Solving Identifying $\theta$ in Trigonometric Equation

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter paulmdrdo1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Identity
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the trigonometric equation $\frac{\csc\theta+1}{\cot\theta}=\frac{\cot\theta}{\csc\theta-1}$. Participants explore various approaches to manipulate the equation and apply trigonometric identities to find $\theta$. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical explanations related to trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express difficulty in solving the equation and share their progress, noting transformations to $\sec\theta+\tan\theta=\frac{1}{\sec\theta-\tan\theta}$.
  • Others suggest starting with the fundamental identity $\sin^2(\theta)+\cos^2(\theta)=1$ and dividing through by $\sin^2(\theta)$ to explore further.
  • One participant introduces the identity $1+\cot^{2}\theta=\csc^{2}\theta$ and questions where to apply it in the context of the equation.
  • Another participant mentions the Difference of Two Squares factoring pattern in relation to the terms $\csc(\theta)-1$ and $\csc(\theta)+1$.
  • There is a proposal to use the identity $\cot^{2}\theta=(\csc\theta+1)(\csc\theta-1)$ to manipulate the equation further.
  • Some participants provide feedback on the clarity of expressions, suggesting corrections to typographical errors and clarifying the notation used in the equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share similar approaches and ideas, but there is no consensus on a definitive method to solve the equation or agreement on the correctness of specific manipulations. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple viewpoints presented.

Contextual Notes

Some expressions contain typographical errors, and there are unresolved steps in the manipulation of the equations. The discussion relies on various trigonometric identities, but the application of these identities is not uniformly agreed upon.

paulmdrdo1
Messages
382
Reaction score
0


Kindly help me with this problem. I'm stuck!

$\frac{\csc\theta+1}{\cot\theta}=\frac{\cot\theta}{\csc\theta-1}$

this is how far I can get to

$\sec\theta+\tan\theta=\frac{1}{\sec\theta-\tan\theta}$
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
paulmdrdo said:
Kindly help me with this problem. I'm stuck!

$\frac{\csc\theta+1}{\cot\theta}=\frac{\cot\theta}{\csc\theta-1}$

this is how far I can get to

$\sec\theta+\tan\theta=\frac{1}{\sec\theta-\tan\theta}$

I would start with
$$\sin^2(\theta)+\cos^2(\theta)=1,$$
divide through by $\sin^2(\theta)$, and see what happens.
 
Ackbach said:
I would start with
$$\sin^2(\theta)+\cos^2(\theta)=1,$$
divide through by $\sin^2(\theta)$, and see what happens.

I would have this fundamental identity

$1+\cot^{2}\theta=\csc^{2}\theta$ where should I put this?
 
paulmdrdo said:
I would have this fundamental identity

$1+\cot^{2}\theta=\csc^{2}\theta$ where should I put this?

Right. So when I see the $\csc(\theta)-1$ on one side of the equation (I mean the identity you're trying to prove), and a $\csc(\theta)+1$ on the other side of the equation, my thoughts immediately go to the Difference of Two Squares factoring pattern. Can you see what might need to happen here?
 
Ackbach said:
Right. So when I see the $\csc(\theta)-1$ on one side of the equation (I mean the identity you're trying to prove), and a $\csc(\theta)+1$ on the other side of the equation, my thoughts immediately go to the Difference of Two Squares factoring pattern. Can you see what might need to happen here?

Here it is

Using this identity $\cot^{2}\theta=(\csc\theta+1)(\csc\theta-1)$

$(\csc\theta+1)=\frac{\cot^{2}\theta}{\csc\theta-1}$

$\frac{\cot^{2}\theta}{\cot(\csc\theta-1)}=\frac{\cot\theta}{\csc\theta-1}$

$\frac{\cot\theta}{\csc\theta-1}=\frac{\cot\theta}{\csc\theta-1}$
 
paulmdrdo said:
Here it is

Using this identity $\cot^{2}\theta=(\csc\theta+1)(\csc\theta-1)$

$(\csc\theta+1)=\frac{\cot^{2}\theta}{\csc\theta-1}$

$\frac{\cot^{2}\theta}{\cot(\csc\theta-1)}=\frac{\cot\theta}{\csc\theta-1}$

You've the basic idea right, but you don't want to write $\cot(\csc(\theta)-1)$. Instead, write $\cot(\theta)(\csc(\theta)-1)$.

$\frac{\cot\theta}{\csc\theta-1}=\frac{\cot\theta}{\csc\theta-1}$

You need to clean up your equations - there are some typos in there - but I think you've got the basic idea.
 
Ackbach said:
You've the basic idea right, but you don't want to write $\cot(\csc(\theta)-1)$. Instead, write $\cot(\theta)(\csc(\theta)-1)$.
You need to clean up your equations - there are some typos in there - but I think you've got the basic idea.

I'm using my phone right now. That is why my typing is messed up. Thanks for your help though.
 
paulmdrdo said:
Thanks for your help though.

You're very welcome!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K