A simple problem...

**snigdha** · February 23rd 2010, 08:38 PM

If sec θ = x + 1/(4x), then prove that sec θ + tan θ = 2x or 1/(2x) .

**Soroban** · February 23rd 2010, 09:14 PM

Hello, snigdha!

$\text{If }\sec\theta \:=\: x + \frac{1}{4x},\,\text{ then prove that: }\:\sec\theta + \tan\theta \:=\: 2x\,\text{ or }\,\frac{1}{2x}$

We have: . $\sec\theta \:=\:\frac{4x^2+1}{4x} \;=\;\frac{hyp}{adj}$

$\theta$ is in a right triangle with: . $adj \:=\: 4x,\;\;hyp \:=\: 4x^2+1$

Pythagorus says: . $(\text{opp})^2 + (\text{adj})^2 \;=\;(\text{hyp})^2$

So we have: . $(\text{opp})^2 + (4x)^2 \:=\:(4x^2+1)^2 \quad\Rightarrow\quad(\text{opp})^2 + 16x^2 \:=\:16x^4 + 8x^2 + 1$

. . . . . . . . . . $(\text{opp})^2 \;=\;16x^2 - 8x^2 + 1 \;=\;(4x^2-1)^2$

. . . . . . So: . . $\text{opp} \:=\:\pm(4x^2-1)$

. . . .Hence: . $\tan\theta \;=\;\frac{\pm(4x^2-1)}{4x}$

Therefore: . $\sec\theta + \tan\theta \;=\;\frac{4x^2+1}{4x} \pm\frac{4x^2-1}{4x} \;=\;\begin{Bmatrix} 2x \\ \\[-4mm]\dfrac{1}{2x}\end{Bmatrix}$

Thread: A simple problem...

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Display

A simple problem...

Similar Math Help Forum Discussions

Simple problem, just need help formatting the problem.

Simple Problem

simple problem

Help for a simple problem.

Simple problem... help please.

Search Tags