\theta)=x[/tex]

[tex]\theta=arctan(x),\pi + arctan(x)[/tex] for [tex]0\leq \theta \leq 2\pi[/tex]

Notice that this is true for all real x. Positive OR negative.

e.g. if x=1, then [tex]\theta=arctan(1),pi+arctan(1)=\frac{\pi}{4},\pi+\frac{\pi}{4}[/tex]

But if x=-1, then [tex]\theta=arctan(-1)...[/tex] and [tex]arctan(-1)=-\frac{\pi}{4}[/tex]
and the second angle will be [tex]\pi+arctan(-1)=\pi-\frac{\pi}{4}[/tex] which is in the 2nd quadrant, which should be true because that is where negative values of [tex]tan(x)[/tex] should be!


Lets now treat this question in EXACTLY the same way.

[tex]\tan(x)=\pm\sqrt{1\pm\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}[/tex]

[tex]x=arctan\left(\pm\sqrt{1\pm\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}\right) , \pi + arctan\left(\pm\sqrt{1\pm\frac{2}{5}\sqrt{5}}\right)[/tex]

Do not drag out the first [tex]\pm[/tex] because it is not always true. Actually, by thinking about it, it is rarely true.

So you have 8 values of x now, but there are 10 values. Where are the other 2?
*thinks about playing where's wally*

Anyway, before I go any further I'd like to know exactly how you started by solving in the beginning of the question - before all the algebra - to result with the quartic. Did you instantly use the double angle formulas? Did you multiply/divide by anything? etc.
 
  • #3
Mentallic, thank you for your instruction. I have written down all the steps of my solutions. Am I correct this time? I find that two of the regular solutions are negative, which are not located in the given range. But I think that it is pretty difficult to figure out these two solutions are negative, since negative values can correspond to positive angles in tan function.
 
  • #4
I have to commend you on a job well done using the tex tags. Very nicely done! :smile:

Yes you are correct thus far, and good job on noticing those negative values. You've already exceeded my expectations as I was at most hoping that you would notice them in the end when calculating the approximate solutions. Again, very nice!

ok as for the last piece to the puzzle. The last 2 solutions that are missing. The problem lies in a similar principle to this:

If you are given [tex]x^2-x=0[/tex]

Then through factorization you will have [tex]x=0,1[/tex]

But let's say you instead happen to divide through by x. Now you instead have [tex]x-1=0[/tex] and only the solution [tex]x=1[/tex].
You "lost" the solution [tex]x=0[/tex] because you divided the equation through by x and thus it is assumed that [tex]x\neq 0[/tex]


Lets go back to the question - to the algebra manipulation after the double angle formulas are used and spot the critical step that caused us to lose these two solutions:

[tex]tan(2x)-cot(3x)=0[/tex]


[tex]\frac{2\tan(x)}{1-\tan^2(x)} - \frac{1-3\tan^2(x)}{3\tan(x)-\tan^3(x)}=0[/tex]

Now you would have multiplied through by the denominators: [tex](1-\tan^2(x))(3\tan(x)-\tan^3(x))[/tex]

And finally after some more simplification you would obtain the quartic.

The problem is when you multiplied through by the denominators... Notice how this is similar to the e.g. I gave earlier because multiplying by some variable [tex]y[/tex] is the same as dividing by [tex]\frac{1}{y}[/tex] and remember that we now assume that we have not divided by 0. We should have instead "factorized" the denominator in a sense so as not to lose the solutions.

So what if [tex]\frac{1}{y}=0[/tex] ? Then we have lost one or more solutions.

This is kind of an odd situation though, because now we have to solve [tex]\frac{1}{y}=0[/tex] thus [tex]y=\frac{1}{0}[/tex] which means we are searching for where the function y is undefined. Of course this isn't a problem for the tangent function though. There are plenty of undefined points :smile:

See if you can find them.
 
