Solving Trig Equation: Find the Answer Quickly

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the trigonometric equation $(\sec^4 x +16)^2=2^{12}(4\tan x+1)$. The user initially attempted to solve it using the Newton-Raphson method but sought a more efficient approach. A suggested method involves substituting $\sec^2(x) = 1 + \tan^2(x)$ to simplify the equation to a function of $\tan(x)$. However, this substitution led to a more complex polynomial, ultimately requiring the Newton-Raphson method for approximate solutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically $\sec^2(x)$ and $\tan(x)$.
  • Familiarity with the Newton-Raphson method for finding roots of equations.
  • Knowledge of polynomial equations and their complexities.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills to simplify trigonometric equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced techniques for solving trigonometric equations, such as graphical methods.
  • Learn about alternative numerical methods for root-finding beyond Newton-Raphson, such as the Bisection method.
  • Study polynomial simplification techniques to manage complex equations more effectively.
  • Explore the application of trigonometric identities in solving higher-degree equations.
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Mathematicians, students studying calculus or trigonometry, and anyone interested in efficient methods for solving complex trigonometric equations.

anemone
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Hi MHB,

Do you think this problem can be approached wisely, rather than expanding it and attack it using the Newton-Raphson method (which I did)?

Problem:

Solve $(\sec^4 x +16)^2=2^{12}(4\tan x+1)$

Thanks for reading and I would appreciate it if in case, you could solve it using shortcut that I failed to acknowledge and share it with me.
 
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anemone said:
Hi MHB,

Do you think this problem can be approached wisely, rather than expanding it and attack it using the Newton-Raphson method (which I did)?

Problem:

Solve $(\sec^4 x +16)^2=2^{12}(4\tan x+1)$

Thanks for reading and I would appreciate it if in case, you could solve it using shortcut that I failed to acknowledge and share it with me.

Well writing $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \sec^2{(x)} = 1 + \tan^2{(x)} \end{align*}$ so that the equation is only in terms of $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \tan{(x)} \end{align*}$ would be a start :)
 
Prove It said:
Well writing $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \sec^2{(x)} = 1 + \tan^2{(x)} \end{align*}$ so that the equation is only in terms of $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \tan{(x)} \end{align*}$ would be a start :)

Thanks, Prove It for your reply. In fact, I solved this problem by using that substitution. I am hoping if you or anyone could find a short cut to approach the problem, since the substitution method led to a more complex polynomial and I at last have to rely wholly on the Newton-Raphson method to find the approximate answers to this problem...(Thinking)
 

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