Mathematics

Mathematics

Problem

How many distinct solutions does the equation sin⁡x+sin⁡5x+sin⁡9x=0\sin x + \sin 5x + \sin 9x = 0 have in the interval (0, 2π)(0,\,2\pi)? a) 18 b) 16 c) 17 d) 15
Intuitive explanation

The key is to recognize that a sum of sines can often be factored using sum-to-product formulas. Group the first and third terms strategically: sin⁡x+sin⁡9x\sin x + \sin 9x combines into a product form, which you can then factor together with sin⁡5x\sin 5x. This transforms the equation into a product of simpler trigonometric expressions, each of which you can solve independently. Counting solutions carefully across the interval (0,2π)(0, 2\pi) while avoiding double-counting shared roots will give you the total.

Intuitive explanation

The key is to recognize that a sum of sines can often be factored using sum-to-product formulas. Group the first and third terms strategically: sin⁡x+sin⁡9x\sin x + \sin 9x combines into a product form, which you can then factor together with sin⁡5x\sin 5x. This transforms the equation into a product of simpler trigonometric expressions, each of which you can solve independently. Counting solutions carefully across the interval (0,2π)(0, 2\pi) while avoiding double-counting shared roots will give you the total.

Browse the problem library