Solving Cos, Tan, and Sin Equations: Step-by-Step Guide | Homework Help

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To solve the equations sin x = √2 cos x and sin^2 x - cos^2 x - 2sin x = 1, trigonometric identities can be utilized. For the first equation, dividing by cos x leads to tan x = √2, which can be solved for x. The second equation can be transformed using the identity sin^2 x + cos^2 x = 1, simplifying it to a quadratic in terms of sin x. This results in the equation y^2 - y - 1 = 0, where y represents sin x. Both equations can yield two solutions for x based on the derived expressions.
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Homework Statement



Please help solve these two equations (giving two solutions)

sin x =√ 2 cos x

sin^2 x - cos^2 x - 2sin x = 1


Any help no matter how little is much appreciated





Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Not sure how to solve these,

thanks in advance
 
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When solving these types of equations, one method is to try and use trigonometric identities to manupulate the equations so that only one type of trigonometric function is left.

For example, with the first one, what could you divide both sides by so that there is only sin, cos or tan left over?
 
pinnacleprouk said:

Homework Statement



Please help solve these two equations (giving two solutions)

sin x =√ 2 cos x
\frac{sin x}{cos x}= tan x= \sqrt{2}
Can you solve that?

sin^2 x - cos^2 x - 2sin x = 1
Since sin^2 x+ cos^2 x= 1, cos^2 x= 1- sin^2 x so this becomes
sin^2 x- (1- sin^2 x)- 2 sin x= sin^2 x- 1+ sin^2 x- 2sin x= 1
2sin^2 x- 2sin x- 2= 0
sin^2 x- sin x- 1= 0

Let y= sin x so the equation becomes y^2- y- 1= 0.


Any help no matter how little is much appreciated





Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Not sure how to solve these,

thanks in advance
 
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