Question

tan x = sqrt( 1 - x^2 )

Find all solutions.

I don't even know where to start?

Answer 1

\[\tan = \frac{ opposite }{ adjacent }\]

Answer 2

I know the definitions of the trig functions, I just don't know what to do with this radical sign I guess. Haha :)

Answer 3

niether do i... i dunno of elementary algebra technique ti start this....
what class is this for?

Answer 4

Well, if you know that it's opposite over adjacent then:
use pythagorean theorem to solve for hypotenuse and find what that gives you. Could it be π/3? π/6? π/4? ... and similarly, what quadrant it lies on.

Answer 5

@student1988 , can u answer my previous question?

Answer 6

Hey thanks abb0t,

This makes much more sense now that I see it as a place on the circle. I got 2 - x^2 for the hypotenuse. However, I don't see where this is on the unit circle?

Answer 7

This is a review for calc class. Haven't done trig for awhile so I am reviewing, dpalnc.

Answer 8

the problem there is that "x" is an angle (according to the left side of the equation)... but on the right side, "x" is part of the expression for a side of the triangle....

Answer 9

only way i can think of doing this is by graphing calculator... or wolfram...

Answer 10

There's a way to write an equation for a function, but I've forgotten how.. :(

Answer 11

since this is from a calculus class, then maybe this can be solved numerically... like newton's method maybe?

i don't think you can solve it analytically

Answer 12

I guess i'll ask the teacher then. Thanks guys