  • #5
we knw tan(A+B)=tanA+ tanB/ 1-tanAtanB
hence
tanAtanB-1= -(tan A+tanB/tan(A+B))

tan2xtan3x-1/tan3x= -tan2x -tan3x / tan5x
hence solutions can be generated from
tan2x=-tan3x. hope u knw the general formula for the solns of that.
and rejecting all solns where tan5x=0.
:)
 
  • #6
zd1899 said:
we knw tan(A+B)=tanA+ tanB/ 1-tanAtanB
hence
tanAtanB-1= -(tan A+tanB/tan(A+B))

tan2xtan3x-1/tan3x= -tan2x -tan3x / tan5x
hence solutions can be generated from
tan2x=-tan3x. hope u knw the general formula for the solns of that.
and rejecting all solns where tan5x=0.
:)


I don't understand how you concluded that solutions to the OP's question will be generated from [tex]tan(2x)=-tan(3x)[/tex]. And even so, this isn't true.
Also, as for your line: " tan2xtan3x-1/tan3x= -tan2x -tan3x / tan5x "

Please attempt to at least use brackets when required, and where did the 1/tan3x come from on the LHS?
 
  • #7
Thank you for your explanation, Mentallic, it is so impressive and clear that I never think of. I provide the last two solutions now, are they correct?
 
  • #8
heh, thanks :redface:

That must be a rhetorical question, because I know there's no doubt in your mind that the last two solutions are correct :wink:

This is just as a little addition, and I'm by no means saying you were wrong at all. To solve the last equation for the undefined points (which you have re-written 4 times :tongue:) I would have gone about it like this:

[tex]\frac{1}{(1-\tan^2(x))(3\tan(x)-\tan^3(x))}[/tex]

taking the recriprocals,

[tex](1-\tan^2(x))(3\tan(x)-\tan^3(x))=\frac{1}{0}[/tex]

factorizing the LHS completely,

[tex]tan(x)(1-tan(x))(1+tan(x))(\sqrt{3}-tan(x))(\sqrt{3}+tan(x))=\frac{1}{0}[/tex]

Now there are 5 linear factors in [tex]tan(x)[/tex]
The only possible way that the multiplication of all these factors will be undefined is if the majority of factors are undefined, while the minority are zero for the same value of x.

Now I solve each factor equal to the undefined value, but quickly see that every factor will be reduced to [tex]tan(x)=\frac{1}{0}[/tex] because the constants will not affect the outcome.

i.e. [tex]tan(x)+1=\frac{1}{0}[/tex] now if you minus 1 from each side, the RHS is still undefined. (In a way, I treat it as though it is infinite)

Anyway, since all factors are the same equation, there is no need to test the solutions of x to see if there are a majority of undefined factors to zero factors because every factor will now be undefined for those values of x.

I know this is probably hard to understand as I'm struggling to understand my own words, so here is another e.g. :smile:

If we're given the equation [tex]\frac{x}{sin(x)}=0[/tex]

Now let's split up the equation into factors: [tex]x(cosec(x))=0[/tex]

So now either
[tex]x=0[/tex]
or
[tex]cosec(x)=0[/tex]
but [tex]cosec(x)\neq 0[/tex] for all real x

Therefore we only have the solution x=0

But if we test x=0 in the original equation: [tex](0)(cosec(0))=0\frac{1}{0} \neq 0[/tex]

Notice how since we didn't have a majority of zero factors to undefined factors, the solution x=0 was scrapped. Actually, since we had an equal number of zero-undefined factors, [tex]f(0)[/tex] was instead a finite, non-zero value - in this case 1.

If we tried to solve [tex]x^2cosec(x)=0[/tex] then there will be 2-zero factors while only 1-undefined factor for the value x=0, thus this equation does have the solution x=0.

Ok I think I've rambled on enough now, I think you get the point :smile:

frensel said:
I have tried to plot the figure of this equation, but it seems so complicated.
Does it still seem so complicated? :biggrin:
But I have to admit this trig question was much more complicated than I've ever been given in class. Actually I know for a fact I wouldn't have tried searching for those last two solutions in a test, because only graphing the function and counting the number of solutions made me realize I was missing them.
Answering this question perfectly with no computer programs in test conditions would be quite an impressive feat.
 
