## derivation of a formula with trigonometric functions

Hi everyone,

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

My problem is just to derive a simple formula, which is

Here r is a positive integer.
3. The attempt at a solution

I verified this formula by inserting r=4k ~ 4k+3 (k=0,1,2....), but I still have no idea how to derive it from the left hand side of the equation.

 PhysOrg.com science news on PhysOrg.com >> King Richard III found in 'untidy lozenge-shaped grave'>> Google Drive sports new view and scan enhancements>> Researcher admits mistakes in stem cell study
 Recognitions: Gold Member Science Advisor Staff Emeritus I don't know what you mean by "r=4k ~ 4k+3" but the equation is clearly NOT true for n= 0, 1, 2, etc.
 http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=%28-1%29^%28r%28r%2B1%29%2F2%29 go to derivate and click show steps.

## derivation of a formula with trigonometric functions

Hello HallsofIvy,

Thank you very much for pointing out my mistake. I typed the wrong formula. I have corrected it. Would you please check it out again?

Thank you again.

 Quote by HallsofIvy I don't know what you mean by "r=4k ~ 4k+3" but the equation is clearly NOT true for n= 0, 1, 2, etc.

Hello the_epi,

Thanks for your help. But I checked the website and check the Derivative part, I still do not understand how the Derivative related to the formula above. Could you please explain?

Thanks a lot.

 Quote by the_epi http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=%28-1%29^%28r%28r%2B1%29%2F2%29 go to derivate and click show steps.
 Recognitions: Gold Member Science Advisor Staff Emeritus For r a positive integer, 2r+ 1 is odd so, dropping multiples of $2\pi$, $cos(\pi/4(2r+1)$ is $cos(\pi/4)= \sqrt{2}/2$, $cos(3\pi/4)= -\sqrt{2}/2$, $cos(5\pi/4)= \sqrt{2}/2$, and $cos(7\pi/4)= -\sqrt{2}/2$. So what does the left side give? I would look at r= 4n, 4n+1, 4n+2, and 4n+ 3 and compare to those values.

Thank you very much HallsofIvy. I did the same thing to check this equation.

But I do not know how to DERIVE it. Do you have any ideas? Thanks!!

 Quote by HallsofIvy For r a positive integer, 2r+ 1 is odd so, dropping multiples of $2\pi$, $cos(\pi/4(2r+1)$ is $cos(\pi/4)= \sqrt{2}/2$, $cos(3\pi/4)= -\sqrt{2}/2$, $cos(5\pi/4)= \sqrt{2}/2$, and $cos(7\pi/4)= -\sqrt{2}/2$. So what does the left side give? I would look at r= 4n, 4n+1, 4n+2, and 4n+ 3 and compare to those values.
 Mentor This formula holds only for r being an integer. Right ?

Yes!

 Quote by SammyS This formula holds only for r being an integer. Right ?

Mentor
 Quote by j1221 Yes!
Then $\displaystyle\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{4}(2r+1)\right)=\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{ 2}r+\frac{\pi}{4}\right)\,.$
Use the angle addition identity for the cosine.