How to prove this trig equation

  • Thread starter Thread starter mohlam12
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Trig
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a trigonometric identity involving cosine functions and exploring the values of sine and cosine at specific angles, particularly sin(π/10) and cos(π/10). The original poster mentions having successfully proven the first part of the problem but expresses uncertainty about the second part's connection to the first.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the proven identity and the values of sine and cosine at π/10, with some questioning how to derive these values without a calculator. There is also mention of a potential connection to the previous question.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the second question and how it relates to the first. Some guidance has been offered regarding evaluating sine and cosine, but there is no consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the second question explicitly states to reference the previous question, which adds a layer of complexity to the discussion. There is also a constraint regarding the use of calculators, as the problem does not allow for direct calculation.

mohlam12
Messages
153
Reaction score
0
hey
i have a problem with composed with two questions:
first i havr to prove that
cos(3x)=cos(x).(4cos^2(x) - 3)
okay, for this one, I was able to prove it; then the second question came, saying:
what is sin(pi/10) and cos(pi/10)
i don't know how to do that, but it should be related to the question before, how!? i don't know!
anyone with something to say ... ??
thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
From the information you have provided it seems like all you need to do is evaluate the sin and cos at [itex]\frac \pi {10}[/itex]
 
but i can't use the calculator... because the second question doesn't say CALCULATE, in fact, it says NOTE from the previous question what sin and cos pi/10 is!
 
x = [itex]\frac \pi {10}[/itex]
[itex]3x = \frac \pi {2} - 2x[/itex]
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
54
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K