Struggling with These Calculus Homework Problems?

  • Thread starter DoctorReynaldo
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Calculus
In summary, The person was looking for help with their son's homework calculus problems that they were stumped on. They listed four problems and explained how they worked. The first problem involved finding two cosines and the second problem involved finding two sinuses. The third problem involved finding two cotangents and the fourth problem involved finding two tangents. The person thanked everyone for their help and said that it was probably late now.
  • #1
DoctorReynaldo
12
0
Good morning folks, I have been recently stumped by a few of my son's homework calculus problems and was hoping for a little bit of help. I'm sure they are simple, the thing is it has been 20 years since I took this.

2cosx=sinx
sin(pi)/2x=1
sin^2x+sin=1 (find zeros)
coscot=2cos
tan^2/cos(90-x)
(sinx^x-cosx^4)/(sinx^2-cosx^2)=1
cosx(secx-cosx)

I appreciate all your help :smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
1. 2cosx = sinx
Divide through by cosx
2 = tanx
x = arctan2

2. sin(pi)/(2x) = 1
2x = sin(pi)
sin(pi) is equal to 0, so
x = 0

3. (sinx)^2 + sinx - 1 = 0
Factor using the quadratic formula
[tex]\sin x = \frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{1 - 4*1*(-1)}}{2}[/tex]
Then just take the arcsin.

4. I don't understand this notation.

5. We're short an equals sign on a right-hand sign here. But this identity might help:
cos[Pi/2 - x] = sin[x]

6. & 7. You should probably clean up the notation in these ones before we attempt them. It's a little ambiguous and different interpretations really change the problems. And there's no equals sign in 7.

cookiemonster
 
  • #3
For question 4:

"coscot=2cos"

I assume that would be (cosx)(cotx) = 2cosx"?

In which case

cot x = 2
(1/tan x) = 2
1 = 2 tanx
tan x = 1/2
x = arctan 1/2

Helpful?

Also, if 7 was supposed to be "cosx = (secx-cosx)"

Then:

cos x = sec x - cosx
sec x = 0
(cos x)^-1 = 0

Undefined ( divide by zero)

But I'm guessing that's not what you meant.

Probably kinda late now anyway, but oh well.
 
  • #4
Originally posted by DoctorReynaldo
Good morning folks, I have been recently stumped by a few of my son's homework calculus problems and was hoping for a little bit of help. I'm sure they are simple, the thing is it has been 20 years since I took this.

2cosx=sinx
sin(pi)/2x=1
sin^2x+sin=1 (find zeros)
coscot=2cos
tan^2/cos(90-x)
(sinx^x-cosx^4)/(sinx^2-cosx^2)=1
cosx(secx-cosx)

I appreciate all your help :smile:
For number 6. I am assuming you mean sinx^4-cosx^4? If so, then (sinx^2+cosx^2)(sinx^2-cosx^2)/(sinx^2-cosx^2)
sinx^2+cosx^2
1=1
 
  • #5
Originally posted by cookiemonster
1. 2cosx = sinx
Divide through by cosx
2 = tanx
x = arctan2

Just remember that the tangent has a period of [tex]\pi[/tex], so [tex]x = \arctan{2} + n\pi[/tex]. It's also good to check that [tex]\cos{x} \neq 0[/tex] before dividing with it...
 
Last edited:
  • #6
Need some help..

Can someone please help me with this one?

cos2x = 2 cos x sin x :rolleyes:
 
  • #7
It's equivalent to cos(2x) = sin(2x), or 1 = sin(2x)/cos(2x)...
 
  • #8
help..

I need to find 4 angles..
 
  • #9
Maria said:
I need to find 4 angles..
Generally best to make your own thread.

[tex]\sin 2x \equiv 2 \cos x \sin x[/tex]

So as stated above your problem is the same as:

[tex]\sin 2x = \cos 2x[/tex]

Which is the same as:

[tex]\frac{\sin 2x}{\cos 2x} = 1[/tex]

Now you should remember a simple identity about sin over cos which makes this really simple.
 
  • #10
I`ll that.. Thanks :smile:
 
  • #11
Thanks

I got it right.. thanks a lot :smile:
 

FAQ: Struggling with These Calculus Homework Problems?

What is calculus?

Calculus is a branch of mathematics that studies the rates of change and accumulation of quantities. It is used to model and analyze a wide range of real-world phenomena, from motion and growth to economics and engineering.

Why is calculus important?

Calculus is important because it provides a powerful set of tools for understanding and predicting the behavior of complex systems. It is used extensively in the fields of physics, engineering, economics, and many other areas of science.

What are some real-world applications of calculus?

Calculus has numerous real-world applications, including predicting the motion of objects, optimizing production and resource allocation, analyzing population growth, and designing efficient structures and systems.

What are the two main branches of calculus?

The two main branches of calculus are differential calculus and integral calculus. Differential calculus deals with the rates of change of a quantity, while integral calculus deals with the accumulation of quantities over a given interval.

Do I need to be good at math to understand calculus?

While a strong foundation in algebra and trigonometry is necessary to understand and apply calculus, it is not necessary to be a math genius. With practice and patience, anyone can learn and apply the principles of calculus.

Back
Top