Proving tan\theta=(1-\sqrt{2})cot\theta

[ron_jay]

Homework Statement

There are two inclined planes each having an inclination of \alpha. A projectile is launched from the midpoint between these two inclines such that the distance from the projectile on the ground to the inclines is x on either side.The angle of projection is \alpha + \thetaand the initial velocity is u. The projectile just grazes the lower incline(having acute angle or \alpha towards it) and lands on the other incline with an angle of 90 degrees to the incline.

Homework Equations

how do we prove that :

tan \theta=(1-\sqrt{2})cot \theta

The Attempt at a Solution

Rotate the axis by \alpha along the incline at the midpoint so that we have the angle of projection as \theta.The component acting downwards instead of g would be gcos \theta and backwards gsin \theta.Next we equate it.Right?

 

[learningphysics]

Homework Statement

There are two inclined planes each having an inclination of \alpha. A projectile is launched from the midpoint between these two inclines such that the distance from the projectile on the ground to the inclines is x on either side.The angle of projection is \alpha + \thetaand the initial velocity is u. The projectile just grazes the lower incline(having acute angle or \alpha towards it) and lands on the other incline with an angle of 90 degrees to the incline.

Homework Equations

how do we prove that :

tan \theta=(1-\sqrt{2})cot \theta

The Attempt at a Solution

Rotate the axis by \alpha along the incline at the midpoint so that we have the angle of projection as \theta.The component acting downwards instead of g would be gcos \theta and backwards gsin \theta.Next we equate it.Right?

Good idea to rotate the axes... I'm guessing there's supposed to be an \alpha in that equation you need to prove. also the downward component of gravity would be gcos\alpha and the backward would be gsin\alpha

Not sure what you meant by equate it... but treat it like an ordinary kinematics problem now... see what you can get from the kinematics equations. Note that when the object lands, the backward component of velocity is 0 (along the new axes)...

 

[pardesi]

i didn't get the question.probablya diagram should help.
well if the projectile is launcehd in between them how cum it touches both of them?

 

[ron_jay]

Good idea to rotate the axes... I'm guessing there's supposed to be an \alpha.

Not sure what you meant by equate it... but treat it like an ordinary kinematics problem now... see what you can get from the kinematics equations. Note that when the object lands, the backward component of velocity is 0 (along the new axes)...

i didn't get the question.probablya diagram should help.
well if the projectile is launcehd in between them how cum it touches both of them?

Here's a diagram which should clear your understanding.

 

[learningphysics]

Here's a diagram which should clear your understanding.

Are you sure that's what you're supposed to prove? I went through the problem and I get that relationship but I get cot\alpha on the right side.