Solving for $\theta$ and $H$ in Trig Equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for the unknowns $\theta$ and $H$ in a system of trigonometric equations. Participants explore methods for manipulating the equations to isolate the variables, focusing on both theoretical and practical approaches to the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Participants present a system of equations involving trigonometric functions: $H\cos(\theta)+559.68=750$ and $H\sin(\theta)-124.26=0$.
  • Some participants express confusion about how to handle the sine and cosine functions when attempting to solve for one variable and substitute it into the other equation.
  • One participant suggests rewriting the system in terms of $H\cos(\theta)=a$ and $H\sin(\theta)=b$, and proposes squaring and adding the equations to eliminate $\theta$.
  • Another participant reiterates the suggestion to square and add the equations, also mentioning the possibility of dividing the second equation by the first to express the problem in terms of $\tan(\theta)$.
  • A later reply provides a detailed calculation, arriving at $H=227.29$ and $\theta=33.14^{\circ}$, while also expressing enthusiasm about the solution.
  • One participant questions whether $H$ must be positive, introducing a consideration of the sign of the variable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the necessity for $H$ to be positive, and participants have differing levels of understanding regarding the manipulation of the trigonometric equations. The discussion includes both proposed methods and calculations, but no agreement on a single approach is reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the assumptions regarding the values of $H$ and $\theta$, nor do they resolve the implications of $H$ potentially being negative. The discussion remains focused on the methods of solving the equations without definitive conclusions.

Drain Brain
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I need help finding the unknowns

$H\cos(\theta)+559.68=750$
$H\sin(\theta)-124.26=0$
 
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I need help finding the unknowns

I know I have two unknowns and two equations but sin cos made me confuse when I try to solve one of the variable and plug it in one of the equations please help. Thanks!

$H\cos(\theta)+559.68=750$
$H\sin(\theta)-124.26=0$
 
Hello. :) What have you tried?
 
I would first write the system in the form:

$$H\cos(\theta)=a$$

$$H\sin(\theta)=b$$

Square and add both equations, and you can eliminate $\theta$. What do you find?

edit: I have merged the two duplicate threads.
 
MarkFL said:
I would first write the system in the form:

$$H\cos(\theta)=a$$

$$H\sin(\theta)=b$$

Square and add both equations, and you can eliminate $\theta$. What do you find?

edit: I have merged the two duplicate threads.

Or to avoid extraneous solutions, you can divide the second equation by the first, thereby making an equation just in terms of $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \tan{(\theta )} \end{align*}$...
 
Hi MarkFL!

$\displaystyle H\cos(\theta)=a$(1)
$\displaystyle H\sin(\theta)=b$(2)

solvind for a and b

$a=190.32$
$b=124.26$

squaring and adding both equations I have

$H^2(\sin^2(\theta)+\cos^2(\theta))=(190.32)^2+(124.26)^2$
$H^2(1)= (190.32)^2+(124.26)^2$
$H=\sqrt((190.32)^2+(124.26)^2$
$H=227.29$

Solving for theta using equation (1) or (2)

Using (1)

$H\cos(\theta)=a$
$227.29\cos(\theta)=190.32$

$\theta=\cos^{-1}(\frac{190.32}{227.29})$
$\theta=33.14^{\circ}$

:))) hooray!
 
Does $H$ have to be positive?
 

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