Two trigometric functions intersect point

  • Thread starter Thread starter likeachild
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Functions Point
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the intersection of the functions tan(x) and sqrt(2) * cos(x) within the interval 0 ≤ x ≤ π/2. Participants are exploring methods to solve this without the use of a calculator.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to manipulate trigonometric identities and properties, such as using the double angle and Pythagorean identities. Others suggest that the solution may correspond to well-known angles like 30°, 45°, or 90°.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various approaches being explored. Some participants have provided hints and suggestions for constructing triangles to visualize the problem, while others have questioned the interpretation of the functions involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding whether the functions can intersect as they are not traditional formulae, leading to discussions about their graphical representation. The constraints of solving without a calculator are also emphasized.

likeachild
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



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

Homework Equations



Find [tex]x[/tex] in the range of [tex]0 \le {x} \le \frac {pi}{2}[/tex]

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 [tex]\frac {pi}{4}[/tex]
 
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 [tex]tan({x})[/tex] and [tex]sqrt{2}*cos{x}[/tex] 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
[tex]\frac{sin(x)}{cos(x)}= \sqrt{2}cos(x)[/tex]

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

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
5K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K