Two trigometric functions intersect point

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the intersection point of the functions \( y = \tan(x) \) and \( y = \sqrt{2} \cos(x) \) within the range \( 0 \leq x \leq \frac{\pi}{2} \). The solution involves converting the equation \( \frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)} = \sqrt{2} \cos(x) \) into a quadratic equation in terms of \( \sin(x) \). The graphical approach suggests that the intersection occurs at \( x = \frac{\pi}{4} \), where trigonometric properties and known values of sine and cosine for standard angles can be utilized. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing key angles such as 30°, 45°, and 90° for solving trigonometric equations without a calculator.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, and tangent.
  • Familiarity with the unit circle and standard angle values (30°, 45°, 60°).
  • Ability to manipulate trigonometric identities, including the Pythagorean identity.
  • Knowledge of solving quadratic equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the quadratic equation from trigonometric identities.
  • Learn how to graph trigonometric functions and identify their intersection points.
  • Explore the properties of right-angled triangles and their relationship to trigonometric functions.
  • Practice solving trigonometric equations without a calculator using known angle values.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying trigonometry, educators teaching trigonometric functions, and anyone looking to enhance their problem-solving skills in mathematics.

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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:
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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).
 
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