What trig identity should i use for this

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an equation involving both sine and cosine functions, specifically in the context of trigonometric identities. The original poster presents a complex equation and seeks assistance in determining an effective approach to solve for β.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to manipulate the equation using trigonometric identities and considers squaring the equation to simplify it. Some participants suggest substituting constants with variables to facilitate the solving process. Others question the applicability of specific identities and express uncertainty about finding a suitable identity that could aid in the solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various approaches to the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding substitution and the potential complexity of the resulting equation, but no consensus or definitive method has emerged yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the possibility of encountering a higher-degree polynomial in the variable t, which may complicate finding exact solutions. There is also a mention of previous discussions that may relate to this problem, indicating a broader context of exploration.

Dell
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0.15348=0.1415cosβ -0.291sinβcosβ

how do i solve this equation with both sinβ and cosβ, i realize that i need to play with the identities but have had no luck,
please help

i tried squaring the whole thing, and saying cos2β=t,
then i get

0.023556=0.02t - 0.582[tex]\sqrt{t-1}[/tex][tex]\sqrt{t}[/tex] +0.08468t*(1-t)

then i have to square again to get rid of the rooy, but it seems to never end,
how else can i solve this to findβ
 
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One small thing you could do is to replace all of the fractional constants with variables, say A, B, C, and D. When you finally get solutions for t, substitute the numbers back in.

Looking at your equation, my sense is that you're going to get a 4th degree or higher equation in t, and there might not be a way to get exact solutions, but you can probably get approximate solutions to any desired precision.
 
can you not see any identities that will help me
 
None that spring readily to mind. I thought about this one in a different thread you had, but didn't get anywhere. One that comes to mind is sinb*cosb = 1/2 * sin 2b, but then you have the other cos b term, so that doesn't do any good.
 

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