Trig help! (2 Viewers)

JasonNg

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How do i solve this equation for x: sin2x = cosx

So confused... :(
 

deswa1

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Use double angles and factorise...



And then solve for the relevant domain. Good luck:)

Edit: Beaten :(
 

JasonNg

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But we haven't learnt that method at Harry's yet. So we have to use a different method. :S
 

JasonNg

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I'm don't know. All we've learnt is the 2-unit stuff without the formulae stuff.
 

JasonNg

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Can you guys help me with this instead. Solve for x, 2 sec^2x = 5tanx
 

CrackerMo

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Sorry to chime, but I also have a trig Q I am struggling with.

Solve sinx + cosx = cos2x using the auxiliary method.

Thanks TS and everyone else :)
 
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Carrotsticks

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Sorry to chime, but I also have a trig Q I am struggling with.

Solve sinx + cosx = cos2x for 0<x<2pi using the auxiliary method.

Thanks TS and everyone else :)
Have you learnt compound angle formulae yet, or perhaps Auxiliary angle expressions?
 

RealiseNothing

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Method 1)

sin2x = cosx

2sinxcosx= cosx

Divide both sides by cosx

2sinx = 1

sinx = 1/2

x = 30 or 150 degrees.



Method 2)

We know that sin(y) and cos(x) are equal if x+y=90

Since sin2x = cosx, we can see that 2x+x=90 (just imagine 2x being y)

Hence 3x = 90 and x = 30

But x can also equal 150 using sin(180-x) = sinx
 

JasonNg

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Repped you guys! Can you guys show me how to do this last one? Solve for x,

6 tan^2x - 4sin^2x = 1

Thanks!
 

Peeik

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Method 1)

sin2x = cosx

2sinxcosx= cosx

Divide both sides by cosx

2sinx = 1

sinx = 1/2

x = 30 or 150 degrees.
DO NOT DIVIDE ANYTHING....if you do you will overlook some solutions. Instead move over all the terms to one side then factorise.

2sinxcosx= cosx
2sinxcosx - cosx = 0
cosx(2sinx-1)=0
cosx=0 or sinx=1/2
x=90,270 or x= 30,150

Notice how you dont have the answers x=90,270?
 

Carrotsticks

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Haha nightweaver, how did you manage to get the upside down question mark?
 

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