Solve a trigonometric equation

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a specific trigonometric equation involving cosine and tangent functions. Participants explore various approaches to manipulate the equation and derive potential solutions, focusing on the application of trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting by moving the tangent function to the other side and applying the Pythagorean Identity to convert everything to cosines.
  • Another participant proposes that this manipulation will lead to a product of two cosines equaling one, implying both must equal one.
  • A different participant mentions that since cos²(t) is less than or equal to one and tan²(a) is greater than or equal to zero, it follows that the first term must equal one and the second term must equal zero.
  • This participant concludes that cos²(π/4(sin x + √2 cos² x)) = 1 when x = 2nπ - π/4, and identifies x = 0 as a solution, along with other solutions derived from assumptions about tan²(x).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing methods and assumptions in approaching the solution, and while some suggest specific solutions, there is no consensus on a definitive method or complete solution to the equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on various assumptions regarding the properties of trigonometric functions, and some steps in the reasoning process remain unresolved or based on conjecture rather than rigorous proof.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Solve the equation

$$\cos^2 \left(\frac{\pi}{4}(\sin x+\sqrt{2}\cos^2 x)\right)-\tan^2 \left(x+\frac{\pi}{4}\tan^2 x\right)=1$$
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
anemone said:
Solve the equation

$$\cos^2 \left(\frac{\pi}{4}(\sin x+\sqrt{2}\cos^2 x)\right)-\tan^2 \left(x+\frac{\pi}{4}\tan^2 x\right)=1$$

I would probably start by moving the tangent function to the other side and applying the Pythagorean Identity to convert everything to cosines...
 
yeah there by it will become product of 2 cosine's =1 that means both equal to 1
 
Last edited:
Prove It said:
I would probably start by moving the tangent function to the other side and applying the Pythagorean Identity to convert everything to cosines...

People posting problems in this sub-forum are presumed to already have worked out the solution in full and are posting the problem as a challenge to others to solve rather than asking for help. (Wink)
 
anemone said:
Solve the equation

$$\cos^2 \left(\frac{\pi}{4}(\sin x+\sqrt{2}\cos^2 x)\right)-\tan^2 \left(x+\frac{\pi}{4}\tan^2 x\right)=1$$

as cos^2 t < = 1 and tan ^2 a >= 0 so the 1st term is 1 and 2nd term is zero.

So cos^2(π/4(sinx+√2 cos2x)) = 1 and tan^2(x+π/4tan^2x) = 0

So (x+π/4tan^2 x) = n π , x = 0 is a solution and other solutions are
= n π – π/4(this I found by guessing tan ^2x =1 and not rigorously)

cos^2(π/4(sin x+√2cos^2x)) = 1 when x = 2 n π – π/4
hence this is the solution
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K