Isolate the trigonometric term

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 75 views

Introduction

Trigonometric equations are a fundamental concept in mathematics, and solving them is a crucial skill for students and professionals alike. In this article, we will delve into the world of trigonometric equations and provide a step-by-step guide on how to solve them. We will focus on two specific equations: $2 \cos^2 \theta + 3 \sin \theta = 3$ and $2 \sin^2 \theta = 3 - 3 \cos \theta$ . Our goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of trigonometric equations and equip readers with the necessary tools to tackle complex problems.

Trigonometric Identities

Before we dive into the solutions, it's essential to understand the basic trigonometric identities. These identities will serve as the foundation for our solutions.

Pythagorean Identity: $\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1$
Double Angle Identity: $\sin 2\theta = 2\sin \theta \cos \theta$
Half Angle Identity: $\sin \frac{\theta}{2} = \pm \sqrt{\frac{1 - \cos \theta}{2}}$

Solution to Equation (a)

Step 1: Rearrange the Equation

We start by rearranging the equation to isolate the trigonometric terms.

$2 \cos^2 \theta + 3 \sin \theta = 3$

Subtract 3 from both sides:

$2 \cos^2 \theta + 3 \sin \theta - 3 = 0$

Step 2: Factor the Equation

We can factor the equation using the quadratic formula.

$2 \cos^2 \theta + 3 \sin \theta - 3 = 0$

$(2 \cos^2 \theta - 3) + 3 \sin \theta = 0$

Step 3: Use Trigonometric Identities

We can use the Pythagorean identity to rewrite the equation.

$\cos^2 \theta = 1 - \sin^2 \theta$

Substitute this into the equation:

$(2 (1 - \sin^2 \theta) - 3) + 3 \sin \theta = 0$

Expand and simplify:

$-2 \sin^2 \theta + 3 \sin \theta - 1 = 0$

Step 4: Solve for $\sin \theta$

We can solve for $\sin \theta$ using the quadratic formula.

$-2 \sin^2 \theta + 3 \sin \theta - 1 = 0$

$\sin \theta = \frac{-3 \pm \sqrt{3^2 - 4(-2)(-1)}}{2(-2)}$

$\sin \theta = \frac{-3 \pm \sqrt{9 - 8}}{-4}$

$\sin \theta = \frac{-3 \pm 1}{-4}$

$\sin \theta = \frac{-3 + 1}{-4}$ or $\sin \theta = \frac{-3 - 1}{-4}$

$\sin \theta = \frac{-2}{-4}$ or $\sin \theta = \frac{-4}{-4}$

$\sin \theta = \frac{1}{2}$ or $\sin \theta = 1$

Step 5: Find the Values of $\theta$

We can find the values of $\theta$ using the inverse sine function.

$\sin \theta = \frac{1}{2}$

$\theta = \sin^{-1} \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)$

$\theta = 30^{\circ}$ or $\theta = 150^{\circ}$

$\sin \theta = 1$

$\theta = 90^{\circ}$

Solution to Equation (b)

Step 1: Rearrange the Equation

We start by rearranging the equation to isolate the trigonometric terms.

$2 \sin^2 \theta = 3 - 3 \cos \theta$

Subtract 3 from both sides:

$2 \sin^2 \theta - 3 \cos \theta = -3$

Step 2: Factor the Equation

We can factor the equation using the quadratic formula.

$2 \sin^2 \theta - 3 \cos \theta = -3$

$(2 \sin^2 \theta + 3) - 3 \cos \theta = 0$

Step 3: Use Trigonometric Identities

We can use the Pythagorean identity to rewrite the equation.

$\sin^2 \theta = 1 - \cos^2 \theta$

Substitute this into the equation:

$(2 (1 - \cos^2 \theta) + 3) - 3 \cos \theta = 0$

Expand and simplify:

$2 - 2 \cos^2 \theta + 3 - 3 \cos \theta = 0$

$-2 \cos^2 \theta - 3 \cos \theta + 5 = 0$

Step 4: Solve for $\cos \theta$

We can solve for $\cos \theta$ using the quadratic formula.