  • #9
Again, Mentallic, thank your for your detailed explanation. In fact, this is a university entrance exam question of one of the China cities. Although calculator can be used, time is severely limited, students probably need to solve this question within five to ten minutes.
 
  • #10
Do you mean graphing calculators also? Because the only thing a regular calculator can be useful in a question like this is to give the answer as approximate solutions and to quickly confirm your results are correct... It doesn't tell you anything about how many solutions there should be.
Don't be fooled by the 24hrs it took to finally have all the answers on this question posted in this thread. In a test it would probably take half that time! :wink:

It has been a pleasure helping you out frensel. Good luck with the results on that exam of yours :smile:
 
  • #11
Students only can use regular calculator which cannot plot and save any mathematical formulas. I am a science teacher in fact, and in this summer, as a tutor of a friend who will take the university entrance exam next year. But I was stuck by this trig question, it is a shame indeed.
 
  • #12
Ahh I see now. Well it would be beneficial to your student if you stress how important it is to check the final solutions are valid in the original question and if any solutions are missing like has happened here.

No shame at all, like I said, this question was tricky and unless one is very fluent with solving equations (i.e. having a good understanding of making simple manipulations and how they affect the outcome of the equation) it is more than likely mistakes will be made.
 
  • #13
When i substitute pi/2 into the original equation, cot 3x will be undefined. Can we take pi/2 as a solution?
 
  • #14
No, [tex]cot(3\pi/2)[/tex] is not undefined, it is zero. Maybe you have mistaken the cotangent function for the tangent function?
Anyway, the solutions [tex]x=\pi/2, 3\pi/2[/tex] are solutions because [tex]tan(2x)[/tex] as well as [tex]cot(3x)[/tex] are zero for both solutions of x.
 
  • #15
i don't think it is right to say that 1/undefined = 0.
 
  • #16
yes. you're right. cot (3pi/2) is not undefined. it is 1/undefined.
 
  • #17
sorry. you're right all this while.
 
  • #18
Leong said:
i don't think it is right to say that 1/undefined = 0.

Well, if you think of if as [tex]\frac{1}{0}=\infty[/tex] (it isn't really, but it's close :smile:)

Then what is the reciprocal? [tex]\frac{1}{\left(\frac{1}{0}\right)}=\frac{1}{\infty}[/tex]
and in limits, the RHS is assumed to be 0. It is not EXACTLY 0 because it still have a tiny infinitesimal value, but it is small enough to be called 0. This means the LHS is 0 also. You can also see through the division rule: [tex]1 \div \frac{1}{a} = a[/tex] in this case, a=0

This is, I believe, why an undefined value is not precisely infinite. The reciprocals give zero exactly on the LHS and an infinitesimal on the RHS (which is usually taken as zero in limits).

Leong said:
sorry. you're right all this while.

It's ok :smile: Better that you expressed your concerns than to either just be ignorant of it or accept the correct answer without question. You actually learn something this way.
 
  • #19
The given problem is tan2x - cot3x = 0
Then tan2x = cot3x = tan(π/2 -3x)
So 2x = nπ + ( π/2 - 3x)
5x = nπ + π/2
x = (2nπ + π )/10
Put n = 0, 1, 2, ...until x<2π.
Ιf you want to solve this problem within five minutes, this is one method.
 
  • #20
Mentallic said:
This is, I believe, why an undefined value is not precisely infinite. The reciprocals give zero exactly on the LHS and an infinitesimal on the RHS (which is usually taken as zero in limits).

Perhaps I'm being pedantic - or misunderstanding what you're saying - but I'm not sure I agree with your interpretation. Multiplicative inverse rules like the one you demonstrated only apply when a ≠ 0. For example, the multiplicative inverse property of R is usually defined such that: For all a in R, if a ≠ 0 then there exists an element a-1 such that a(a-1) = 1. While this may seem arbitrary this restriction is placed (among other reasons) because otherwise R would be inconsistent. Keeping this in mind, the reason that 1/0 ≠ ∞ is because it is not defined, not because working with its multiplicative inverse yields an infinitesimal - which isn't a real number - on one side of the equation and zero on the other.

