Solving Nonlinear System with 18 Solutions: 0 ≤ α, β, γ ≤ 2π

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a nonlinear system of equations involving trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on the variables α, β, and γ constrained within the interval [0, 2π]. Participants are tasked with demonstrating that this system has 18 distinct solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss substituting trigonometric functions with variables x, y, and z to linearize the system. There are attempts to analyze the augmented matrix formed from the equations. Questions arise regarding the nature of the solutions, particularly concerning the trivial solution and the uniqueness of each solution. Some participants suggest considering the periodic nature of the trigonometric functions to determine the number of solutions.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into the approach of counting solutions based on the periodicity of the sine, cosine, and tangent functions. There is an ongoing exploration of how to interpret the results from the matrix reduction and the implications for the original trigonometric equations. While some guidance has been offered regarding the counting of solutions, there is no explicit consensus on the final interpretation of the results.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the constraints on α, β, and γ imply specific ranges for the sine, cosine, and tangent functions, which may affect the number of solutions. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding the implications of a homogeneous system in relation to the augmented matrix.

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Homework Statement



Show that the following nonlinear system has 18 solutions if:

0 ≤ α ≤ 2∏
0 ≤ β ≤ 2∏
0 ≤ γ ≤ 2∏

sin(α) + 2cos(β) + 3tan(γ) = 0
2sin(α) + 5cos(β) + 3tan(γ) = 0
-sin(α) -5cos(β) + 5tan(γ) = 0

using the substitutions x = sin(α) y = cos(β) z = tan(γ)

The Attempt at a Solution


I went ahead and substituted and got:

x + 2y + 3z = 0
2x + 5y + 3z = 0
-x -5y + 5z = 0

and put it into an augmented matrix with the coefficients on one side and the constants on the other.
I also tried computing the values at 0 and 2∏ using the substitution, giving me:

[ 0 2 0 | 0 ]
[ 0 5 0 | 0 ]
[ 0 -5 0 | 0 ]

for both values, and I got 16 more matrices for all the other values that I use with these functions, I seem to be missing one. What I'm thinking about, though: don't they all contain the trivial solution? How are they each different in their own way?

Thanks for your help, PF.
 
Last edited:
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icesalmon said:

Homework Statement



Show that the following nonlinear system has 18 solutions if:

0 ≤ α ≤ 2∏
0 ≤ β ≤ 2∏
0 ≤ γ ≤ 2∏

sin(α) + 2cos(β) + 3tan(γ) = 0
2sin(α) + 5cos(β) + 3tan(γ) = 0
-sin(α) -5cos(β) + 5tan(γ) = 0

using the substitutions x = sin(α) y = cos(β) z = tan(γ)

The Attempt at a Solution


I went ahead and substituted and got:

x + 2y + 3z = 0
2x + 5y + 3z = 0
-x -5y + 5z = 0

and put it into an augmented matrix with the coefficients on one side and the constants on the other.
Okay, and what did you do with it then? What are x, y, and z?


I also tried computing the values at 0 and 2∏ using the substitution, giving me:

[ 0 2 0 | 0 ]
[ 0 5 0 | 0 ]
[ 0 -5 0 | 0 ]

for both values, and I got 16 more matrices for all the other values that I use with these functions, I seem to be missing one. What I'm thinking about, though: don't they all contain the trivial solution? How are they each different in their own way?

Thanks for your help, PF.
 


I think that you should't be substituting the values:
0 ≤ α ≤ 2∏
0 ≤ β ≤ 2∏
0 ≤ γ ≤ 2∏

This merely says that the graphs of sin cos and tan is from 0-360 degrees, so for the sin and cos grapghs it should be ne full cycle and for the tan graph it is 2 cycles.

I would think you should find the answers of the variables in the matrix and see how many time that value can occur on the specific graph. Say you get x to be 0.5, how many times can sin(α) on the graph be equal to 0.5... Well that is how I would approach this. Might be wrong but thought you would appreciate any feedback...
 


HallsofIvy said:
Okay, and what did you do with it then? What are x, y, and z?
x, y, z are variables that make the system linear, so ones I can use to row reduce the matrix after the substitution.

