Addition and subtraction formula, proving identities

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving trigonometric identities using addition and subtraction formulas. Participants explore various approaches to manipulate the left-hand side (LHS) and right-hand side (RHS) of given identities, seeking clarity on their methods and reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Participants discuss the identity cos(x + y) cos(x - y) = cos²x - sin²y, with some suggesting to focus on the LHS using addition and subtraction formulas.
  • One participant expresses confusion about splitting the LHS into two identities while working on sin(x + y + z), seeking guidance on their approach.
  • Another participant provides a method for the LHS of the first identity but ends up with a different expression, indicating a need for further clarification.
  • There are suggestions to rearrange terms or use alternative formulas, such as cosAcosB = (cos(A+B) + cos(A-B))/2, to aid in proving identities.
  • One participant introduces a mnemonic to help remember the addition formulas, indicating a creative approach to learning.
  • Further questions arise regarding proving another identity involving tangent and expressing a combination of sine and cosine in terms of sine only, with participants sharing their thought processes and challenges faced.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share methods and approaches but do not reach a consensus on the best way to prove the identities. Multiple competing views and uncertainties about the steps involved remain evident throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over specific steps in their reasoning, indicating potential gaps in understanding or missing assumptions. The discussion reflects a variety of approaches without resolving the mathematical intricacies involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and individuals interested in trigonometry, particularly those seeking assistance with proving identities and understanding the application of addition and subtraction formulas.

cheab14
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The question states, "Prove the identity."
(1) cos(x + y) cos(x-y) = cos(^2)x – sin(^2)y.
Should i start off using the addition and subtraction formulas for the LHS, and breaking down the perfect square for the RHS? If not or if so, how would I go about solving this problem? Step by step.

(2) sin(x + y + z) = sinx cosy cosz + cosx siny cosz + cosx cosy sinz - sinx siny sinz.
I started this off using the addition formula for the LHS, but I ended up splitting the LHS into two separate identities: sin(x + y) sin(y + z). How do I approach this problem?
 
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cheab14 said:
(1) cos(x + y) cos(x-y) = cos(^2)x – sin(^2)y.
Should i start off using the addition and subtraction formulas for the LHS, and breaking down the perfect square for the RHS?

Hi cheab14! :smile:

No … don't start on both sides and try and make them meet in the middle!

You're not building a tunnel! :frown:

Just stick to one side, and try to make it equal the other.

In this case, do the LHS, exactly the way you suggested. :smile:
(2) sin(x + y + z) = sinx cosy cosz + cosx siny cosz + cosx cosy sinz - sinx siny sinz.
I started this off using the addition formula for the LHS, but I ended up splitting the LHS into two separate identities: sin(x + y) sin(y + z).

Show us how you did that. :confused:
 
hello tiny-tim!

for (1) i worked out the LHS like so:
(cosxcosy - sinxsiny)(cosxcosy + sinxsiny)
which ended up being: cos(^2)x cos(^2)y - sin(^2)x sin(^2)y. And then I'm stuck.

for (2) I'm just lost:confused:
-I have: sinxcosy + cosxsiny + sinycosz + cosysinz for the LHS which makes no sense to me:frown:
 
cheab14 said:
for (1) i worked out the LHS like so:
(cosxcosy - sinxsiny)(cosxcosy + sinxsiny)
which ended up being: cos(^2)x cos(^2)y - sin(^2)x sin(^2)y.

Hi cheab14! :smile:

Well, you know the answer has only cos(^2)x and sin(^2)y.

So just rearrange the sin(^2)x and cos(^2)y in terms of cos(^2)x and sin(^2)y ! :smile:

(Alternatively, you could have used the rule cosAcosB = (cos(A+B) + cos(A-B))/2.)
I have: sinxcosy + cosxsiny + sinycosz + cosysinz for the LHS which makes no sense to me:frown:

How did you get that? :confused:

Just use sin(A+B) = … , with A = x+y and B = z. :smile:
 
ok thank u much!
 
A specific graph can be created from which the addition formula can be very understandably derived. Try an internet search since I cannot remember what books, or site showed it. You might also find this in an old Calculus book (but not using any calculus) written by Anton.
 
… all together now …

You can also sing it to the tune of The Battle Hymn of the Republic:

Sin A plus B equals sin A cos B plus cos A sin B

Cos A plus B equals cos A cos B minus sin A sin B

Sin A minus B equals sin A cos B minus cos A sin B

CosAminusB equals cos A cos B plus sin A sin B! :smile:

:smile: It's your patriotic duty to learn it! :smile:
© tiny-tim ...
 
lol ok...i needed a way to remember those formulas...but i have two other questions: one involving proving identities...n the other involving expressions:
(1)prove the identity:
tan(x-y) + tan(y-z) + tan(z-x) = tan(x-y) tan(y-z)tan(z-x)
for this i started using the subraction formula on the LHS, but then that didn't seem to get me any closer. Then I decided to use tan in terms of sin and cos, now I don't what to do.

(2)write the expression in terms of sine only:
(the square root of 3)(sinx) + cosx.
At first I said that the square root of 3 was tan(pi/3) and then broke tan down into sin and cos components still multiplying that function by sinx; then i used the double angle formula for cosx which gave me the square root of of:(1-sin(^2)x) for cosx. Then I didn't know where to go from there.
 
Hi cheab14! :smile:

(1) To save on typing, I'll put tanx = X, tany = Y, tanz = Z.

Then LHS x (1+XY)(1+YZ)(1+ZX)
= (X-Y)(1+YZ)(1+ZX)
+ (Y-Z)(1+XY)(1+ZX)
+ (Z-X)(1+XY)(1+YZ);

you need to show that the only items which don't cancel are those with three letters;
well, the 1s obviously cancel;
and then … ? :smile:

(2) When it says " in terms of sine only", that means sine and numbers! - so you don't have to convert the √3.
So you had the answer already: √3.sinx + √(1 - sin^2x). :smile:
 
  • #10
ohk i'll keep (1) in mind when I work it out again thank u! and number (2)-couldn't believe it was that simple..thank u thank u thank u!
 

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