Inverse Trigonometric Problem Solve equation for x

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving the equation arctan(8x-8) = -1, which falls under the subject area of inverse trigonometric functions. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the simplification of their solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the steps taken to isolate x, including the use of the tangent function to manipulate the equation. Questions arise about the correctness of the calculations and the mode of the calculator being used.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on ensuring the calculator is set to radians and suggest checking the placement of brackets in the calculations. There is an acknowledgment of a potential misunderstanding regarding the problem context, as one participant realizes their previous answer was for a different problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the requirement to round answers to three decimal places and express uncertainty about specific values, such as tan(1). There is also mention of confusion regarding the initial problem setup.

chapsticks
Messages
38
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



arctan(8x-8)=-1

Homework Equations



I'm sure what this part wants.

The Attempt at a Solution



tan[arctan(8x-8)]=tan(-1)
8x-8=tan(-1)
x=(1/8)(tan(-1)+8)
x=(1/8)(-(tan(1)+8)
x=

I am stuck on the last part since the homework says Simplify the above equation. (Round your answers to three decimal places.) and when I put in -2.186 its wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
chapsticks said:

Homework Statement



arctan(8x-8)=-1

Homework Equations



I'm sure what this part wants.

The Attempt at a Solution



tan[arctan(8x-8)]=tan(-1)
8x-8=tan(-1)
x=(1/8)(tan(-1)+8)
x=(1/8)(-(tan(1)+8)
x=

I am stuck on the last part since the homework says Simplify the above equation. (Round your answers to three decimal places.) and when I put in -2.186 its wrong.

Your working is right. I initially thought you were putting the calculator in degrees, but that's not it. You must be doing something else wrong to get that wrong value.

Anyway, put your calculator into radians (RAD) mode and work that out again. Pay attention to where all the brackets are, better still work out what 8 - tan(1) is first, then divide by 8.
 
I do not get (1/8)(-tan(1)+8) to be equal to -2.186. How did you get that? What's tan(1)?
 
sorry I just realized that it was for a different problem my answer for this was .805
 
chapsticks said:
sorry I just realized that it was for a different problem my answer for this was .805

Right answer.
 

Similar threads

Equations of Parallel Tangent Lines to f(x)=3x(5x^2+1)
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Solve the attached problem that involves circle and tangent
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Integrating dx / (4+x^2)^2 using Trigonometric Substitution
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Trigonometric substitution of (x^2+8x)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Finding the Equation of a Tangent Line and Limits for a Curve
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Solving the Equation: 8x/(x^4+1)dx
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Equation involving inverse trigonometric function
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Trying to solve for the derivative
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Trigonometric Integral Problem
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Finding the Inverse Function of a Trigonometric Expression
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K