Trigonometric Equations Problem

In summary, the equation provided is 5sin(x) + (2 * squrroot 3) = (squarroot 3) + 3sin(x). After solving for sin(x), the reference angles are found to be 60 degrees in the third and fourth quadrants. However, the provided answers in the course material are 60 and 120 degrees, which are in quadrants where sine is positive. It is possible that there is an error in the equation or in the book.
  • #1
Sabellic
68
0

Homework Statement



Solve:
5sin(x) + (2 * squrroot 3) = (squarroot 3) + 3sin(x)

Homework Equations


sin (60) = square root 3 / 2

C.A.S.T. rule


The Attempt at a Solution



5sin(x) + (2 * squrroot 3) = (squarroot 3) + 3sin(x)

5sin(x) - 3sin(x) = (squarroot 3) - (2 * squrroot 3)

2sin(x) = - (squarroot 3)

sin(x) = - (squarroot 3) / 2


Now...sin(x) = - (squarroot 3) / 2

is 60 degrees by reference angle.

However, because the sign was in a negative we must select the quadrants in which sine is negative. Those are the third and fourth quadrants. This means that the degrees will be 300 degrees and 240 degrees.

However, the answer in my course material says the answers are 60 degrees and 120 degrees. But these are in quadrants in which the sine is positive...and as we saw in that equation, the sine is negative.

Am I misreading something?

Thanks all in advance.
 
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  • #2
Hmm pretty simple equation. I don't see anything wrong with it. 240 deg and 300 deg seem like the correct answers for [tex]0 \leq x \leq 360[/tex] degrees.

Maybe the 2sqrt(3) and sqrt(3) should be switched in the equation?
 
  • #3
Sabellic said:
Now...sin(x) = - (squarroot 3) / 2

is 60 degrees by reference angle.

You are correct here if the equation you stated is exactly what is stated in the book.

snipez90 said:
Maybe the 2sqrt(3) and sqrt(3) should be switched in the equation?

Now if you did switch those so that equation would be:

[tex]
5sin(x) + \sqrt3 = 2\sqrt3 + 3sin(x)
[/tex]

Then the answers in your book would be correct.

Either you copied the wrong equation, or your book is incorrect (which is quite possible).
 

FAQ: Trigonometric Equations Problem

What is a trigonometric equation problem?

A trigonometric equation problem involves using trigonometric functions, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, to solve for unknown variables in an equation.

What are the most commonly used trigonometric equations?

The most commonly used trigonometric equations include the Pythagorean identities, double-angle identities, and half-angle identities.

What are the steps to solving a trigonometric equation problem?

The steps to solving a trigonometric equation problem are as follows:

  1. Isolate the trigonometric function on one side of the equation.
  2. Use inverse trigonometric functions to solve for the unknown variable.
  3. Check your solution by substituting it back into the original equation.

What are the common mistakes made when solving trigonometric equations?

Common mistakes when solving trigonometric equations include forgetting to use inverse trigonometric functions, not checking solutions, and making sign errors when using the unit circle.

How can trigonometric equations be applied in the real world?

Trigonometric equations can be applied in various fields, such as physics, engineering, and astronomy, to solve real-world problems involving angles and distances.

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