Trigonometry solutions Question

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around solving the equation tan(x) = 2cos(x) + 1 for 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π. Participants suggest starting by substituting tan(x) with sin(x)/cos(x) to simplify the equation. It is noted that the problem is complex and may exceed typical high school mathematics, with WolframAlpha providing analytical solutions. A recommended approach is to express the equation as a polynomial in cos(x) and then find the roots using methods like Newton's method. Plotting the polynomial is also advised to visualize potential solutions.
PhamCy
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Summary: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/trigonometry-question.977263/

Here's the question.
Find the solutions of the equation tan(x)=2cos(x)+1 if 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π.
I know this question can be solved by observing the graph but is there any other ways (like algorithms OR some Trigonometry rules) to solve this, I couldn't figure that out.
Thank you for those who noticed my question.

[Moderator's note: Moved from a technical forum and thus no template.]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello PhamCy, :welcome: !

Nice try, but PF asks a little more from you: make a start with the solution and we'll help you.

For example: substitute ##\tan x = {\sin x\over \cos x}## and see where it leads you
 
  • Like
Likes Greg Bernhardt
BvU said:
see where it leads you
Way beyond what you can solve analytically with high school mathematics. WolframAlpha knows how to solve it analytically, here is one of the solutions:

equation.png
 
Oops, I 'missed' the +1 which makes things difficult o:)
 
  • Like
Likes Delta2 and Klystron
You could express the relationship as a polynomial in ##\cos\theta##, and then find the roots of the polynomial using something like Newton's method.
 
  • Like
Likes Delta2
Turn everything into \cos x to get:
<br /> 4\cos^{4}x+4\cos^{3}x+2\cos^{2}x-1=0<br />
From here solve it using whatever method you like. I would advise you plotting the polynomial first.
 
  • Like
Likes Delta2
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?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K