Using double angles to find value of

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around using double angle identities in trigonometry to find values related to sine and cosine functions. The original poster presents a scenario involving sin²(x) and seeks guidance on the next steps in their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationships between sin(x), cos(x), and their double angle identities. There are attempts to clarify the correct formulas to use, particularly regarding sin(3x) and the application of addition and double angle formulas.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on how to approach the problem, suggesting the use of addition formulas and double angle identities. There are indications of confusion regarding the application of these formulas, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the original poster being new to the unit, which may affect their understanding of the concepts being discussed. Additionally, there are references to specific values and calculations that have not yielded the expected results, indicating potential gaps in information or understanding.

aeromat
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Homework Statement


sin2x.png

Homework Equations


doubleangleformulae.png

The Attempt at a Solution


I know the following:
sin^2x = 8/9
the hyp. is 9, the "y" value is 8.
Therefore, the "x" value has to be [tex]\sqrt{17}[/tex]

What is the next step?
 
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You are given that x is in Quadrant II, so sin(x) >= 0 and cos(x) <= 0.
You are also given that sin2(x) = 8/9, so you can easily find cos2(x).

Now find sin(x) and cos(x) by taking the square root with the appropriate sign, and you can evaluate sin(2x) = 2sin(x)cos(x).
 
Im sorry I should've really thought before I posted. I actually got through A,B, and C. However, d (with sin3(x)) is confusing me.

The double angle formula for it will be:
sin3x = sin0.5xcos0.5x correct?
But then, when I sub in known values, I don't receive the correct answer:

-10*root 2
--------------
27
 
aeromat said:
Im sorry I should've really thought before I posted. I actually got through A,B, and C. However, d (with sin3(x)) is confusing me.

The double angle formula for it will be:
sin3x = sin0.5xcos0.5x correct?
No - why would you think that. sin(3x) = sin(2x + x). Use the addition formula and then the double angle formula to get things in terms of sin(x) and cos(x), which you already know.
aeromat said:
But then, when I sub in known values, I don't receive the correct answer:

-10*root 2
--------------
27
 
I'm sorry but we just started this unit and I am not sure how I would do that:
Use the addition formula and then the double angle formula to get things in terms of sin(x) and cos(x), which you already know.
 
sin(3x) = sin(2x + x) = sin(2x)cos(x) + cos(2x)sin(x)

Then you use the double-angle formulas for sin(2x) and cos(2x).
 
Bohrok said:
sin(3x) = sin(2x + x) = sin(2x)cos(x) + cos(2x)sin(x)

Then you use the double-angle formulas for sin(2x) and cos(2x).

I'm sorry but I have no idea how you would do that. Would you mind explaining to me step-by-step? :confused:
 
Well you have sin(2x)cos(x) + cos(2x)sin(x). In other words. Use the double angle formulas for the bold areas. Like the first part would be 2sin(x)cos(x)cos(x) or 2sin(x)cos²(x). The second part is to substitute one of the double angle formulas for cos(2x), look at the second version as I think that one will help a lot, and then substitute your x values for each. Hope I make sense! :D
 

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