Now, to address some comments on limits, it should be noted that 1/0 ≠ ∞ even when working with limits. For example suppose you have Limx -> 0 (1/x). Since x can either be positive or negative the limit diverges to negative infinity or positive infinity. It should also be noted that the notation Limx -> 0 (1/x2) = ∞ is merely shorthand. It is not meant to imply that the limit is actually convergent but rather that the function increases without bound as x -> 0. This is also why statements like 1/∞ = 0 are non-sensical, especially since ∞ is not a real number.

Perhaps I'm being too pedantic here but hopefully this makes sense. (Hurkyl will probably call me out for not mentioning the projective real numbers).
 
  • #21
rl.bhat said:
The given problem is tan2x - cot3x = 0
Then tan2x = cot3x = tan(π/2 -3x)
So 2x = nπ + ( π/2 - 3x)
5x = nπ + π/2
x = (2nπ + π )/10
Put n = 0, 1, 2, ...until x<2π.
Ιf you want to solve this problem within five minutes, this is one method.

This is beautifully done! :smile:

So much quicker, simpler and best of all, the results are easy on the eyes :!)

We can thus combine the results of each method to show that:

[tex]arctan\left(\sqrt{1-\frac{2}{\sqrt{5}}}\right)=\frac{\pi}{10}[/tex]

and similarly for all other solutions...


jgens I thank you for your input. Actually, I would hope no one takes my interpretation of undefined values as the modernly accepted understanding. I have never been taught about undefined values (the furthest our school has fondled with them is that they create asymptotes when graphing). This was all self-taught so again, I appreciate the more rigorous mathematical approach you've provided.

If I had the energy to do so, I would've instead written an undefined value as [tex]\frac{a}{0}[/tex] where a is some finite non-zero value. Would this be incorrect too? I just understand it as if this undefined value is multipled by 0, the result is a constant "a". Maybe this isn't completely correct either (or even completely wrong). Enlighten me :smile:
 
  • #22
Mentallic said:
If I had the energy to do so, I would've instead written an undefined value as [tex]\frac{a}{0}[/tex] where a is some finite non-zero value. Would this be incorrect too? I just understand it as if this undefined value is multipled by 0, the result is a constant "a". Maybe this isn't completely correct either (or even completely wrong). Enlighten me :smile:

Well, from my understanding, your definition still isn't quite right especially since a fraction of the form 0/0 is still undefined! A revised definition might be this: Any fraction of the form a/0 where a is any Real number is undefined. Here's the difficulty with doing arithmatic and algebra with undefined values - aside from the fact that they are undefined:

I assert that 4 = 5

Proof: Clearly 4(0) = 5(0) = 0. Since 4(0) = 0 it follows that 4 = 0/0 and similarly we can also find that 5 = 0/0. Therefore, by transitivity, 4 = 5. Q.E.D.

Clearly this is non-sensical!

The only other thing I would say is that 0 * (a/0) ≠ a. Equality would hold if a/0 were a Real number; however, it clearly isn't - note that to apply the properties of Real numbers you must be working with Real numbers. Hopefully this next proof should illustrate the fact.

Theorem: For any Real number x we have that 0 * x = 0

Proof: From the distibutive property of the real numbers, we clearly have that x * b = x * (b + 0) = x * b + x * 0. Since x * b = x * b + x * 0, using the additive inverse property of the Real numbers we have that 0 = x * 0. Q.E.D.

Hopefully this all makes sense!
 
  • #23
Mentallic said:
I don't understand how you concluded that solutions to the OP's question will be generated from [tex]tan(2x)=-tan(3x)[/tex]. And even so, this isn't true.
Also, as for your line: " tan2xtan3x-1/tan3x= -tan2x -tan3x / tan5x "

Please attempt to at least use brackets when required, and where did the 1/tan3x come from on the LHS?

[tex][tan(2x) * tan(3x) - 1]/ tan(3x)=0[/tex]
[tex]-[tan(2x)+ tan(3x) / tan(5x)tan(3x)]=0[/tex]
[tex]tan(2x)=-tan(3x)[/tex]


following this:
[tex]tan(a+b) = tan(a) + tan (b) / 1-tan(a)tan(b)[/tex]


[tex]tan(a)tan(b)-1 = 1[ tan(a)+ tan(b)/ tan(a+b)][/tex]
And If i am wrong somewhere correct me.
 
