Thread: Trig novice needs help; problem ---> a.tan(x) - (b/cos(x)^2) - c = 0

This problem bubbled and oozed up from my equations while doing my physics assignment. I'm not even sure this equation is one that we're supposed to answer, seems kinda hard for a non-math intensive paper. My knowledge of the trig identities is completely self taught though, so this may be easier than I imagine.
Thanks.

Does a.tan mean arctan?

Is it cos(x^2) or (cos(x))^2?

'a.tan' means 'a multiplied by tan', and its (cos(x))^2
Sorry for the confusion, not sure what the standard format is on this site, first time user.

Originally Posted by SEZHUR

'a.tan' means 'a multiplied by tan', and its (cos(x))^2
Sorry for the confusion, not sure what the standard format is on this site, first time user.

The standard is that function arguments go in brackets, and brackets go around anything more complicated than a single symbol when raising it to a power.

I know that text book publishers think that trig function don't need brackets around their arguments and (even though it is a common abuse of notation) that is acceptable for but it really is not.

CB

Getting back on topic, recall that .

Your equation is .

Substitute where is, then you have a quadratic equation you can solve.

Originally Posted by Prove It

Getting back on topic, recall that .

Your equation is .

Substitute where is, then you have a quadratic equation you can solve.

You little beauty! I can finally check my solution, thank you so much.
Edit: Finally finished incorporating this answer into the question, turns out i was right (about my solution), and wrong (about the course being unlikely to use trig identities). You'll probably be seeing more of me in the future
Again, thanks.