Mastering Double Angle Identities: Solving -2sin3θ+1=0

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation 8 sin³θ – 6 sinθ + 1 = 0, which is transformed into -2sin³θ + 1 = 0. Participants are exploring the application of double angle identities and the relationship between sin(3θ) and sin(2θ + θ).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about how to begin solving the equation. There are suggestions to consider the identity sin(3θ) = sin(2θ + θ) and to expand expressions. Questions arise regarding the transition identity needed to connect various trigonometric identities.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants attempting to clarify their understanding of the problem and the identities involved. Some guidance has been offered, such as expanding expressions and considering different approaches, but there is no explicit consensus on the next steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the distinction between proving identities and solving conditional equations, indicating some confusion about the nature of the problem. There is also mention of specific values for theta and their implications for the equation.

lioric
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Homework Statement


8 sin3 θ – 6 sin θ + 1 = 0

The answer includes changing this to
-2sin3θ+1=0

Homework Equations


The double angle identities
Sin2θ=sinθcosθ+cosθsinθ

The Attempt at a Solution



I do not know how to get started with this question
 
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lioric said:

Homework Statement


8 sin3 θ – 6 sin θ + 1 = 0

The answer includes changing this to
-2sin3θ+1=0

Homework Equations


The double angle identities
Sin2θ=sinθcosθ+cosθsinθ

The Attempt at a Solution



I do not know how to get started with this question

You could try looking at ##\sin(3\theta) = \sin(2\theta + \theta)##.
 
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PeroK said:
You could try looking at ##\sin(3\theta) = \sin(2\theta + \theta)##.
I am familiar with that
Which is the double angle identity
But I fail to see the the relation
I believe that I am missing the transition identity which brings them together
Could you point it out for me please
 
lioric said:
I am familiar with that
Which is the double angle identity
But I fail to see the the relation
I believe that I am missing the transition identity which brings them together
Could you point it out for me please

Expand the expression in post #2. And then have another think.
 
Last edited:
PeroK said:
Expand the expression in post #2. And then have another think.
This what I came to when I expanded
What do I do from there
IMG_0400.JPG
 

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lioric said:
This what I came to when I expanded
What do I do from there
View attachment 221431

So, what do you get for ##2 \sin 3\theta ?##
 
Ray Vickson said:
So, what do you get for ##2 \sin 3\theta ?##
Oh
You mean twice that huh ok let me see
 
lioric said:
Oh
You mean twice that huh ok let me see
Thank you got it now
Thank you very much
IMG_0401.JPG
 

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lioric said:

Homework Statement


8 sin3 θ – 6 sin θ + 1 = 0

The answer includes changing this to
-2sin3θ+1=0

Homework Equations


The double angle identities
Sin2θ=sinθcosθ+cosθsinθ

The Attempt at a Solution



I do not know how to get started with this question
It can't be an identity, because when I substitute 90 degrees for theta it comes out to - 8 - 6 + 1 = 0. What is it you are supposed to do? Solve for theta?
 
  • #10
PeroK said:
You could try looking at ##\sin(3\theta) = \sin(2\theta + \theta)##.

lioric said:
I am familiar with that
Which is the double angle identity
No, PeroK is setting up to use an addition formula, not a double angle identity.

You seem to be confused about the concepts of proving an identity versus solving a conditional equation. This problem, which you mistakenly titled "I need help with this identity," actually entails solving an equation.

The difference between these two kinds of equations is that an identity is true for all values of the variable; for example, ##\sin^2(\theta) + \cos^2(\theta) = 1##. A conditional equation is one that is true for a limited number of values of the variable; for example ##x^2 - 2x + 1 = 0##.
 
  • #11
lioric said:
8 sin3 θ – 6 sin θ + 1 = 0

The answer includes changing this to
-2sin3θ+1=0
Only tangentially related (pun intended), but this problem has interesting historical importance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angle_trisection
 

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