Complex arithmetic/Geo Series proof

[PhysicsMark]

Homework Statement

Applications from multiple-slit diffraction involve sums like the following. Prove that:

\sum^{N-1}_{n=0} cos (nx) = \frac{sin(N(x/2))}{sin(x/2)} * cos((N-1)x/2)

Homework Equations

According to my instructions, this should involve only algebraic manipulations


Also there is this hint:

Use the geometric series formula:

\sum^{M}_{n=0} r^{n}= \frac{1-r^{M+1}}{1-r}

The Attempt at a Solution

Once again, I apologize for the poor use of Latex. I hope the equation is easily understood. This problem comes from the complex arithmetic section of my book. I originally followed a lot of different trig identity paths until I re-read the part about using only algebraic manipulations.

If possible, I would like a small shove past the hint. I'm not asking for a complete proof here, only a little more light in the right direction. Thanks for taking the time to read.

 

[Dick]

cos(nx) is the real part of exp(inx). So the sum of cos(nx) is the real part of the sum of exp(ix)^n. The exponential form is a geometric series.