Solve the equation sin2x = tanx for 0° ≤ x ≤ 360°

sin2x = tanx Take everything to left hand side, so LHS equals 0sin2x - tanx = 0Recall double angle formula : sin2x = 2sinxcosx, also notice that tanx can be written as sinx/cosx giving us:2sinxcosx - sinx/cosx = 0 (gives us everything in terms of sinx and cosx)Multiply everything by cosx to get rid of the fraction2sinxcos2x -sinx = 0Notice sinx is common in both terms so we can now simplifysinx*(2cos2x-1) = 0This now means that either sinx =0 or 2cos2x-1 =0For sinx = 0sinx = 0, use inverse sin function on calculator and use CAST diagram or alternatively use y = sinx graph (in range 0° to 360° inclusive) to see where the graph cuts the x axis when y =0, which gives:x = 0°, 180°, 360°For 2cos2x-1 = 0cos2x= 0.5cosx = ±√0.5, which meanscosx = √0.5 and cosx =-√0.5Using inverse cos function on calculator of 0.5:x = 45°Plot x = 45° in cast diagram for positive cos and negative cos, which gives:x = 45°,135°,225°,315°Final answer: x = 0°, 180°, 360° or x = 45°,135°,225°,315°


Answered by Shea M. Maths tutor

18524 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Express '6cos(2x) +sin(x)' in terms of sin(x).


Why maths is so hard sometimes?


A particle of mass m moves from rest a time t=0, under the action of a variable force f(t) = A*t*exp(-B*t), where A,B are positive constants. Find the speed of the particle for large t, expressing the answer in terms of m, A, and B.


How do you integrate xcos(x)?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences