Problem in finding a general solution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a general solution for equations involving tangent functions, specifically focusing on the equation tan²(α) + 2√3 tan(α) = 1. Participants are exploring various approaches to derive solutions and general formulas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the Quadratic Formula and considers different cases for the general solution. Some participants suggest combining terms and exploring patterns with specific values of n. Others introduce the double-angle formulas and question how they relate to the original equation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering hints and exploring different interpretations of the equations. There is a suggestion that a hint provided by one participant may lead to a simpler solution, but no consensus has been reached on the final approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the complexity of certain terms and suggest specific values for n to simplify the expressions. The discussion includes references to external resources for double-angle formulas, indicating a reliance on established mathematical concepts.

navneet9431
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Homework Statement


thumbnail_IMG_20180713_225234 (1).jpg


Homework Equations


General Formula for Tan(a)=Tan(b)
gif.gif


The Attempt at a Solution


See the question I have uploaded.

I have tried solving it this way,

Firstly I applied the Quadratic Formula to get,

gif.gif


Now we have two cases,

CASE-1

When
12%29%3D2-%5Csqrt3.gif


So General Formula here will be,

12.gif


Now, CASE-2

when
12%29%3D-%282+%5Csqrt3%29.gif


So General Formula here will be
12.gif


I do not know what should I do next to get the answer? Please tell me how to proceed Further.

The answer given in the key is the option (C).

I will be thankful for any help!
 

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Hello,

So you need to combine ##\pi (n+ {1\over 12}) ## and ##\pi (n - {5\over 12}) ## . Leave the ##\pi## outside the brackets and try a few n. The pattern emerges !
 
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if the 6n looks scary in the option C, it is actually just ##n/2## cause ##a=(6n+1)\frac{\pi}{12}=\frac{n}{2}\pi+\frac{\pi}{12}##. From this very last expression for a, what do you get if you put
1) n=even=2k
2) n=odd=2k+1
 
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Likes   Reactions: ehild and scottdave
I think the problem is solved by @Delta2's hint, so I may come with a very simple solution of the equation tan2(α)+2√3 tan(α)=1,which can be rearranged to 1-tan2(α)=2√3 tan(α).
nπ/2 in the offered solutions suggests to solve the equation for 2α. The double-angle formula is ##\tan(2α)=\frac{2\tan(α)}{1-\tan^2(α)}##, that is ##\tan(2α)=\frac{2\tan(α)}{2\sqrt3 \tan(α)}=\frac{1}{\sqrt 3}##, that is, 2α=π/6+kπ and α=π/12+kπ/2.
 
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