What is the solution for θ in the equation y - xtanθ = z/cosθ?

Thread starter ohaiyo88
Start date Nov 25, 2011
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To solve for θ in the equation y - xtanθ = z/cosθ, one can utilize the relationship between cos(θ) and tan(θ), specifically that 1/cos(θ) equals the square root of (1 + tan²(θ)). The equation can be rearranged to isolate tan(θ) and subsequently express cos(θ) in terms of x, y, and z. The discussion emphasizes the simplicity of the equation while highlighting the difficulty in finding θ. Ultimately, applying trigonometric identities is essential for deriving θ in terms of the other variables.

Nov 25, 2011

ohaiyo88

y - xtanθ = z/cosθ

Find θ in terms of x,y,z
equation seems so simple, but can't do it

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Nov 25, 2011

ehild

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What did you try?ehild

Nov 25, 2011

ohaiyo88

cant do it. pls help. it's urgent

Nov 25, 2011

ehild

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

You can use the relation between cos(θ) and than(θ):
1/cos(θ)=sqrt(1+tan²(θ)).

ehild

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