Solve a trigonometric equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the trigonometric equation $\tan 4y=\dfrac{\cos y-\sin y}{\cos y +\sin y}$ for $y$ in the interval $0

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation $\tan 4y=\dfrac{\cos y-\sin y}{\cos y +\sin y}$ as the problem to solve.
  • Another participant reiterates the same equation, indicating a focus on the solution process.
  • A third participant introduces the identity $\frac{1-\tan y}{1+\tan y}=\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-y\right)$, prompting a question about its derivation.
  • A subsequent reply clarifies that the identity was derived using the formula for $\tan(a-b)$, specifically with $a=\pi/4$ and $b=y$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the solution method, and the discussion includes varying approaches and identities without resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to specific trigonometric identities and formulas, but does not clarify all assumptions or steps involved in the derivations presented.

anemone
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Let $y$ be in radians and $0<y<\dfrac{\pi}{4}$.

Solve for $y $ if $\tan 4y=\dfrac{\cos y-\sin y}{\cos y +\sin y}$.
 
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anemone said:
Let $y$ be in radians and $0<y<\dfrac{\pi}{4}$.

Solve for $y $ if $\tan 4y=\dfrac{\cos y-\sin y}{\cos y +\sin y}$.

We can rewrite the RHS as:
$$\tan 4y=\frac{1-\tan y}{1+\tan y}=\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-y\right)$$
$$\Rightarrow 4y=n\pi+\frac{\pi}{4}-y$$
Only n=0 gives a solution in the specified range, hence
$$y=\frac{\pi}{20}$$
 
Pranav said:
$$\frac{1-\tan y}{1+\tan y}=\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-y\right)$$

How did you get that?
It's not something you had to learn by heart did you? :rolleyes:
 
I like Serena said:
It's not something you had to learn by heart did you? :rolleyes:

Nope. :D

I used the following formula:
$$\tan(a-b)=\frac{\tan(a)-\tan(b)}{1+\tan(a)\tan(b)}$$
with $a=\pi/4$ and $b=y$. :)
 

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