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

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving two trigonometric equations: sin x = √2 cos x and sin² x - cos² x - 2sin x = 1. The first equation can be manipulated to yield tan x = √2, leading to solutions for x. The second equation simplifies using the identity sin² x + cos² x = 1, resulting in a quadratic equation y² - y - 1 = 0, where y = sin x. Both equations require a solid understanding of trigonometric identities and algebraic manipulation to find the solutions.

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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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