Solving Sin(A)=Sin(B): Where did the 2nd Solution Go?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter C_Ovidiu
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equations relating the angles A and B through their sine values, specifically addressing the conditions under which sin(A) = sin(B) and the implications of this equality. Participants explore the relationships between the sides of a right triangle and the angles formed, as well as the potential for multiple solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents equations involving sin(A) and sin(B) and notes that solving sin(A) = sin(B) leads to A = B, while other equations suggest b = c and a² = bc.
  • Another participant challenges the assertion that b = c and A = B, providing a counterexample with specific values for a, b, and c, indicating that multiple solutions exist.
  • A suggestion is made to visualize the relationship between A and B using a plot of the function f(x) = sin(x)cos(x) and to represent the sides a, b, and c as line segments in a triangle.
  • One participant speculates that the equations represent a right triangle configuration, suggesting that the angles are complementary without providing specific calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the implications of the equations, particularly about whether b = c and A = B. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views on the nature of the solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the conditions a, b, c > 0 and the geometric interpretation of the equations may influence the solutions, but these aspects are not fully explored or resolved.

C_Ovidiu
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
Say we have the ecuations below a,b,c positive numbers
sin(A)=a/sqrt(a^2+b^2) 1
sin(B)=a/sqrt(a^2+c^2) 2
sin(A)cos(A)=sin(B)cos(B) 3

I realized that calculating cos(A) and cos(B) and then solving the third ecuations i get the solutions b=c and a^2=bc
But solving only sin(A)=sin(B) ( we get form 3 that A=B ) I get only b=c . I'd like to know where did the second solution go ... ??
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
did anyone suggested you of latex format
 
Nobody ( just) did
 
[tex]sin(A)\ =\ \frac{a}{\left(a^{2}+b^{2}\right)^{\frac{1}{2}}}[/tex]

[tex]sin(B)\ =\ \frac{a}{\left(a^{2}+c^{2}\right)^{\frac{1}{2}}}[/tex]

[tex]sin(A) \times cos(A)\ =\ sin(B) \times cos(B)[/tex]

Did it for you :P
 
Tks. I shall learn this latex .
 
It is not really true that b=c, or that A=B. They could be equal, but there are many solutions where they are different, for example a=sqrt(3), b=1, c=3, A=60 deg, B=30 deg.

If you draw a plot of the function f(x) = sin(x)cos(x), it could help you to visualize the relation between A and B (and thus between b and c).

Also, since a,b,c > 0, you can draw them as line segments, so it might help to draw a picture with triangles that represent eq. 1 and 2 (and where b is not necessarily equal to c).
 
Last edited:
one thing is clear seeing the eq. they certainly represent the right triangle with a perpendicular dropped on hypotensue

a=length of perpendicular
b,c sides

i hope their is no specific solution for the angles

they are just complementary

don,t go by it it is just a guess , no calculations
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K