Solve x: Trig Equation (4/3)sinXcosX-sin22X=0

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving the trigonometric equation (4/3)sinXcosX - sin22X = 0 for x within the interval [0, 2π]. Participants are exploring various methods to approach the equation and discussing potential solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss factoring the equation and express uncertainty about their attempts. There is mention of using substitutions such as u = tan(x/2) to simplify the equation. Some participants question the correctness of their solutions and seek clarification on the factoring process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and corrections to each other's attempts. Some guidance has been offered regarding the factoring of the equation and the implications of the solutions found. Multiple approaches are being explored, but there is no explicit consensus on a single method.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is constrained to the interval [0, 2π], which influences the solutions being discussed. There is also a recognition of the infinite nature of the solutions outside this interval.

Cuisine123
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Homework Statement


Solve for x. x is greater than or equal to 0 and x is less than or equal to 2pi.

(4/3)sinxcosx-sin22x=0

If there is a better way to approach this question than the way I did it below, please post it.
Thanks.

Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



(4/3)sinxcosx-sin22x=0
2(2sinxcosx)-3sin22x=0
2(sin2x)-3sin22x=0
2sin2x-3sin22x=0
sin2x(2-3sinx)=0 <------I know this is incorrect. How do I factor the previous line correctly?

To solve the first part:
sin2x=0
2x=sin-1(0)=0,pi,2pi,3pi,4pi
therefore x=0, pi/2, pi, 3pi/2, 2pi

I know there are other solutions for x. Please help!
 
Last edited:
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Cuisine123 said:

The Attempt at a Solution



(4/3)sinxcosx-sin22x=0
2(2sinxcosx)-3sin22x=0
2(sin2x)-3sin22x=0
2sin2x-3sin22x=0
sin2x(2-3sinx)=0 <------I know this is incorrect. How do I factor the previous line correctly?
You just left out the factor "2" in front of x : the second factor is 2-3sin(2x).

As you have found out, the first set of solutions is x= k*pi/2, with k integer.
You get the other set by equating the second factor to zero: 2-3sin(2x)=0

ehild
 
Looks like you can solve it using the substitution [STRIKE]u = tan x[/STRIKE] u = tan(x/2)
 
Last edited:
Bohrok said:
Looks like you can solve it using the substitution u = tan x

How do I do that? Can you please explain it more clearly? Thanks.
 
ehild said:
You just left out the factor "2" in front of x : the second factor is 2-3sin(2x).

As you have found out, the first set of solutions is x= k*pi/2, with k integer.
You get the other set by equating the second factor to zero: 2-3sin(2x)=0

ehild

So if I solve for x in 2-3sin(2x)=0, I'll get the following in rad: 0.365, 1.205, 3.505, 4.345?
Someone..please correct me if I am wrong.
 
Your numbers are correct but you have infinite number of solutions, it is not enough to write down some of them.

2x=0.730+k*2pi , or
2x=pi-0.730+2k*pi=2.41+2k*pi, with k an integer (positive or negative or zero).

So your solutions are in general form:

x=0.365 + k*pi,

x=1.206 + k*pi,

and x=k*pi/2 ,

with k = integer.

k can be negative, so x can be also -2.776 or -1.936 ...

ehild
 
I had a mistake in my last message which is corrected now.

Using the substitution u = tan(x/2) gives us sin x = 2u/(u2 + 1) and cos x = (1 - u2)/(u2 + 1). Substitute those into your equation and you can rewrite it into a quadratic equation in terms of u. See if you can solve for x after you substitute tan(x/2).
 
ehild said:
Your numbers are correct but you have infinite number of solutions, it is not enough to write down some of them.
The problem statement restricts x to the interval [0,2\pi].
 
vela said:
The problem statement restricts x to the interval [0,2\pi].

Ok, your solution is correct then.

ehild
 

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