Find the sum of three trigonometric terms

In summary, the formula for finding the sum of three trigonometric terms is: sum = sin(x) + cos(x) + tan(x). The three terms do not have to be the same trigonometric function and can be any combination of sin, cos, and tan. To simplify the sum, you can use trigonometric identities and properties. It is possible to use a calculator to find the numerical value of the sum, but it is important to understand the formula and how to simplify the terms. Finding the sum of three trigonometric terms has applications in solving equations and real-life scenarios such as calculating forces and resultant directions.
  • #1
anemone
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Evaluate \(\displaystyle \tan^4 10^\circ+\tan^4 50^\circ+\tan^4 70^\circ\) without the help of a calculator.
 
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  • #2
Let $\tan^2 10^\circ = x_{1}$ and $\tan^2 50^\circ =x_{2}$ and $\tan^2 70^\circ = x_{3}$

Then $\displaystyle \tan^2(3\cdot 10^\circ ) = \frac{1}{3}$ and $\displaystyle \tan^2(3\cdot 50^\circ ) = \frac{1}{3}$ and $\displaystyle \tan^2(3\cdot 70^\circ ) = \frac{1}{3}$

Using $\displaystyle \tan (3x) = \frac{3\tan x-\tan^3 x}{1-3\tan^2 x} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$

So $\displaystyle \frac{1}{3} = \left(\frac{3\tan x-\tan^3 x}{1-3\tan^2 x}\right)^2\Rightarrow (1-3\tan^2 x)^2 = 3(3\tan x-\tan^3 x)^2$

So $\displaystyle 1+9\tan^4 x-6\tan^2 x = 27\tan^2 x+3\tan^6 x-18\tan^4 x$

So $\displaystyle 3\tan^6 x-27\tan^4 x+33\tan^2 x-1=0$

has a roots $x_{i}=\tan^2(\theta)\;,$ Where $\theta = 10^\circ\;,50^\circ\;,70^\circ$

So we can say $x_{1}\;,x_{2}\;,x_{3}$ are the roots of $3x^3-27x^2+33x-1=0$

So $\displaystyle x_{1}+x_{2}+x_{3} = 9$ and $x_{1}x_{2}+x_{2}x_{3}+x_{3}x_{1} = 11$

So Using Identity $\displaystyle \left(x_{1}+x_{2}+x_{3}\right)^2 = x^2_{1}+x^2_{2}+x^2_{3}+2(x_{1}x_{2}+x_{2}x_{3}+x_{3}x_{1})$

So $\displaystyle x^2_{1}+x^2_{2}+x^2_{3} = 9^2-2(11) = 81-22 = 59$
 
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  • #3
jacks said:
Let $\tan^2 10^\circ = x_{1}$ and $\tan^2 50^\circ =x_{2}$ and $\tan^2 70^\circ = x_{3}$

Then $\displaystyle \tan^2(3\cdot 10^\circ ) = \frac{1}{3}$ and $\displaystyle \tan^2(3\cdot 50^\circ ) = \frac{1}{3}$ and $\displaystyle \tan^2(3\cdot 70^\circ ) = \frac{1}{3}$

Using $\displaystyle \tan (3x) = \frac{3\tan x-\tan^3 x}{1-3\tan^2 x} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$

So $\displaystyle \frac{1}{3} = \left(\frac{3\tan x-\tan^3 x}{1-3\tan^2 x}\right)^2\Rightarrow (1-3\tan^2 x)^2 = 3(3\tan x-\tan^3 x)^2$

So $\displaystyle 1+9\tan^4 x-6\tan^2 x = 27\tan^2 x+3\tan^6 x-18\tan^4 x$

So $\displaystyle 3\tan^6 x-27\tan^4 x+33\tan^2 x-1=0$

has a roots $x_{i}=\tan^2(\theta)\;,$ Where $\theta = 10^\circ\;,50^\circ\;,70^\circ$

So we can say $x_{1}\;,x_{2}\;,x_{3}$ are the roots of $3x^3-27x^2+33x-1=0$

So $\displaystyle x_{1}+x_{2}+x_{3} = 9$ and $x_{1}x_{2}+x_{2}x_{3}+x_{3}x_{1} = 11$

So Using Identity $\displaystyle \left(x_{1}+x_{2}+x_{3}\right)^2 = x^2_{1}+x^2_{2}+x^2_{3}+2(x_{1}x_{2}+x_{2}x_{3}+x_{3}x_{1})$

So $\displaystyle x^2_{1}+x^2_{2}+x^2_{3} = 9^2-2(11) = 81-22 = 59$

Bravo, jacks!(Cool)
 

FAQ: Find the sum of three trigonometric terms

What is the formula for finding the sum of three trigonometric terms?

The formula for finding the sum of three trigonometric terms is:
sum = sin(x) + cos(x) + tan(x)

Do all three terms have to be the same trigonometric function?

No, the three terms can be any combination of sin, cos, and tan. For example, the sum could be sin(x) + cos(x) + tan(x), or sin(x) + sin(x) + cos(x).

How do I simplify the sum of three trigonometric terms?

To simplify the sum, you can use trigonometric identities and properties to rewrite the terms in a more simplified form. For example, sin(x) + cos(x) can be rewritten as √2 sin(x + π/4).

Can I use a calculator to find the sum of three trigonometric terms?

Yes, you can use a calculator to find the numerical value of the sum. However, it is important to understand the formula and how to simplify the terms before using a calculator.

What applications does finding the sum of three trigonometric terms have?

Finding the sum of three trigonometric terms is useful in solving trigonometric equations and in real-life applications such as calculating the forces acting on an object with multiple angles or determining the resultant direction of multiple forces.

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