Show that ##2 {\cos \theta} +(1- \tan \theta)^2≈ 3 - 2\theta##

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical problem involving trigonometric approximations, specifically focusing on the expression ##2 {\cos \theta} +(1- \tan \theta)^2≈ 3 - 2\theta##. Participants are exploring methods to demonstrate this relationship, particularly under the assumption that ##\theta## is a small angle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various approaches to the problem, including the use of Taylor series expansions for small angles, and question the assumptions made regarding the smallness of ##\theta##. Some express confusion about the continuity between parts of the problem and seek alternative methods of solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing insights and questioning the reasoning behind certain steps. There is recognition of the need for approximations and the implications of assuming small angles, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive method or solution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of specifying that ##\theta## is a small angle for the approximations to hold, indicating a potential gap in the initial problem statement. There is also mention of the context being part of a past paper question, which may impose certain constraints on the discussion.

chwala
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Homework Statement
Show that ##2 \cos \theta +(1- \tan \theta)^2≈ 3 - 2\theta##
Relevant Equations
trigonometry
This is a past paper question...

find the solution here from ms
1645159566726.png
...wawawawawa...it took a little bit of my time because i was only thinking of taking limits...then realized that i was wrong as we have to remain with ##2θ##...i later realized that for small approximations, ##\cos θ≈1-\frac {1}{2}θ^2, \tan θ≈θ##.

Is there a different way of solving this problem?
 
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Term order of 1 comes as 2+1=3
Coefficient of ##\theta## comes as 0-2=-2
Coefficient of ##\theta^2## comes as -1+1=0
Coefficient of ##\theta^3## comes as 0+0=0
and so on.

When we write the formula
[2\ cos\theta+\sec^2\theta]+[-2\tan\theta]
=[even function of ##\theta##]+[odd function of ##\theta##]
All the even power terms come from the first term. All the odd power terms come from the second term and it is easy to get.
 
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This is the continuation of the question...part (b)... i really am not getting how they are solving this...the angles are in radians...approximation is their approach...

1645187085927.png


solution;

1645187131484.png


any better way?
 
chwala said:
any better way?
I doubt it. In this part, as in the first part, they're assuming that ##\theta## is reasonably small, so ##\sin(\theta) \approx \theta##.

Using the result of the first part of the problem, we have ##3 - 2 \theta = 28\sin(\theta) \approx 28\theta##. The result follows almost immediately.
 
Mark44 said:
I doubt it. In this part, as in the first part, they're assuming that ##\theta## is reasonably small, so ##\sin(\theta) \approx \theta##.

Using the result of the first part of the problem, we have ##3 - 2 \theta = 28\sin(\theta) \approx 28\theta##. The result follows almost immediately.
Noted ...cheers Mark.
 
chwala said:
This is the continuation of the question...part (b)... i really am not getting how they are solving this...the angles are in radians...approximation is their approach...

View attachment 297267

It would have been helpful to include, in Post #1, a statement about θ being a small angle.
 
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