De Moivre's Theorem: Expressing cos(3θ) and sin(3θ) using n = 3

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around using De Moivre's Theorem with n = 3 to express cos(3θ) and sin(3θ) in terms of cos(θ) and sin(θ). Participants express uncertainty about the problem's requirements and explore the relationship between the trigonometric functions involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to apply De Moivre's Theorem directly, while others express confusion about the problem's clarity. There are discussions about expanding the theorem and equating real and imaginary parts to derive relationships between the functions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing partial expansions and questioning the validity of their approaches. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the application of De Moivre's Theorem, and some guidance has been offered on expanding the expressions.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on writing out De Moivre's Theorem, which some participants have not yet done. The discussion includes references to specific equations and relationships that need to be clarified further.

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Homework Statement




Use De Moivre's Theorem with n = 3 to express cos(3θ) and sin(3θ) in terms of cos(θ) and sin(θ)
cos(3θ) =
sin(3θ) =


The Attempt at a Solution



To me this seems like a very vague problem. I am not entirely sure what they are asking me to do here.
 
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toothpaste666 said:

Homework Statement




Use De Moivre's Theorem with n = 3 to express cos(3θ) and sin(3θ) in terms of cos(θ) and sin(θ)
cos(3θ) =
sin(3θ) =


The Attempt at a Solution



To me this seems like a very vague problem. I am not entirely sure what they are asking me to do here.

Your first step should probably be to write down De Moivre's Theorem for the case n = 3.
 
r^3(cos(3θ)+isin(3θ))

I can't figure out how to go about solving this because I am not really sure what they are asking me to find.
 
if
$$
\frac{\cos(3\theta)}{\cos(\theta)}=A\, \cos^2(\theta)+B\, \sin^2(\theta) \\
\frac{\sin(3\theta)}{\sin(\theta)}=C\, \cos^2(\theta)+D\, \sin^2(\theta) $$

What are A,B,C,and D?
 
Last edited:
toothpaste666 said:
r^3(cos(3θ)+isin(3θ))

I can't figure out how to go about solving this because I am not really sure what they are asking me to find.

That should be an equation, what is the other side?
 
the other side would be r(cosθ+isinθ) ?
 
^3

what does that tell you about how sin(3theta),cos(3theta),cos(theta), and sin(theta) are related?
 
cos(3θ) = cos(θ)^3

sin(3θ) = sin(θ)^3

was it really that simple?
 
^no

given

$$\cos(3\theta)+\imath \sin(3\theta)=[\cos(\theta)+\imath \sin(\theta)]^3$$
expand the right hand side using the distributive property
this will allow you to relate sin(3theta),cos(3theta),cos(theta), and sin(theta)
 
  • #10
No. You are wrong.
Write down the full formula (De Moivre's).

You can use a calculator to check your answer numerically.
If cos(3x) = cos(x)^3, cos(3) - cos(1)^3 = 0.
While cos(3) - cos(1)^3 is approximately -1.1477211018514388810043820516307.
 
  • #11
ok so far after expanding i have:

r^3(cos(3θ)+isin(3θ)) = r^3(cos^3(θ)+3cos^2(θ)isin(θ)-3cos(θ)sin^2(θ)-sin^3(θ)i)cos(3θ)+isin(3θ) = (cos^3(θ)+3cos^2(θ)isin(θ)-3cos(θ)sin^2(θ)-sin^3(θ)i)

cos(3θ)+isin^3(θ) = (cos^3(θ)+3cos^2(θ)isin(θ)-3cos(θ)sin^2(θ)-sin^3(θ)i)

cos(3θ)= (cos^3(θ)+3cos^2(θ)isin(θ)-3cos(θ)sin^2(θ)-2sin^3(θ)i)

and then i would do the same thing for sin?
 
  • #12
actually you have done both at once
equate the real and imaginary parts
$$\cos(3\theta)+\imath \sin(3\theta)=[\cos^2(\theta)-3 \sin^2(\theta)]\cos(\theta)+\imath[-\sin^2(\theta)+3 \cos^2(\theta)]\sin(\theta) $$
 
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  • #13
thanks!
 
  • #14
The original problem said "Use DeMoivre's theorem" and, in the first response, pasmith asked you to write out what DeMoivre's theorem is. You still have not done that. Do you not know what "DeMoivre's theorem" is?
 
  • #15
$$e^{\jmath3 \theta}= (e^{\jmath \theta})^3$$
 

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