Trig - Addition Formula Question

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The equation cos(x-60) = sin(x) can be solved by using trigonometric identities. By expressing sin(x) as cos(90-x), the equation simplifies to x-60 = 90-x, leading to the solution x = 75 + 180n, where n is an integer. This results in two specific solutions within the range of 0 to 360 degrees: x = 75 and x = 255. Alternative methods suggested include manipulating the equation to isolate terms involving sin(x) and cos(x). Ultimately, the key solutions are 75 and 255 degrees.
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Homework Statement



Solve the equation cos(x-60)=sinx

Homework Equations



cosAcosB+sinAsinB

The Attempt at a Solution



cos(x-60)=sinx
cosxcos60+sinxsin60=sinx
1/2cosx+(√3)/2sinx=sinx

How do I then solve to find x for0<x<360
 
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studentxlol said:

Homework Statement



Solve the equation cos(x-60)=sinx

Homework Equations



cosAcosB+sinAsinB

The Attempt at a Solution



cos(x-60)=sinx
cosxcos60+sinxsin60=sinx
1/2cosx+(√3)/2sinx=sinx

How do I then solve to find x for0<x<360

Subtract sin(x) from both sides.

Divide by cos(x).
 
studentxlol said:

Homework Statement



Solve the equation cos(x-60)=sinx

Homework Equations



cosAcosB+sinAsinB

The Attempt at a Solution



cos(x-60)=sinx
cosxcos60+sinxsin60=sinx
1/2cosx+(√3)/2sinx=sinx

How do I then solve to find x for0<x<360

Suggestion: don't even do it this way.

You know that sin x = cos (90-x)

So re-express RHS like that:

cos (x-60) = cos (90-x)

x-60 = 90-x + 360n (where n is an integer)

2x = 150 + 360n

x = 75 + 180n

So x = 75 or 255 for n = 0 and 1 respectively. Those are the only two solutions in the required range.
 
studentxlol said:

Homework Statement



Solve the equation cos(x-60)=sinx

Homework Equations



cosAcosB+sinAsinB

The Attempt at a Solution



cos(x-60)=sinx
cosxcos60+sinxsin60=sinx
1/2cosx+(√3)/2sinx=sinx

How do I then solve to find x for0<x<360

SammyS said:
Subtract sin(x) from both sides.

Divide by cos(x).

Did you try what I suggested ?

What did you get ?

(1/2)cos(x)+((√3)/2-1)sin(x)=0

Now, divide by cos(x) .

\displaystyle \frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)}=\tan(x) ---- Right?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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