Trig Problem: Where Did 50 Degrees Come From in Sin(2x)=.98?

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The discussion revolves around solving the equation Sin(2x) = 0.98 and understanding the origins of the angle values derived from it. The initial solution yields 39 degrees, but confusion arises regarding the appearance of 50 degrees as a second solution. The concept of symmetry in the sine function is clarified, emphasizing that angles can be derived from both sides of the maximum point at 90 degrees. Participants highlight the importance of graphing sine functions to visualize these relationships and deduce additional angle solutions. Ultimately, the discussion reinforces the significance of understanding sine function properties and their symmetrical nature in solving trigonometric equations.
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Homework Statement



Sin(2x)=.98

Homework Equations



I know you take arcsin of both sides and divide by 2 to get the answer which is 39, but where does this guy get 50 from? I would have assumed it occurred again at 2*39.. not 50. it is an online lecture.

The Attempt at a Solution



Arcsin of both sides solving give me 39 degrees
 

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xtrubambinoxpr said:
I know you take arcsin of both sides and divide by 2 to get the answer which is 39, but where does this guy get 50 from? I would have assumed it occurred again at 2*39.. not 50. it is an online lecture.
Wrong assumption. Look at a graph of the sine function. Draw a line across just below y=1. You should see pairs of intercepts close together. How are they related?
 
right it crosses the graph twice. just before the peak like he drew it, but how is that figured out? i know it is between half a period, or (pi) because it repeats itself after that. and in radians its .68.. help me figure this out without telling me! lol i really want to deduce it on my own
 
With the graph y=\sin(x) for 0<x<\pi what is the line of symmetry?
 
Mentallic said:
With the graph y=\sin(x) for 0<x<\pi what is the line of symmetry?

what do you mean by line of symmetry ? its in respect to the origin
 
Do you know what a line of symmetry is? It'll just take a second to understand if you look it up, it's a simple concept. And no, it's not the origin (the origin is also not a line, it's a point).
 
Mentallic said:
Do you know what a line of symmetry is? It'll just take a second to understand if you look it up, it's a simple concept. And no, it's not the origin (the origin is also not a line, it's a point).

well you mean that between 0 to pi you get sin of a value twice. like sin(60)=sin(120)..?
 
xtrubambinoxpr said:
well you mean that between 0 to pi you get sin of a value twice. like sin(60)=sin(120)..?

Yes. Basically, the line of symmetry is at x=90^o which means that the sine of an angle 2 degrees less than 90 is the same as the sine of the angle 2 degrees more, etc. In general, \sin(90^o+x)=\sin(90^o-x).

Now, at what x value does y=\sin(2x) have a maximum value? This is also the same as the line of symmetry problem I asked earlier.
 
Mentallic said:
Yes. Basically, the line of symmetry is at x=90^o which means that the sine of an angle 2 degrees less than 90 is the same as the sine of the angle 2 degrees more, etc. In general, \sin(90^o+x)=\sin(90^o-x).

Now, at what x value does y=\sin(2x) have a maximum value? This is also the same as the line of symmetry problem I asked earlier.

well it would be where sinx = 1 that's as high as it can go so x = 1/2
 
  • #10
xtrubambinoxpr said:
well it would be where sinx = 1 that's as high as it can go

Right!

xtrubambinoxpr said:
so x = 1/2

Umm... Think about this again.

Also, remember that if you're referring to degrees, you should add the sup tags (which is the x2 button located just above your post if you pick advanced edit) and put an 'o' into represent degrees.
 
  • #11
Mentallic said:
Right!



Umm... Think about this again.

Also, remember that if you're referring to degrees, you should add the sup tags (which is the x2 button located just above your post if you pick advanced edit) and put an 'o' into represent degrees.

well its at ∏/2 or 90°..
 
  • #12
Nope. if x=\pi / 2 then \sin{2x}=\sin{\pi}=0.

The 2x as opposed to just x makes a difference to where the min and max are located. \sin(ax) for some constant a will either squish or expand the sine graph.
 
  • #13
sin(2x)=1

arcsin(sin(2x))=arcsin(1)

x=arcsin(1)/2

45°.. sin(90°-x) = sin (90°+x)

90-45 = 45 ?
 
  • #14
xtrubambinoxpr said:
sin(2x)=1

arcsin(sin(2x))=arcsin(1)

x=arcsin(1)/2

45°
Up to this point, the maths tells you that the maximum is located at x=45^o, right?

xtrubambinoxpr said:
sin(90°-x) = sin (90°+x)

90-45 = 45 ?

That equality is only valid for the graph y=\sin{x} since the line of symmetry (the line that passes through the maximum) is located at x=90^o. Now we're dealing with y=\sin(2x) where you've found that the maximum is located at x=45^o so in this case, for y=\sin(2x), we have that \sin(45^o+x)=\sin(45^o-x).

So if 39.3o is one solution, then what's the other?

It would also help if you drew the graphs of sin(x) and sin(2x).
 
  • #15
Mentallic said:
Up to this point, the maths tells you that the maximum is located at x=45^o, right?



That equality is only valid for the graph y=\sin{x} since the line of symmetry (the line that passes through the maximum) is located at x=90^o. Now we're dealing with y=\sin(2x) where you've found that the maximum is located at x=45^o so in this case, for y=\sin(2x), we have that \sin(45^o+x)=\sin(45^o-x).

So if 39.3o is one solution, then what's the other?

It would also help if you drew the graphs of sin(x) and sin(2x).

ahhh i see so the first value i get for x will either be added or subtracted from the half period or however you want to phrase it. so if its 39.3° then 90°-39.3° = 50.7°
 
  • #16
xtrubambinoxpr said:
ahhh i see so the first value i get for x will either be added or subtracted from the half period or however you want to phrase it. so if its 39.3° then 90°-39.3° = 50.7°

Yep, exactly! For future reference, you should always draw your graphs, label any important info, and try to deduce any facts you may know about the symmetry or special features of the graph. It will help you immensely.
 
  • #17
Mentallic said:
Yep, exactly! For future reference, you should always draw your graphs, label any important info, and try to deduce any facts you may know about the symmetry or special features of the graph. It will help you immensely.

thanks man! really appreciate it!
 
  • #18
Happy to help :smile:
 
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