Can You Solve This Trigonometric Identity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the trigonometric identity (cos A = cos B)^2 + (sin A + sin B)^2 = 2[1 + cos(A - B)]. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly expanding the squares of sums, specifically (cos A + cos B)^2 and (sin A + sin B)^2. Key hints include utilizing the Pythagorean identity cos^2A + sin^2A = 1 and the cosine difference formula cos(A - B) = cosAcosB + sinAsinB. Ultimately, the correct approach leads to the conclusion that both sides of the identity can be made equal through proper algebraic manipulation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically cosine and sine functions.
  • Familiarity with algebraic expansion, particularly the formula (a + b)^2.
  • Knowledge of the Pythagorean identity: cos^2A + sin^2A = 1.
  • Ability to apply the cosine difference formula: cos(A - B) = cosAcosB + sinAsinB.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation and applications of the cosine difference formula.
  • Practice expanding trigonometric expressions using the identity (a + b)^2.
  • Explore additional trigonometric identities and their proofs.
  • Study the implications of the Pythagorean identity in various trigonometric problems.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying trigonometry, educators teaching trigonometric identities, and anyone looking to strengthen their algebraic manipulation skills in relation to trigonometric functions.

stuck
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Prove the following identities:

(cos A = cos B)^2 + (sin A + sin B)^2 = 2[1+cos(A-B)]



I'm really a mess at this stuff. I missed a few important days and fell behind, so I don't reeeally know what to do when things start getting squared and whatnot., but I tried! :bugeye:

Left Side
(cos A + Cos B)^2 + (sin A + sin B)^2
(cos(^2)A+cos(^2)B = Sin(^2)A+sin(^2)B
(cos (^2)A+cos(^2)B+ (1+-cos(^2)A + (1+-cos(^2)B)
2


Right Side
2+2cos(A-B)
2(cosAcosB+sinAsinB) +2

But that's as far as I can get. I can't find a way to make both sides equal, and I'm not even sure if my left side is correct...

Please help me if you can! :shy:
 
Last edited:
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First, do you know what (a+b)^2=...?? you have not expanded well. Give it another shot.

(cosA+cosB)^2=...?...

(sinA+sinB)^2=...?

After you expand this, remember also that:

cos^2A+sin^2A=1, and, sin^2B+cos^2B=1

And somewhere in between you will end up with sth like this

2+ 2cosBcosA+2sinAsinB now the answer should be obvious, right?
 
Last edited:
Urk, I thought that because in my third step on the left I had (cos^2A) and (-cos ^2A), that they would cancel...?
 
(sinA+sinB)^2=sin^2A+2sinAsinB+sin^2B...?

also

(cosA+cosB)^2=cos^2A+2cosAcosB+cos^2B


Can you go from here now?

Just use the hints that i gave you on my post #2

also, another hint, altough you should have figured this out by yourself

cos(A-B)=cosAcosB+sinAsinB
 
I think I can I didnt know that before, I will try to work it out now!
 
stuck said:
I think I can I didnt know that before, I will try to work it out now!

I wrote in there everything you need to do that problem, you only need to put all the hints together.
 
I got it, Thank you!
 
stuck said:
I got it, Thank you!

You're welcome. THis is what PF is for!
 

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