What values of tan alpha and tan beta satisfy a trigonometric inequality?

In summary, the conversation discusses proving the inequality $\dfrac{1}{ \cos^2 \alpha}+ \dfrac {1}{ \sin^2 \alpha \, \sin^2 \beta \, \cos^2 \beta} \geq 9$ for the given values of $\alpha$ and $\beta$. The solution involves substituting $x = \sin^2\alpha$ and $y = \sin^2(2\beta)$ and using algebraic manipulations to show that the inequality is satisfied with equality only when $\sin\alpha = \sqrt{2/3}$ and $\sin(2\beta)=1$, leading to the values of $\tan\alpha = \sqrt
  • #1
Albert1
1,221
0
$0<\alpha < \dfrac {\pi}{2}$
$0<\beta < \dfrac {\pi}{2}$
prove:
$(1): \,\, \dfrac{1}{ \cos^2 \alpha}+ \dfrac {1}{ \sin^2 \alpha \, \sin^2 \beta \, \cos^2 \beta} \geq 9 $
determine the values of $ \tan \alpha$ and $ \tan \beta $ when :
$(2): \: \dfrac{1}{ \cos^2 \alpha}+ \dfrac {1}{ \sin^2 \alpha \, \sin^2 \beta \, \cos^2 \beta} =9 $
 
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  • #2
[sp]Let $x = \sin^2\alpha$, $y = \sin^2(2\beta) = 4\sin^2\beta\cos^2\beta.$ Then $0\leqslant x\leqslant 1$ and $0\leqslant y\leqslant 1.$ The inequality $\dfrac{1}{ \cos^2 \alpha}+ \dfrac {1}{ \sin^2 \alpha \, \sin^2 \beta \, \cos^2 \beta} \geqslant 9$ becomes $\dfrac1{1-x} + \dfrac4{xy} \geqslant 9$, or $$\dfrac4y \geqslant 9x - \frac x{1-x} = \frac{8x-9x^2}{1-x} = \frac{4(1-x) - (3x-2)^2}{1-x} = 4 - \frac{(3x-2)^2}{1-x}.$$ The left side is clearly $\geqslant4$ and the right side is clearly $\leqslant 4.$ So the inequality is satisfied, with equality only if $x = 2/3$ and $y=1$. That occurs when $\sin\alpha = \sqrt{2/3}$ (so $\tan\alpha = \sqrt2$) and $\sin(2\beta)=1$ (so $\tan\beta = 1$).[/sp]
 
  • #3
Opalg said:
[sp]Let $x = \sin^2\alpha$, $y = \sin^2(2\beta) = 4\sin^2\beta\cos^2\beta.$ Then $0\leqslant x\leqslant 1$ and $0\leqslant y\leqslant 1.$ The inequality $\dfrac{1}{ \cos^2 \alpha}+ \dfrac {1}{ \sin^2 \alpha \, \sin^2 \beta \, \cos^2 \beta} \geqslant 9$ becomes $\dfrac1{1-x} + \dfrac4{xy} \geqslant 9$, or $$\dfrac4y \geqslant 9x - \frac x{1-x} = \frac{8x-9x^2}{1-x} = \frac{4(1-x) - (3x-2)^2}{1-x} = 4 - \frac{(3x-2)^2}{1-x}.$$ The left side is clearly $\geqslant4$ and the right side is clearly $\leqslant 4.$ So the inequality is satisfied, with equality only if $x = 2/3$ and $y=1$. That occurs when $\sin\alpha = \sqrt{2/3}$ (so $\tan\alpha = \sqrt2$) and $\sin(2\beta)=1$ (so $\tan\beta = 1$).[/sp]
nice solution (Yes)
 

FAQ: What values of tan alpha and tan beta satisfy a trigonometric inequality?

1. What is a trigonometric inequality?

A trigonometric inequality is an inequality that involves trigonometric functions, such as sine, cosine, and tangent. These functions are used to model relationships between angles and sides in a triangle.

2. How do you solve a trigonometric inequality?

To solve a trigonometric inequality, you need to use algebraic techniques to isolate the trigonometric function on one side of the inequality. Then, you can use the properties of trigonometric functions to find the values of the variable that satisfy the inequality.

3. What are the common types of trigonometric inequalities?

The two most common types of trigonometric inequalities are sine and cosine inequalities. Sine inequalities involve the sine function and can be solved by finding the values of the variable in the interval [0, 2π]. Cosine inequalities involve the cosine function and can be solved by finding the values of the variable in the interval [0, π].

4. How do trigonometric inequalities relate to real-world problems?

Trigonometric inequalities are used to solve real-world problems involving angles and sides of triangles. For example, they can be used to calculate the maximum height of a projectile or the distance between two points on a map.

5. What are some tips for solving trigonometric inequalities?

Some tips for solving trigonometric inequalities include using the unit circle to identify values of trigonometric functions, using the Pythagorean identities to simplify expressions, and graphing the inequality to visually see the solutions. It is also important to pay attention to the domain restrictions of trigonometric functions and to check for extraneous solutions.

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