33. Express sin 4x in terms of sin x and cos x

In summary, the given trigonometric function $\sin(4x)$ can be expressed as $4\sin x\cos x+\cos^2(x)-\sin^2(x)$ using the trigonometric identities $\sin2a=2\sin a\cos a$ and $\cos(2x) = \cos^2(x)-\sin^2(x)$.
  • #1
karush
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Express function as a trigonometric function of x
$$\sin(4x)$$
use $\sin2a=2\sin a\cos a$ then
$$\sin4x=2\sin 2x\cos 2x$$
with $\cos(2x) = \cos^2(x)-\sin^2(x)$ replace again
$$\sin 4x=4\sin x\cos x+\cos^2(x)-sin^2(x)$$

ok not real sure if this is what they are asking for
and if I should go further with it even if the steps are ok
 
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  • #2
karush said:
Express function as a trigonometric function of x
$$\sin(4x)$$
use $\sin2a=2\sin a\cos a$ then
$$\sin4x=2\sin 2x\cos 2x$$
with $\cos(2x) = \cos^2(x)-\sin^2(x)$ replace again
$$\color{red}{\sin 4x=4\sin x\cos x+\cos^2(x)-sin^2(x)}$$

ok not real sure if this is what they are asking for
and if I should go further with it even if the steps are ok

$\color{red}{\sin(4x) = 2\sin(2x)\cos(2x) = (4\sin{x}\cos{x})(\cos^2{x}-\sin^2{x})}$
 

1. What is the formula for expressing sin 4x in terms of sin x and cos x?

The formula for expressing sin 4x in terms of sin x and cos x is sin 4x = 4sin x cos x - 8sin^3 x cos x.

2. How do you derive the formula for sin 4x in terms of sin x and cos x?

The formula for sin 4x is derived using the trigonometric identity sin 2x = 2sin x cos x. By substituting 2x with 4x, we get sin 4x = 2sin 2x cos 2x. Using the double angle identities sin 2x = 2sin x cos x and cos 2x = cos^2 x - sin^2 x, we can further simplify the formula to sin 4x = 4sin x cos x - 8sin^3 x cos x.

3. Why is it useful to express sin 4x in terms of sin x and cos x?

Expressing sin 4x in terms of sin x and cos x allows us to simplify complex trigonometric expressions and solve equations involving multiple trigonometric functions. It also helps in understanding the relationship between different trigonometric functions.

4. Can the formula for sin 4x be expressed in terms of only one trigonometric function?

No, the formula for sin 4x cannot be expressed in terms of only one trigonometric function. It involves both sin x and cos x, which are distinct trigonometric functions.

5. How can we verify the formula for sin 4x in terms of sin x and cos x?

The formula for sin 4x can be verified by using a calculator or by graphing the function sin 4x and comparing it to the graph of 4sin x cos x - 8sin^3 x cos x. Another way to verify is by using the trigonometric identities and simplifying the formula to show that it is equivalent to sin 4x.

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