What is x in Trig Problem with given constraints?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the equation $$\tan x = 1 + \sqrt{2}$$ within the interval $$0 < x < \frac{\pi}{2}$$. The solution involves determining the angle $$x$$ that satisfies this condition. The specific value of $$x$$ can be found using the arctangent function, yielding $$x = \tan^{-1}(1 + \sqrt{2})$$. This approach is essential for understanding trigonometric equations in specified intervals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically tangent.
  • Familiarity with the arctangent function and its properties.
  • Knowledge of the unit circle and angle measurement in radians.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations.
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  • Study the properties of the tangent function and its inverse.
  • Learn how to solve trigonometric equations in specified intervals.
  • Explore the unit circle to understand angle relationships.
  • Investigate the implications of using $$\tan^{-1}$$ in various mathematical contexts.
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Students studying trigonometry, educators teaching trigonometric functions, and anyone looking to solve trigonometric equations within specific intervals.

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Find $$x$$ such that $$\tan x=1+\sqrt2$$ and $$0<x<\dfrac{\pi}{2}$$.
 
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Since $1 + \tan x = 2 + \sqrt{2}$ and $1 - \tan x = -\sqrt{2}$, then

$$\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right) = \frac{1 - \tan x}{1 + \tan x} = \frac{-\sqrt{2}}{2 + \sqrt{2}} = -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}+1}= -\frac{1}{\tan x}.$$

Therefore,

$$1 + \tan x\, \tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right) = 0,$$

which implies

$$\frac{1 + \tan x\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)}{\tan x - \tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)} = 0,$$

or,

$$\cot\left(x + \left(\frac{\pi}{4}-x\right)\right) = 0,$$

that is,

$$\cot\left(2x - \frac{\pi}{4}\right) = 0.$$

One of the solutions to this equation is such that $2x - \frac{\pi}{4} = \frac{\pi}{2}$, or $x = \frac{3\pi}{8}$. So all solutions are of the form $\frac{3\pi}{8} + n\pi$, where $n$ ranges over the integers. Since we seek those solutions in $(0, \frac{\pi}{2})$, the only root of the original equation is $x = \frac{3\pi}{8}$.
 
$tan x = 1+ \sqrt2$
we need to get rid of $\sqrt2$
so $\tan x -1 = \sqrt 2$
or $\tan^2 x-2\tan x + 1 = 2$
or $\tan ^2 x -1 = 2\tan x$
or $\tan 2x = -\dfrac{2\tan x}{\tan^2x -1} = -1 = \tan (n\pi + \dfrac{3\pi}{4})$
$x = \dfrac{1}{2} (n\pi + \dfrac{3\pi}{4})$
so x in range is $\frac{3\pi}{8}$
 
Last edited:
greg1313 said:
Find $$x$$ such that $$\tan x=1+\sqrt2$$ and $$0<x<\dfrac{\pi}{2}$$.

My solution:

$\tan x=1+\sqrt2$

$\sin x=\cos x+\sqrt2 \cos x$

$\sin x-\cos x=\sqrt2 \cos x$

$\sqrt2(\sin (x-45^\circ))=\sqrt2 \sin(90^\circ- x)$

$\therefore 2x=135^\circ\,\,\,\rightarrow\,\,\,x=67.5^\circ$ for $$0<x<90^\circ$$.
 
greg1313 said:
Find $$x$$ such that $$\tan x=1+\sqrt2$$ and $$0<x<\dfrac{\pi}{2}$$.

Construct right-angled triangle $$ABC$$ such that $$\angle{ABC}=90^\circ,\overline{AB}=1,\overline{BC}=1+\sqrt2$$. Construct point $$D$$ on $$\overline{BC}$$ such that $$\overline{BD}=1$$.
Then $$\angle{CAD}=22.5^\circ,\angle{BAD}=45^\circ,\angle{BAC}=\angle{CAD}+\angle{BAD}=67.5^\circ$$ or $$\dfrac{3\pi}{8}$$ radians.
 

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