Finding Intersection Point Between Two Trigonometric Functions

In summary, the task is to find the area of the region enclosed between y=4sin(x) and y=3cos(x) from x=0 to x=0.3π. The student is looking for help in finding the intersection point between the two functions without using a calculator. They have tried using trigonometric identities and have found that the intersection occurs at x=arctan(3/4). They also mention that the integral from 0 to arctan(3/4) can be easily done, but using a calculator may be necessary for the integral from arctan(3/4) to 3π/10.
  • #1
doctordiddy
54
0

Homework Statement



Find the area of the region enclosed between y=4sin(x) and y=3cos(x) from x=0 to x=0.3π.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So I know how to do most of this question, the area i am stuck on is finding the intersection point between the two functions, since i know you must have two different areas and then add them to find the total area.

I am looking to find this intersection point without a calculator.

I tried to equate 4sinx=3cosx, changing this to 3/4=sinx/cosx, then tanx=3/4. This gets me nowhere though, can anyone help?
 
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  • #2
doctordiddy said:

Homework Statement



Find the area of the region enclosed between y=4sin(x) and y=3cos(x) from x=0 to x=0.3π.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



So I know how to do most of this question, the area i am stuck on is finding the intersection point between the two functions, since i know you must have two different areas and then add them to find the total area.

I am looking to find this intersection point without a calculator.

I tried to equate 4sinx=3cosx, changing this to 3/4=sinx/cosx, then tanx=3/4. This gets me nowhere though, can anyone help?

I'm not sure why you are trying to pull this off without a calculator, but if tan(x)=3/4 then x=arctan(3/4). So you've found the intersection. The integral from 0 to arctan(3/4) actually comes out pretty neatly. Doing the integral from arctan(3/4) to 3*pi/10 can also be done if you are ok with things like cos(3*pi/10) and sin(3*pi/10) appearing in the final answer. At that point I'd use a calculator if you want an actual number.
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Finding Intersection Point Between Two Trigonometric Functions

What is the area between two functions?

The area between two functions is the region bounded by the two functions on a graph. It represents the space between the two curves and can be calculated by finding the definite integral of the difference between the two functions over a given interval.

How do you find the area between two functions?

The area between two functions can be found by first identifying the points where the two functions intersect. Then, the definite integral of the difference between the two functions is calculated over the interval between these points of intersection.

What is the purpose of finding the area between two functions?

The area between two functions is useful in many real-life applications, such as calculating the work done by a variable force or finding the volume of a shape with curved boundaries. It also helps in visualizing the relationship between two functions and their differences.

Can the area between two functions be negative?

Yes, the area between two functions can be negative if the upper function is below the lower function in certain parts of the interval. This indicates that the function on top is subtracting from the area below it.

What if the two functions do not intersect?

If the two functions do not intersect, then the area between them is equal to the sum of the areas under each individual function over the given interval. In other words, the integral of the difference between the two functions is calculated over the entire interval.

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