SOLUTION: -3cos(pi/2 - X) = tanX

Algebra.Com
Question 1006455: -3cos(pi/2 - X) = tanX
Answer by ikleyn(52835)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
-3cos(pi/2 - X) = tanX
-------------------------
cos() = sin(X), according to reduction formula.

Therefore, your equation takes the form

-3*sin(X) = tan(X).   

Rewrite it in the form 

-3*sin(X) = , or, even better :)

-3*sin(X) = 

Now introduce the new variable u = sin(X) and square both sides of the last equation. You will get an equation for u:

 = .

Simplify it and solve step by step:

 =   ----->   =   ----->   =   ----->   = .

The last equation comes apart in two equations. First one is 

 =   ----->  sin(X) = 0  ----->  X = 0, +- , +/- , . . . , +/- , . . . , k= 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . 

The second one is 

 =   ----->   =   ----->   = +/-   ----->  sin(X) = +/- .  

It generates two families of potential roots: 

(a) X = +/- arcsin() + , k = 0, +/-1, +/-2, +/-3, . . . and 

(b) X = +/- [] + , k = 0, +/-1, +/-2, +/-3, . . .

     Figure. Plots -3*sin(x) (in red) and tan(x) (in green)
The roots (a) X = +/- arcsin() + are excessive. They are not the solutions. The roots (b) X = +/- [] + are the solutions.


RELATED QUESTIONS

Given tanx= 3/4, find... (answered by lwsshak3)
Verify the identity. cot(x-pi/2)=... (answered by Alan3354)
Verify the identity. cot(x-pi/2)=... (answered by Alan3354)
prove the identity: a) cot((x+pi)/(2)) = -tanx b) tanx = (1 - cos2x)/... (answered by MathLover1)
How do u graph... (answered by lwsshak3)
How do u graph... (answered by lwsshak3)
How do you graph y=2/3cos(x/2 -... (answered by Fombitz)
the derivative of... (answered by algebrapro18)
If 7sin square x + 3cos square x = 4 then find value of... (answered by Theo)