Quick Math: Is tan(theta) + tan(theta) equal to tan(2theta)?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the equation tan(theta) + tan(theta) = tan(2theta) and whether or not it is equal to 2tan(theta). The conclusion is that it is not equal to 2tan(theta) and that an integral can be used to find the value of the equation.
  • #1
ProBasket
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tan(theta) + tan(theta) is equal to tan(2theta) right? just want to make sure
 
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  • #2
ProBasket said:
tan(theta) + tan(theta) is equal to tan(2theta) right? just want to make sure

No. tan(theta) + tan(theta) is just 2tan(theta).

tan(2theta)=2tan(theta)/(1-tan^2(theta))
 
  • #3
NO...
[tex]tan \theta + tan \theta = 2 tan \theta = tan 2 \theta ( 1-tan^2 \theta) [/tex]
 
  • #4
yea first i thought that tan(theta) + tan(theta) was 2tan(theta), but it didnt make sense for some reason cause it's 2*tan(theta), if you did a integral, can you take out the 2? to look like [tex]2\int tan(theta)[/tex]

maybe I'm thinking too much, cause it's really really late right now, well I'm going to get some sleep. thanks for the help
 
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  • #5
ProBasket said:
yea first i thought that tan(theta) + tan(theta) was 2tan(theta), but it didnt make sense for some reason cause it's 2*tan(theta)

Yes and what you have is 1*tan (theta) + 1*tan (theta).

if you did a integral, can you take out the 2? to look like [tex]2\int tan(theta)[/tex]

An integral. Yes you can take the 2 out. You missed the d(theta) as well :smile:.
 

1. What is tan(theta)?

Tan(theta) is a trigonometric function that represents the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the length of the adjacent side in a right triangle.

2. What does the equation tan(theta) + tan(theta) = tan(2theta) mean?

This equation is known as the double angle formula for tangent, which states that the sum of two tangents is equal to the tangent of twice the angle.

3. How is this equation used in mathematics?

The double angle formula for tangent is commonly used in trigonometry and calculus to simplify complex trigonometric expressions and solve problems involving angles.

4. Is this equation always true?

Yes, the double angle formula for tangent is always true for any value of theta, as long as the tangent function is defined for that value.

5. Can you provide an example of using this equation in a real-life scenario?

One example is using the double angle formula to calculate the height of a tree. By measuring the angle of elevation to the top of the tree and the distance from the base of the tree, we can use the tangent function and the double angle formula to find the height of the tree.

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