Two trigometric functions intersect point

  • Thread starter Thread starter likeachild
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Functions Point
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding the intersection point of the functions tan(x) and sqrt(2) * cos(x) within the range of 0 to π/2 without using a calculator. Participants explore various trigonometric properties and suggest converting the equation into a quadratic form involving sin(x) for easier solving. The graphical approach indicates that the intersection occurs at x = π/4, where sin(x) can be expressed in terms of cos(x). Additionally, the importance of understanding basic right-angled triangles and their sine and cosine values is emphasized for solving such problems. Overall, the conversation highlights the challenge of solving trigonometric equations analytically.
likeachild
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I am trying to find out how to solve for x without a calculator.
Basically where tan({x}) and sqrt{2}*cos{x} intersect.

Homework Equations



Find x in the range of 0 \le {x} \le \frac {pi}{2}

The Attempt at a Solution



I couldn't find out how to solve this without a calculator.
I tried fooling around with the trigometric properties like the double argument and pythagorean, but I still couldn't find out.
My teacher doesn't know either. lol.

The answer by looking at it graphically is \frac {pi}{4}
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
sin(x)=sqrt(2)cos^2(x)

cos^2(x)=1-sin^2(x)

sin(x)=sqrt(2)[1-sin^2(x)]

Quadratic eqn- solve for sin(x)
 
Doing without a calculator hints that the solution might be something like 30 deg, or 45 deg, or 90 deg, etc., an angle whose sin, cos, tan you should have memorized. Let's try that...

There are 2 right-angled triangles you need to be able to sketch without even thinking:-

1) an isosceles triangle with base angles of 45 deg. (label the sides 1,1, and root something)
2) a triangle with angles of 30, 60 and 90 degrees, and sides of 1,2, and root something

Construct them. These allow you to, by inspection, write down equations for sin 45, sin 60, tan 30, tan 45, and so on.

Good luck!
 
Last edited:
likeachild said:

Homework Statement



I am trying to find out how to solve for x without a calculator.
Basically where tan({x}) and sqrt{2}*cos{x} intersect.

Since the two items noted are not formulae, as I understand it they can't intersect. What did you really mean? Are the values equal?
 
AC130Nav said:
Since the two items noted are not formulae, as I understand it they can't intersect.
Question concerns two graphs,
viz., y = tan x
and y = root2 * cos x

for x between 0 and Pi / 2 the curves intersect at one point.
 
Your equation is
\frac{sin(x)}{cos(x)}= \sqrt{2}cos(x)

Convert ever thing to sin(x) and you will have quadratic equation in sin(x).
 
  • Like
Likes roam

Similar threads

Back
Top