Question #aa149

1 Answer
Feb 18, 2017

x = 0, pi/4, (3pi)/4, pi, (5pi)/4, (7pi)/4x=0,π4,3π4,π,5π4,7π4

Explanation:

First, set the equation equal to zero. Do this by subtracting the sinsin on the right side.

sinxtan^2x - sinx = 0sinxtan2xsinx=0

Now, noticing that each term has at least one sinsin in it, factor out one sinsin.

color(blue)(sinx)color(red)((tan^2x - 1)) = 0sinx(tan2x1)=0

We have made it much easier to solve! Set each factor (whatever is being multiplied) equal to zero and solve.

color(blue)(sin x) =0sinx=0 ...and... color(red)(tan^2x-1) = 0tan2x1=0

Let's being with the equation on the left.

color(blue)(sin x) = 0sinx=0

Think back to the location on the unit circle where sinsin equals zero. sinsin is refers to the yy value, so at what unit circle point does the yy value of the coordinate rest at the xx axis? I've included a unit circle below...

![GradeAMathHelp.com](useruploads.socratic.orguseruploads.socratic.org)

This happens when the radian value is 00 or piπ.

color(blue)(x) = 0x=0

color(blue)(x) = pix=π

We have found two solutions for xx so far. Now we need to go back and do the same with the other function.

color(red)(tan^2x-1) = 0tan2x1=0

To solve, begin by isolating the tan^2xtan2x.

color(red)(tan^2x) = 1tan2x=1

Next we have to take the square root of both sides.

color(red)(sqrt(tan^2x)) = sqrt(1)tan2x=1

Since the square root of something squared is itself and the square root of 11 is itself, let's rewrite this. Also note that the square root of 11 is negative and positive 11.

color(red)(tanx) = 1tanx=1 ...and... color(red)(tanx) = -1tanx=1

At this point, we have to think back again to the unit circle. Since tantan refers to the yy value divided by the xx value, or sinsin over coscos, think to any points or values where the quotient is 11. This typically true when the xx and yy value of the coordinates are identical. I've added a unit circle for reference again.

![GradeAMathHelp.com](useruploads.socratic.orguseruploads.socratic.org)

This is true when the radian value is pi/4π4 and (5pi)/45π4, since the xx and yy values are the same in each of their respective coordinates. This is also true when the radian value is (3pi)/43π4 and (7pi)/47π4, because their sinsin over coscos value is -11.

color(red)(x) = pi/4x=π4

color(red)(x) = (3pi)/4x=3π4

color(red)(x) = (5pi)/4x=5π4

color(red)(x) = (7pi)/4x=7π4

These are all of the solutions we found. Let's review our steps:

1.) Get all terms to one side and set the equation equal to zero.

2). Factor (doesn't work in every equation, but was useful here).

3). Set each factor equal to zero and solve using the unit circle.