Math Problem Statement

v0​sin(α)⋅v0​cos(α)x​ how does it equal x*tan(a)

Solution

The expression v0sin(α)v0cos(α)×x\frac{v_0 \sin(\alpha)}{v_0 \cos(\alpha)} \times x simplifies to xtan(α)x \tan(\alpha) based on trigonometric identities. Let's break down the reasoning step by step.

Expression Breakdown

Consider the expression:

v0sin(α)v0cos(α)×x\frac{v_0 \sin(\alpha)}{v_0 \cos(\alpha)} \times x

Step 1: Simplify the Fraction

First, simplify the fraction inside the expression:

v0sin(α)v0cos(α)\frac{v_0 \sin(\alpha)}{v_0 \cos(\alpha)}

Since v0v_0 is present in both the numerator and denominator, it cancels out:

v0sin(α)v0cos(α)=sin(α)cos(α)\frac{v_0 \sin(\alpha)}{v_0 \cos(\alpha)} = \frac{\sin(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)}

Step 2: Apply the Trigonometric Identity

The fraction sin(α)cos(α)\frac{\sin(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)} is a well-known trigonometric identity for the tangent function:

sin(α)cos(α)=tan(α)\frac{\sin(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)} = \tan(\alpha)

Step 3: Multiply by xx

Now, multiplying by xx:

sin(α)cos(α)×x=tan(α)×x\frac{\sin(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)} \times x = \tan(\alpha) \times x

This simplifies to:

xtan(α)x \tan(\alpha)

Conclusion

Thus:

v0sin(α)v0cos(α)×x=xtan(α)\frac{v_0 \sin(\alpha)}{v_0 \cos(\alpha)} \times x = x \tan(\alpha)

This is why v0sin(α)v0cos(α)×x\frac{v_0 \sin(\alpha)}{v_0 \cos(\alpha)} \times x simplifies to xtan(α)x \tan(\alpha).

Would you like to explore more about trigonometric identities or any other related topic?

Here are five related questions you might consider:

  1. How is the tangent function used in other areas of physics?
  2. What are other important trigonometric identities and their applications?
  3. Can the tangent function be derived geometrically using a right triangle?
  4. How does the tangent of an angle relate to slope in coordinate geometry?
  5. What is the role of trigonometry in solving projectile motion problems?

Tip: Understanding the key trigonometric identities like tan(α)=sin(α)cos(α)\tan(\alpha) = \frac{\sin(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)} is crucial, as they frequently appear in physics and engineering problems.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Trigonometric Identities

Formulas

\( \tan(\alpha) = \frac{\sin(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)} \)

Theorems

-

Suitable Grade Level

High School