# trig equation

• March 21st 2009, 01:57 PM
Nancy
trig equation
Hi!
I know this is a fairly simple trig equation but i just keep getting it wrong!

equation:
tan(40-2x)=3^1/2 (root 3)

Thank u!!! =)
• March 21st 2009, 03:15 PM
Reckoner
Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy
Hi!
I know this is a fairly simple trig equation but i just keep getting it wrong!

equation:
tan(40-2x)=3^1/2 (root 3)

You should provide your work so that we can point out any mistakes.

Begin by noting that $\sqrt3=\frac{2\sqrt3}2=\frac{\sqrt3/2}{1/2}.$ The tangent is sine divided by cosine, so for what angles does sine equal $\frac{\sqrt3}2$ and cosine equal $\frac12?$
• March 22nd 2009, 06:50 AM
controlfreddy
you need to calculate when the argument of the tan is
equal to $\sqrt{3}$
Remembering that $\tan{x} = \sqrt{3}$ when
$x=\frac{\pi}{3}+k\pi$ as also Reckoner said.

Then u can write:

$40-2x= \frac{\pi}{3}+k\pi$

$2x=-\frac{\pi}{3}-k\pi+40$

$x=-\frac{\pi}{6}-k\frac{\pi}{2}+20$

simplifying:

$x=\frac{120-\pi}{6}-k\frac{\pi}{2}$
• March 25th 2009, 05:03 AM
Nancy
Thank u! for ur help....i figured it out....
(Rofl)