Solving for Theta: Understanding the Last Step

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion centers around solving the equation 2\tan\Theta - 2 = 0 for \Theta within the interval 0 ≤ \Theta ≤ 2\pi. Participants express confusion regarding the last step in the textbook's solution, particularly the identification of \Theta=\frac{\pi}{4} and the omission of \frac{5\pi}{4} as a solution.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the reasoning behind the textbook's solution, questioning why only \frac{\pi}{4} is presented as an answer despite \frac{5\pi}{4} also being valid. There is discussion about the implications of using the inverse tangent function and the necessity of considering the periodic nature of the tangent function.

Discussion Status

Some participants have reached an understanding of the need to consider multiple solutions within the specified interval, while others are still grappling with the reasoning behind the textbook's approach. There is recognition of the importance of identifying all valid solutions, and some guidance has been provided regarding the general solution for tangent.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the constraints of the problem, particularly the specified interval for \Theta, which influences the selection of valid solutions. Participants note the absence of both solutions in the textbook's answer, raising questions about the completeness of the provided material.

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I don't really understand a step in my textbook, and I think it is better that I understand why they are doing it this way instead of just brushing it off and it coming back to haunt me later!

The question is : Solve for [tex]\Theta, 0\leq\Theta\leq2\pi[/tex]

[tex]2\tan\Theta-2=0[/tex]

I get the right answer, but their last step confuses me...

This is how they show their work :

[tex]2\tan\Theta=2[/tex]

[tex]\tan\Theta=1[/tex]

[tex]\Theta=\frac{\pi}{4}[/tex] I don't fully grasp this step...

I understand that tan is 1 at [tex]\frac{\pi}{4}[/tex] since sin and cosine are both [tex]\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}[/tex] at that point. But how can you call tan pi/2 when it also is 1 at [tex]\frac{5\pi}{4}[/tex]... Can someone explain what they are doing? They don't even give [tex]\frac{5\pi}{4}[/tex] as an answer in their equation, they just state it later in a sentence after the question.

Thanks..
 
Last edited:
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Nevermind I understand now, fairly simple. Just convert the equation to [tex]\Theta=tan^{-1}(1)[/tex]

[tex]\Theta=\frac{\pi}{4}[/tex]

This trigonometry stuff is slowly eating my brain, lol. ahh!
 
I guess I don't understand. [itex]\frac{5\pi}{4}[/itex] and [itex]\frac{\pi}{4}[/itex] both work, they are both solutions to the equation [itex]2tan\theta -2 = 0[/itex]. Reducing the equation to [itex]\theta=tan^{-1}(1)[/itex] isn't the answer since you have to pick which part of tangent you want to invert. Putting [itex]tan^{-1}(1)[/itex] into your calculator will give you [itex]\frac{\pi}{4}[/itex] but this is not the only answer. It would be if your inequality read something like [itex]0\leq \theta \leq \frac{\pi}{2}[/itex] but it doesn't. You're looking for all solutions between zero and [itex]2\pi[/itex]. I'm not sure why your book doesn't include both solutions though, that's odd. But you were right to be bothered by this.
 
hmm...[tex]\frac{\pi}{4}[/tex] is your alpha.after getting your alpha,you are suppose to use it in the general solution and for tan,it is n[tex]{pi}[/tex]+[tex]\frac{\pi}{4}[/tex] where n is all real number.since the question ask for [tex]\Theta, 0\leq\Theta\leq2\pi[/tex], the only 2 are [tex]\frac{5\pi}{4}[/tex] and [tex]\frac{\pi}{4}[/tex] coz your n can only take 0 and 1.get it?
 
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I guess that makes sense :approve: I just thought that they should show that in their algebraic answer, but what you are saying makes sense and seems to coincide with their instructions. Thanks
 

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