Chapter 20: Problem 55
The path of a bouncing ball is given by \(y=\sqrt{(\sin x+\cos x)^{2}}\) Show that this path can also be shown as \(y=\sqrt{1+\sin 2 x} .\) Use a calculator to show that this can also be shown as \(y=|\sin x+\cos x|\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
The path is \(y = \sqrt{1+\sin 2x}\) and also \(y = |\sin x + \cos x|\).
Step by step solution
01
Expand the Squared Term
The expression given is \(y = \sqrt{(\sin x + \cos x)^2}\). Start by expanding \((\sin x + \cos x)^2\). You will have: \[(\sin x + \cos x)^2 = \sin^2 x + 2 \sin x \cos x + \cos^2 x\].
02
Simplify Using Pythagorean Identity
The Pythagorean Identity states \(\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1\). Use this identity to simplify the expanded expression: \[\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x + 2\sin x \cos x = 1 + 2\sin x \cos x\].
03
Rewrite Using Double Angle Identity for Sine
Notice that \(2\sin x \cos x\) is equivalent to \(\sin 2x\) using the double-angle identity: \(\sin 2x = 2\sin x \cos x\). Substitute this into the expression: \[1 + 2\sin x \cos x = 1 + \sin 2x\]. Thus, \[y = \sqrt{1 + \sin 2x}\].
04
Use Absolute Value for Final Form
We want to show that \(y = \left|\sin x + \cos x\right|\). Because of the absolute value, it ensures the result is non-negative, as the square root was in the previous form. Therefore, \[\sqrt{(\sin x + \cos x)^2} = \left|\sin x + \cos x\right|\].
05
Verify with a Calculator
A calculator can be used to check that \(\sqrt{(\sin x + \cos x)^2}\) gives non-negative values and matches \(\left|\sin x + \cos x\right|\) across various inputs \(x\), thus confirming the equivalence.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Pythagorean Identity
The Pythagorean Identity is a fundamental concept in trigonometry. It states that for any angle \(x\), the sum of the squares of sine and cosine is equal to one:
In our exercise, it was used to simplify the expansion \( \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x + 2\sin x \cos x \). By recognizing \( \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x \) can be replaced with 1, we move closer to matching the identity with new forms, like \( 1 + \sin 2x \). This simplification is as straightforward as changing parts of an expression to a simpler form without losing equality. Using such identities helps in deriving different forms of the initial problem given in mathematical exercises.
- \( \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1 \)
In our exercise, it was used to simplify the expansion \( \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x + 2\sin x \cos x \). By recognizing \( \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x \) can be replaced with 1, we move closer to matching the identity with new forms, like \( 1 + \sin 2x \). This simplification is as straightforward as changing parts of an expression to a simpler form without losing equality. Using such identities helps in deriving different forms of the initial problem given in mathematical exercises.
Double Angle Identity
The Double Angle Identity is a handy shortcut in trigonometry that transforms products of sine and cosine into a single trigonometric function. Specifically, for sine, the double angle identity is:
- \( \sin 2x = 2 \sin x \cos x \)
Absolute Value
Absolute value is a mathematical concept used to describe the magnitude of a number without considering its sign. In mathematical notation, it's represented by vertical bars as \( |x| \), which means:
- If \( x \geq 0 \), then \( |x| = x \)
- If \( x < 0 \), then \( |x| = -x \)
Mathematical Proof
A mathematical proof is a logical argument that demonstrates the truth of a given statement based on previously established axioms and theorems. The aim of a proof is to provide a clear path that shows why a certain equation or theorem holds valid.
To structure a proof, consider these steps:
- Identify the known information and what needs to be proved.
- Use existing identities or theorems that might simplify the problem, like the Pythagorean and Double Angle Identities in our exercise.
- Manipulate the expressions diligently, always keeping track of the transformations used.
- Arrive at the statement needing proof in its simplest, most direct form.