  • #24
jgens said:
Well, from my understanding, your definition still isn't quite right especially since a fraction of the form 0/0 is still undefined! A revised definition might be this: Any fraction of the form a/0 where a is any Real number is undefined. Here's the difficulty with doing arithmatic and algebra with undefined values - aside from the fact that they are undefined:
...
The only other thing I would say is that 0 * (a/0) ≠ a.
...
Well I was partially aware of the discrepancies of why undefined values are considered undefined. That last bit quoted is new to me though, is it really true? But thankfully, the value "a" is never known because undefined MEANS a/0 where "a" is real. Since multiplying this undefined value by 0 will now give a real, non-zero value, let's say 10, then I suppose I assumed the "a" in the undefined fraction must've been 10. Maybe it's not, but either way it doesn't matter.

zd1899 said:
[tex][tan(2x) * tan(3x) - 1]/ tan(3x)=0[/tex]
[tex]-[tan(2x)+ tan(3x) / tan(5x)tan(3x)]=0[/tex]
[tex]tan(2x)=-tan(3x)[/tex]


following this:
[tex]tan(a+b) = tan(a) + tan (b) / 1-tan(a)tan(b)[/tex]


[tex]tan(a)tan(b)-1 = 1[ tan(a)+ tan(b)/ tan(a+b)][/tex]
And If i am wrong somewhere correct me.

Sorry I still cannot follow what you've done. Maybe someone else can decipher this?
Pleae use brackets where appropriate though.

e.g. [tex]tanA+tanB/1-tanAtanB[/tex] is meant to be read as [tex]tanA+\frac{tanB}{1}-tanAtanB[/tex] so the way you are writing it, it should be written as [tex](tanA+tanB)/(1-tanAtanB)[/tex]

Please use these brackets in the correct spots, or even learn to use the fraction button in the tex tags (click on the equations I've written, it will show you what I've done). Until you do this, I won't be able to understand where exactly you've gone wrong - and you have, because your conclusion isn't a true statement.
 
  • #25
Mentallic said:
Well I was partially aware of the discrepancies of why undefined values are considered undefined. That last bit quoted is new to me though, is it really true? But thankfully, the value "a" is never known because undefined MEANS a/0 where "a" is real. Since multiplying this undefined value by 0 will now give a real, non-zero value, let's say 10, then I suppose I assumed the "a" in the undefined fraction must've been 10. Maybe it's not, but either way it doesn't matter.

The last bit is certainly true. Clearly, a/0 is not a real number - this is proven by the fact that if x is any real number, 0 * x = 0. Also, in order to claim that 0 * a/0 = a you need to use several properties of the real numbers - which don't necessarily apply since a/0 is not an element of the reals.
 

What is a trig equation?

A trig equation is an equation that involves trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, tangent, etc. These functions are used to relate the sides and angles of a triangle.

What are the steps to solve a trig equation?

The steps to solve a trig equation are as follows:

  1. Isolate the trig function on one side of the equation.
  2. Use inverse trig functions to eliminate the trig function.
  3. Solve for the variable using algebraic techniques.
  4. Check your solution by plugging it back into the original equation.

What are the common trig identities used to solve trig equations?

Some common trig identities used to solve trig equations include:

  • Pythagorean identities
  • Double angle identities
  • Sum and difference identities
  • Half angle identities

How do I know which trig identity to use?

The trig identity to use depends on the form of the equation and the trig functions involved. It is important to familiarize yourself with the various identities and practice applying them to different equations.

What are some tips for solving difficult trig equations?

Some tips for solving difficult trig equations include:

  • Identify the type of equation (e.g. linear, quadratic, etc.) and use appropriate techniques.
  • Try to simplify the equation by factoring or using trig identities.
  • Use a graphing calculator to visualize the equation and approximate solutions.
  • Practice and review various types of trig equations to become more familiar with the techniques.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
155
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
523
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
534
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
161
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
Back
Top