$-2 \cos^2 \theta - 3 \cos \theta + 5 = 0$

$\cos \theta = \frac{-(-3) \pm \sqrt{(-3)^2 - 4(-2)(5)}}{2(-2)}$

$\cos \theta = \frac{3 \pm \sqrt{9 + 40}}{-4}$

$\cos \theta = \frac{3 \pm \sqrt{49}}{-4}$

$\cos \theta = \frac{3 \pm 7}{-4}$

$\cos \theta = \frac{3 + 7}{-4}$ or $\cos \theta = \frac{3 - 7}{-4}$

$\cos \theta = \frac{10}{-4}$ or $\cos \theta = \frac{-4}{-4}$

$\cos \theta = -\frac{5}{2}$ or $\cos \theta = 1$

Step 5: Find the Values of $\theta$

We can find the values of $\theta$ using the inverse cosine function.

$\cos \theta = -\frac{5}{2}$

This value is not valid, as the cosine function is not defined for angles greater than 360 degrees.

$\cos \theta = 1$

$\theta = 0^{\circ}$ or $\theta = 360^{\circ}$

Conclusion

$In this article, we have solved two trigonometric equations: $2 \cos^2 \theta + 3 \sin \theta = 3$ and $2 \sin^2 \theta = 3 - 3 \cos \theta$. We have used trigonometric identities and the quadratic formula to find the values of $\theta$. Our solutions have provided a comprehensive understanding of trigonometric equations and equipped readers with the necessary tools to tackle complex problems.<br/> **Trigonometric Equations: A Q&A Guide**$

Introduction

Trigonometric equations are a fundamental concept in mathematics, and solving them is a crucial skill for students and professionals alike. In this article, we will provide a Q&A guide on trigonometric equations, covering common questions and topics.

Q: What is a trigonometric equation?

A: A trigonometric equation is an equation that involves trigonometric functions, such as sine, cosine, and tangent. These equations can be used to model real-world problems, such as the motion of objects, the behavior of waves, and the properties of triangles.

Q: What are the common trigonometric functions?

A: The common trigonometric functions are:

Sine (sin): The ratio of the length of the side opposite a given angle to the length of the hypotenuse.
Cosine (cos): The ratio of the length of the side adjacent to a given angle to the length of the hypotenuse.
Tangent (tan): The ratio of the length of the side opposite a given angle to the length of the side adjacent to the angle.

Q: How do I solve a trigonometric equation?

A: To solve a trigonometric equation, follow these steps:

Isolate the trigonometric term: Rearrange the equation to isolate the trigonometric term.
Use trigonometric identities: Use trigonometric identities, such as the Pythagorean identity, to simplify the equation.
Solve for the trigonometric function: Solve for the trigonometric function using algebraic techniques.
Find the values of the angle: Use the inverse trigonometric function to find the values of the angle.

Q: What are some common trigonometric identities?

A: Some common trigonometric identities include:

Pythagorean identity: $\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1$
Double angle identity: $\sin 2\theta = 2\sin \theta \cos \theta$
Half angle identity: $\sin \frac{\theta}{2} = \pm \sqrt{\frac{1 - \cos \theta}{2}}$

Q: How do I use the quadratic formula to solve a trigonometric equation?

A: To use the quadratic formula to solve a trigonometric equation, follow these steps:

Rearrange the equation: Rearrange the equation to isolate the trigonometric term.
Use the quadratic formula: Use the quadratic formula to solve for the trigonometric function.
Simplify the equation: Simplify the equation using algebraic techniques.
Find the values of the angle: Use the inverse trigonometric function to find the values of the angle.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving trigonometric equations?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when solving trigonometric equations include:

Not isolating the trigonometric term: Failing to isolate the trigonometric term can make it difficult to solve the equation.
Not using trigonometric identities: Failing to use trigonometric identities can make the equation more difficult to solve.
Not checking the solutions: Failing to check the solutions can lead to incorrect answers.

Conclusion

In this article, we have provided a Q&A guide on trigonometric equations, covering common questions and topics. We have discussed the common trigonometric functions, how to solve trigonometric equations, and some common mistakes to avoid. By following these guidelines, you can become proficient in solving trigonometric equations and tackle complex problems with confidence.

Additional Resources

For further learning, we recommend the following resources:

Textbooks: "Trigonometry" by Michael Corral and "Trigonometry" by Charles P. McKeague
Online resources: Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare, and Wolfram Alpha
Practice problems: Trigonometry practice problems on Khan Academy and MIT OpenCourseWare

By following these resources and practicing regularly, you can become proficient in solving trigonometric equations and tackle complex problems with confidence.