Can Direct Use of cosh(2y) and cos(2x) Prove the Trigonometric Identity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a trigonometric identity involving hyperbolic and trigonometric functions, specifically whether the expression ##\cosh(2y) - \cos(2x) = 2## can be established directly using the values of ##\cosh(2y)## and ##\cos(2x)## derived from the equation ##\sin(x+iy) = \cos(\alpha) + i\sin(\alpha)##.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes to prove the identity by expanding ##\sin(x+iy)## and equating real and imaginary parts, leading to equations for ##\cos(\alpha)## and ##\sin(\alpha)##.
  • Another participant suggests using the identity ##\cosh(a) = \cos(ia)## as a potential approach to relate the hyperbolic and trigonometric functions.
  • Further contributions reiterate the use of the identity and introduce the relationship ##\cos(2a) - \cos(2b) = -2\sin(a-b)\sin(a+b)##, but there is uncertainty about the specific values of ##a## and ##b##.
  • Participants discuss the flexibility in choosing values for ##a## and ##b##, with one suggesting ##\cosh(2y) = \cos(2iy)## as a possible substitution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the identity can be proven directly using the values of ##\cosh(2y)## and ##\cos(2x)##. There are multiple approaches suggested, but no clear agreement on the effectiveness of these methods.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the assumptions needed for the identities and the specific definitions of variables involved in the proposed approaches. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps necessary to connect the various identities and expressions.

MrWarlock616
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I need to prove that if ##\sin(x+iy)=cos(\alpha)+i\sin(\alpha)## , then ##\cosh(2y)-\cos(2x)=2##

expanding sin(x+iy) and equating real and imaginary parts, we get:
##\cos(\alpha)=\sin(x)\cosh(y)## -- (1)
and ## \sin(\alpha)=\cos(x)\sinh(y) ## -- (2)

if we use ##\cos^2(\alpha)+\sin^2(\alpha)=1 ## and put the values from (1) and (2) , we can get the required expression. My question is that, is there an alternative to do this? Can I prove it by directly using the values of cosh2y and cos2x [from (1) and (2)]? I tried but it seems impossible. Why is it so?
 
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use
cosh(a)=cos(i a)
then
cos(2a)-cos(2b)=-2sin(a-b)sin(a+b)
and so forth
 
lurflurf said:
use
cosh(a)=cos(i a)
then
cos(2a)-cos(2b)=-2sin(a-b)sin(a+b)
and so forth

ok..what is a and b?
 
Whatever you want (those are identities), in this case perhaps
cosh(2y)=cos(2i y)
cos(2iy)-cos(2x)=-2sin(iy-x)sin(iy+x)
 
lurflurf said:
Whatever you want (those are identities), in this case perhaps
cosh(2y)=cos(2i y)
cos(2iy)-cos(2x)=-2sin(iy-x)sin(iy+x)

Ok that is brilliant. thanks!
 

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