Finding Coordinates for sin(2x)=1/2

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In summary, the conversation is about finding the coordinates of point P using the equation sin 2x = 1/2. The solution involves understanding the period of the sine function and using symmetry and periodicity to find the general solution. The final solution is (17pi/12, 1/2). The conversation also includes a diagram to better understand the concept.
  • #1
markosheehan
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View attachment 5960
can some one help me with part b finding the co-ordinates of p. i tried this by letting sin 2x=1/2 but when i work out x i do not get the right answer. the right answer is (17pi/12, 1/2)
 

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  • #2
Hi markosheehan. I've re-titled your thread to include a description of the problem.

Here's one way to look at it:

The period of $\sin(2x)$ is $\pi$. One solution is $x=\frac{\pi}{12}$.
The next solution occurs at $x=\frac{\pi}{2}-\frac{\pi}{12}=\frac{5\pi}{12}$.
Since $P$ is one period away from $\frac{5\pi}{12}$, the solution we seek is $(x,y)=\left(\frac{17\pi}{12},\frac12\right)$.
 
  • #3
I still do not understand fully could you explain in a little more detail if possible please
 
  • #4
Another way to look at it is if given:

\(\displaystyle \sin(\theta)=\frac{1}{2}\)

Then by symmetry and periodicity, we see the general solution is:

\(\displaystyle \theta=\frac{\pi}{2}\pm\frac{\pi}{3}+2k\pi=\frac{\pi}{6}(15k\pm2)\) where \(\displaystyle k\in\mathbb{Z}\)

Now, referring to the graph, we see that:

\(\displaystyle \frac{5\pi}{2}<2x<3\pi\)

Now, substitute for $2x$, taking the larger general solution

\(\displaystyle \frac{5\pi}{2}<\frac{\pi}{6}(15k+2)<3\pi\)

\(\displaystyle 15\pi<\pi(15k+2)<18\pi\)

\(\displaystyle 15<15k+2<18\)

\(\displaystyle 13<15k<16\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{13}{15}<k<\frac{16}{15}\)

Hence:

\(\displaystyle k\in\{1\}\)

And so the solution we need is:

\(\displaystyle 2x=\frac{\pi}{6}(15\cdot1+2)\)

\(\displaystyle x=\frac{17\pi}{12}\)
 
  • #5
Sorry I am slow but I don't understand how x can be pi/12 and 5pi/12
 
  • #6
markosheehan said:
Sorry I am slow but I don't understand how x can be pi/12 and 5pi/12

For my approach, please refer to the following diagram:

View attachment 5961

Now, we should recognize that we must have:

\(\displaystyle \beta=\frac{\pi}{3}\)

And so one solution for \(\displaystyle \sin(\theta)=\frac{1}{2}\) is:

\(\displaystyle \theta=\frac{\pi}{2}\pm\frac{\pi}{3}\)

Now, understanding that the sine function has a period of $2\pi$, we can give the general solution as:

\(\displaystyle \theta=\frac{\pi}{2}\pm\frac{\pi}{3}+2k\pi\) where $k$ is an arbitrary integer.

And we can rewrite this as:

\(\displaystyle \theta=\frac{\pi}{6}(15k\pm2)\)

Does this make sense?
 

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Related to Finding Coordinates for sin(2x)=1/2

1. What does "sin(2x)" represent in this equation?

"Sin(2x)" represents the sine function of twice the value of x. In other words, it is the sine value of an angle that is double the angle represented by x.

2. What does it mean when the coordinates of sin(2x) equal 1/2?

When the coordinates of sin(2x) are equal to 1/2, it means that the sine value of twice the angle represented by x is equal to 1/2. This can also be written as sin(2x) = 1/2.

3. How many solutions does the equation sin(2x) = 1/2 have?

The equation sin(2x) = 1/2 has infinite solutions. This is because the sine function is periodic and repeats itself every 360 degrees, so there are multiple angles that can have a sine value of 1/2.

4. How do you solve the equation sin(2x) = 1/2?

To solve the equation sin(2x) = 1/2, you can use the inverse sine function (arcsin) to find the angle that has a sine value of 1/2. You will then need to divide this angle by 2 to get the value of x.

5. What is the general solution for the equation sin(2x) = 1/2?

The general solution for the equation sin(2x) = 1/2 is x = (2nπ + π/6)/2 or x = (2nπ + 5π/6)/2, where n is any integer. This takes into account the periodic nature of the sine function and provides all possible solutions for the equation.

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