What I did was plug the common angles into the functions sin(alpha) cos(beta) tan(gamma), 0pi, pi/4, pi/2, 3pi/4, pi, 5pi/4 3pi/2, 7pi/4, 2pi, pi/6, pi/3, 2pi/3, 5pi/6, , 7pi/6, 4pi/3, 5pi/3, 11pi/6 but these aren't even solutions, they are values to the trig functions so I'm not sure what I did makes any sense. Let me try row reducing this, after all that's how I find solutions to any other matrix I work with.

and as expected, the trivial solution. I guess this is either solution #1 or solution #18
 
Last edited:


icesalmon said:

Homework Statement



Show that the following nonlinear system has 18 solutions if:

0 ≤ α ≤ 2∏
0 ≤ β ≤ 2∏
0 ≤ γ ≤ 2∏

sin(α) + 2cos(β) + 3tan(γ) = 0
2sin(α) + 5cos(β) + 3tan(γ) = 0
-sin(α) -5cos(β) + 5tan(γ) = 0

using the substitutions x = sin(α) y = cos(β) z = tan(γ)

The Attempt at a Solution


I went ahead and substituted and got:

x + 2y + 3z = 0
2x + 5y + 3z = 0
-x -5y + 5z = 0

and put it into an augmented matrix with the coefficients on one side and the constants on the other.
I also tried computing the values at 0 and 2∏ using the substitution, giving me:

[ 0 2 0 | 0 ]
[ 0 5 0 | 0 ]
[ 0 -5 0 | 0 ]
No one else seems to have noticed this, so I'll mention it. Your work above is incorrect.

When you have a homogeneous system (all constants on the right side are zero), you can omit that column in your augmented matrix. After all no matter what multiple of any row you add to any other row, the far right column will never have any values other than zero.

The matrix you started with --
$$ \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 2 & 3 \\ 2 & 5 & 3 \\ 1 & 5 & -5\end{bmatrix}$$
-- row reduces to the identity matrix. (Note that I multiplied the 3rd row of your matrix by -1 to get the matrix above.

Given that the matrix reduces to I3, what does that say about your solution in terms of x, y, and z?

What does it say about the solution in terms of sin(α), cos(β), and tan(γ), given the constraints on α, β, and γ?

Finally, what are the solutions for α, β, and γ?


icesalmon said:
for both values, and I got 16 more matrices for all the other values that I use with these functions, I seem to be missing one. What I'm thinking about, though: don't they all contain the trivial solution? How are they each different in their own way?

Thanks for your help, PF.
 


Mark44 said:
No one else seems to have noticed this, so I'll mention it. Your work above is incorrect.

When you have a homogeneous system (all constants on the right side are zero), you can omit that column in your augmented matrix. After all no matter what multiple of any row you add to any other row, the far right column will never have any values other than zero.

The matrix you started with --
$$ \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 2 & 3 \\ 2 & 5 & 3 \\ 1 & 5 & -5\end{bmatrix}$$
-- row reduces to the identity matrix. (Note that I multiplied the 3rd row of your matrix by -1 to get the matrix above.

Given that the matrix reduces to I3, what does that say about your solution in terms of x, y, and z?

What does it say about the solution in terms of sin(α), cos(β), and tan(γ), given the constraints on α, β, and γ?

Finally, what are the solutions for α, β, and γ?
the values for x, y, and z are the same, 0
that the solution for sin(alpha) cos(beta) and tan(gamma) are the values where these functions are zero in the interval from 0 to 2pi
I have the values, alpha = gamma = pi, 2pi and beta = pi/2 and 3pi/2. :\
 


icesalmon said:
the values for x, y, and z are the same, 0
Yes, and so you also have
sin(α) = 0
cos(β) = 0
tan(γ) = 0

Now find the solutions for these equations for α, β, and γ in the interval [0, ##2\pi##]. A sketch of the graph of each function will be helpful.

All told, you should get the 18 solutions that are mentioned in the first post.
icesalmon said:
that the solution for sin(alpha) cos(beta) and tan(gamma) are the values where these functions are zero in the interval from 0 to 2pi
I have the values, alpha = gamma = pi, 2pi and beta = pi/2 and 3pi/2. :\
 
α = sin-1(0)
β = cos-1(0)
γ = tan-1(0)

α = γ = 0∏,∏,2∏

β = ∏/2, 3∏/2

I graphed them on my calculator, the zeros I see are in accordance with my answers for alpha, beta, and gamma.

What am I not seeing here.
 
You have 3 choices for α, 2 choices for β, and 3 choices for γ. All together, you have 3 * 2 * 3 solutions.
 
  • #10
okay, why do we multiply these solutions together?
i've been counting them up individually.
 
  • #11
A solution will be the triple (α, β, γ). Since there are three choices for α, two choices for β, and three choices for γ, there will be 3 * 2 * 3 possible solutions.

Suppose you're in the market for a new car, which can come in three possible colors - red, white, black, with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine, and can come in one of three different body styles: convertible, 2-door sedan, or 4-door sedan.

Red, 4, convertible
Red, 4, 2Dr
Red, 4, 4Dr
Red, V6, convertible
Red, V6, 2Dr
Red, V6, 4Dr

These are all of the combinations with a red car. There are 6 more combinations for a white car, and 6 more for a black car, making 18 different possible choices all together.
 
  • #12
thank you.
 

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