Step 1: Rotate the coordinate system. We are given the equation \( 3x^2 + 2\sqrt{3}xy + y^2 = 0 \) and we need to remove the \( xy \)-term by rotating the coordinate system. The angle \( \theta \) of rotation is given by: \[ \tan 2\theta = \frac{2B}{A - C} \] where \( A = 3 \), \( B = \sqrt{3} \), and \( C = 1 \). Substituting these values: \[ \tan 2\theta = \frac{2\sqrt{3}}{2} = \sqrt{3}. \] Thus, \( \theta = 45^\circ \).
Step 2: Apply the transformation. Using the formulas for coordinate rotation, we find the transformed equation: \[ (2 + \sqrt{3})x^2 + (2 - \sqrt{3})y^2 + 2xy = 4. \]
What is the angle between the hour and minute hands at 4:30?