Is x*cos(Ax) + B*sin(Ax) = 0 Solvable for x?

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SUMMARY

The equation x*cos(Ax) + B*sin(Ax) = 0, where A and B are nonzero constants, has a trivial solution at x=0. For x≠0, the equation simplifies to x*cos(Ax) = -B*sin(Ax), leading to the form tan(Ax)/x = -1/B. This form indicates that the equation does not have an algebraic solution, confirming its intractability for general values of A and B.

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Michael12345
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Homework Equations



x*cos(Ax) + B*sin(Ax) = 0

Where A and B are nonzero constants.

The Attempt at a Solution



The only value of x where both terms are zero is x=0. All other solutions (presumably an infinite number of them) occur when:

x*cos(Ax) = -B*sin(Ax), x≠0.

This seems intractable to me, but I don't have the math skills required to recognize an equation that cannot be solved algebraically.
 
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Hi Michael! :smile:
Michael12345 said:
x*cos(Ax) = -B*sin(Ax), x≠0.

This seems intractable to me, but I don't have the math skills required to recognize an equation that cannot be solved algebraically.

You can simplify it as tan(Ax)/x = -1/B …

yes, that has no algebraic solution.
 

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